Toxicology: Brett Gardner’s Son Died Of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning. Hackensack Meridian Health Experts Available To Discuss The Dangers
News — Authorities in Costa Rica confirm . Miller Gardner died on March 21 while staying with his family at a hotel on the Manuel Antonio beach in Costa Rica’s Central Pacific. Asphyxiation was initially thought to have caused his death, but an autopsy later ruled that out. There was also previously a thought he suffered food poisoning, as the whole family and previously reported feeling sick.
Miller’s toxicology and carboxyhemoglobin tests results showed saturation levels of 64%. Experts point out even 50% can be lethal. According to the , carboxyhemoglobin is “the complex formed within red blood cells when hemoglobin is exposed to carbon monoxide.” Officials in Costa Rica say it was a scientific effort that revealed the truth of what caused this young teen’s tragic death.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, each year:
- About 400 people in the United States die of carbon monoxide poisoning
- More than 100,000 visit the ER
- More than 14,000 are hospitalized
Causes of CO poisoning can include the use of unvented or faulty heating appliances and fuel-burning appliances, such as furnaces, heathers and water heaters in enclosed areas. Earlier in the week authorities had said a “machine room next to the hotel room where Gardner was sleeping was believed to have some type of contamination that could have caused this situation.”
Hackensack University Medical Center (HUMC) Family Medicine Physician says symptoms of CO poisoning can mimic the flu.
“The most prominent signs of carbon monoxide poisoning in both children and adults are headache, dizziness, weakness, nausea and vomiting. But those symptoms often progress to confusion, loss of muscle coordination, chest pain, fainting and loss of consciousness. And it can happen very quickly. When the CO saturation is high, loss of consciousness and even death can occur within minutes. This is why getting help quickly is so imperative,” Dr. Boustani says.
Dr. Boustani also points out that between 1999 and 2020, there were 4,000 such poisoning incidents at hotels, motels and resorts.
“Not only is it vital for families to make sure their own CO detectors in their homes are working, but people may also want to consider whether to carry portable carbon monoxide detectors with them when they travel, as not all hotels, Airbnbs, or rental homes and condos have detectors installed. People traveling within the U.S. can buy a small plug-in detector for less than $35 at retailers like Amazon, Lowe’s, or Home Depot,” he said.
Hackensack Meridian Health Emergency Department doctors are available for interviews regarding signs and symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning as well as treatment and tips for prevention.
Media Contact:
Jessica Nussman
551-237-0984
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