The recent and heartbreaking news about the sudden death of Miller Gardner—the 14-year-old son of former New York Yankee Brett Gardner—has left so many of us shaken. According to reports, Miller died in his sleep while on a family vacation in Costa Rica, apparently from asphyxiation related to a foodborne illness. He was young, vibrant, and otherwise healthy.
As a board-certified emergency medicine physician with over two decades of experience, I’ve had to witness the unimaginable—tragic, unexpected deaths and near-death situations, often in people who seemed perfectly healthy just hours before. These moments stay with you. And when I read about Miller, I felt compelled to offer insight into how something like this could happen—not to speculate, but to help others understand, prepare, and perhaps even prevent a future tragedy.
Here are five possible medical explanations for how a healthy teenager could die in his sleep from what began as food poisoning or food-related illness:
1. Severe Allergic Reaction (Anaphylaxis)
In my medical opinion, this could very well be the most likely explanation. A sudden, unrecognized allergic reaction—especially in a travel setting where new foods or ingredients are introduced—can cause airway swelling, difficulty breathing, and ultimately asphyxiation. Anaphylaxis can happen rapidly and sometimes without the obvious signs people expect.
In this scenario, an EpiPen could have been life-saving. Early administration of epinephrine can reverse airway compromise and prevent death. This is why it’s so critical to have immediate access to emergency medications when traveling.
2. Aspiration of Vomit
Another highly plausible cause is aspiration—inhaling vomit into the lungs during sleep. Severe vomiting caused by foodborne pathogens like Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, or Norovirus can overwhelm the body. If the person vomits while lying down or semi-conscious, they can silently choke to death. I’ve seen it happen far too many times.
3. Electrolyte Imbalance Causing Cardiac Arrest
Food poisoning with significant vomiting and diarrhea can result in dehydration and electrolyte loss—particularly low potassium or magnesium. These shifts can trigger lethal arrhythmias, even in young, healthy individuals.
4. Seizure Followed by Aspiration
Certain foodborne toxins, high fever, or even dehydration can lower the seizure threshold. If a seizure occurs during sleep and is followed by vomiting, the airway can become blocked quickly and fatally. These situations are rare—but not impossible.
5. Toxin-Mediated Paralysis (Botulism)
Less likely, but still possible, is botulism, where a neurotoxin from improperly handled food causes progressive paralysis, including of the diaphragm. This can lead to respiratory failure. Though more gradual in onset, a high enough toxin dose could accelerate the process.
Why JetSet Meds Exists
This heartbreaking story is a devastating reminder of why I founded JetSet Meds. When you’re traveling—often far from immediate emergency care—being medically prepared can be the difference between life and death.
Medications like Zofran (ondansetron) can stop vomiting early and may reduce the risk of aspiration. Having an EpiPen on hand is vital, especially in unfamiliar culinary environments. At JetSet Meds, we deliver travel-ready medication kits designed by physicians who understand how quickly things can go wrong—and how crucial it is to act fast.
No one could have predicted what would happen to Miller Gardner. But perhaps, by being better prepared, we can help prevent future tragedies.