The Silent Danger: Carbon Monoxide Poisoning and Kids

What Parents Should Know Before Traveling

As a pediatric provider and a parent, there are few stories that hit harder than those that involve the loss of a child — especially when the tragedy could have been prevented.

Last week, news broke about the sudden and heartbreaking death of 14-year-old Miller Gardner, the son of former Yankees outfielder Brett Gardner, while on vacation with his family in Costa Rica. An autopsy later confirmed the unimaginable: carbon monoxide poisoning.

This beautiful photo was taken just days before 14-year-old Miller Gardner tragically passed away from carbon monoxide poisoning while on vacation with his family in Costa Rica.

This story brought me to a full stop. As a pediatrician, but also as a mom, my heart ached. It’s one of those losses that feels all too close — not just because of who it happened to, but how it happened.

What makes it even harder is knowing this could happen to any family, anywhere, without warning. Because carbon monoxide exposure isn’t something most of us think about when we book a hotel or plan a family trip — but maybe it should be.

So let’s talk about it. Gently, honestly, and practically. This isn’t about adding one more thing to your already-packed mental load. It’s not about panic. It’s about prevention — and the power of knowing what to look for.

What Is Carbon Monoxide and Why Is It So Dangerous?

Carbon monoxide (CO) is an odorless, colorless gas created when fuels like gas, propane, wood, or charcoal don’t burn completely. You can’t see it, smell it, or taste it — which is why it’s often called the “silent killer.”

When inhaled, carbon monoxide replaces oxygen in the bloodstream. In high enough concentrations, this can cause serious damage to organs and the brain — and in severe cases, death.

Children are especially vulnerable because they breathe faster than adults and have smaller bodies. That means they can be affected more quickly than we realize.

The tricky part? The early symptoms are vague and easy to confuse with something more familiar — fatigue, headache, nausea, dizziness. In Miller’s case, his family and the hotel physician initially believed they were suffering from food poisoning after several of them became sick around the same time, according to ABC7. They were treated for gastrointestinal illness — when in reality, carbon monoxide was silently building in their room.

That’s what makes CO so dangerous: it hides in plain sight.

The Heartbreak We Can’t Ignore

What’s especially heartbreaking about this story — and what makes it stick with so many of us — is that it was almost invisible until it was too late.

Miller Gardner and his family were on what should have been a beautiful spring break vacation. After dinner, several family members began feeling unwell. Nausea, vomiting, fatigue — symptoms that would make any of us assume a stomach bug or foodborne illness. The hotel physician treated them for exactly that.

But what no one could see was the gas leaking from a nearby machine room, slowly poisoning the air they were breathing.

This wasn’t negligence. This was a family doing what all of us do — trying to make memories, assuming the basics like air and safety were handled. And yet, the danger was already there.

As a pediatrician, I see how easy it would be to miss. As a parent, I feel the weight of it deeply. We don’t share this story to sensationalize it. We share it to honor Miller — and to help other families protect themselves with knowledge, questions, and preparation.

How Can Parents Prevent Carbon Monoxide Exposure While Traveling?

Here are a few simple but powerful steps to take before and during your travels:

1. Pack a Portable CO Detector

This one is now a non-negotiable in my travel bag. These devices are small, battery-operated, and can alert you if CO levels rise. Just place it in your hotel room or vacation rental when you arrive.

Tip: Brands like Kidde and First Alert make compact models. Test it before your trip and bring spare batteries.

2. Ask Safety Questions When Booking

It’s okay to ask if your hotel or rental has carbon monoxide detectors installed. Ask about nearby fuel-burning appliances, attached garages, or machine rooms — anything that could be a CO source.

3. Know the Signs of CO Poisoning

Symptoms to look for:

• Headache

• Dizziness

• Nausea or vomiting

• Weakness or fatigue

• Confusion or shortness of breath

If multiple people in the same space start showing symptoms — especially at the same time — get outside immediately and seek emergency help.

4. Never Use Fuel-Burning Devices Indoors

Don’t use portable stoves, grills, or space heaters inside. These common vacation hacks can lead to deadly consequences if used in enclosed or poorly ventilated spaces.

5. Check for Attached Garages or Car Use Near Rooms

If you're staying somewhere with a garage or shared carport, make sure no cars are left idling nearby. Even with garage doors open, carbon monoxide can seep into living areas.

Why It Matters

The tragic loss of Miller Gardner is something no family should ever have to face. It’s a gut-wrenching reminder that the most dangerous threats are often the ones we can’t see.

As parents, we can’t protect our kids from everything — but we can take a few small, intentional steps to protect them from this. Packing a CO detector might feel like a small act. But it could be a life-saving one.

Let’s use this moment to raise awareness, advocate for safety, and remind each other that even one life lost is one too many.

Final Thought for Parents

You’re already doing the most important work — showing up, protecting your kids, and trying your best every single day. This post isn’t meant to add fear. It’s here to offer one more tool in your toolkit.

We can’t prevent every danger — but we can lean on each other, learn from these heartbreaking stories, and move forward with intention and care.

You’ve got this. 💛

Helpful Resources:

1. CDC – Carbon Monoxide Poisoning: Prevention Guidelines
   A comprehensive overview of carbon monoxide poisoning, symptoms, and prevention tips from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

2. HealthyChildren.org – How to Prevent Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
   A parent-friendly guide from the American Academy of Pediatrics about how to protect your family from CO poisoning at home and while traveling.

3. ABC7 – Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Confirmed in Death of Brett Gardner’s Teenage Son
   This article provides details about the heartbreaking case of Miller Gardner, including the family's initial belief that they were suffering from food poisoning.

4. Consumer Reports – Best Portable Carbon Monoxide Detectors
   A helpful review and buying guide for travel-friendly and home-use CO detectors.

5. Poison Control – Holiday Travel and CO Safety
   Offers additional travel tips, including CO safety during hotel stays or RV travel.