Costa Rican officials say high levels of carbon monoxide found in Miller Gardner's hotel room

WASHINGTON — Elevated levels of carbon monoxide were detected in 14-year-old Miller Gardner's hotel room, Costa Rican officials said Monday. 

The news comes more than a week after the son of ex-Yankees outfielder Brett Gardner died while on a family vacation. The 14-year-old's cause of death is not yet known as investigations continue. 

Costa Rican officials said a team specializing in "hazardous atmosphere" tested the hotel room and detected high levels of carbon monoxide, leading investigators to believe that carbon monoxide poisoning may have played a role in the teen's death.

Officials also noted that there was a "specialized machine room" near the 14-year-old's hotel room, which could have caused some sort of contamination to the nearby room. 

Before Monday's update, Costa Rican authorities initially told multiple media outlets last week Miller Gardner may have died of possible "food intoxication" -- before ruling that out. 

A final autopsy report has not been released. 

Brett and Jessica Gardner said their son died in his sleep on March 21, while on vacation, after falling ill along with several other family members.

The couple announced their son's death on social media, asking for privacy as they look for answers. 

“He was 14 years old and has left us far too soon after falling ill along with several other family members while on vacation,” the statement, posted Sunday to the New York Yankees social media, said. “Miller was a beloved son and brother and we cannot yet comprehend our life without his infectious smile. He loved football, baseball, golf, hunting, fishing, his family and his friends. He lived life to the fullest every single day.”

The Yankees said in the post to social media the organization is "filled with grief" after learning of his death. 

“Our love for the Gardner family is unconditional and absolute, and we will offer our enduring support while understanding their desire for privacy at this time,” the statement said. It continued to describe him as someone who had “a spark in his eyes, an outgoing and feisty personality, and a warm and loving nature.”