A restaurant where Brett Gardner and his family dined before his son’s heartbreaking death has issued a statement via their Facebook page. Miller Gardner, 14, died on March 21 while on vacation with his family.
As CBS News reported on March 26, Gardner’s family was staying at the Arenas Del Mar Beachfront & Rainforest Resort in Costa Rica during their vacation. One night, the family at dinner at a nearby restaurant off the resort property.
The media outlet reported that multiple family members started feeling unwell after that dinner and a hotel doctor treated them.
On March 24, the Facebook page for Le Papillon Restaurante & Sunset Bar at Hotel La Mariposa released a statement. “With deep sadness, we extend our deepest condolences to the Gardner family on the passing of their beloved son, Miller Gardner, occurred on the morning of Friday, March 21, 2025. We join their loved ones in grief and send our words of solidarity to them at this difficult time,” the statement began.
It continued, “In light of misinformation that has been circulating on social media, we want to clarify that the Gardner family visited our Le Papillon restaurant on the afternoon of Tuesday, March 18, 2025, three days before Miller’s unfortunate passing.”
The restaurant added, “Any other information suggesting a relationship between our restaurant and this sad event is completely false and baseless.”
“Any news, communication or manifestation contrary to what is expressed herein does not reflect the reality of the facts,” the restaurant insisted.
The statement also indicated they have no additional information on what happened, and they will “refrain from making any additional comments out of respect for the privacy of the Gardner family.”
Several supporters commented on the post, noting their love for the restaurant and hotel.
Us Weekly noted that a cause of death for the teenager has not yet been determined. The media outlet shared that authorities in Costa Rica believe food poisoning may have led to the death, but an investigation is ongoing.
