CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCIV) — The tragic death of Hunter Gardner, the 14-year-old son of former College of Charleston and New York Yankees star Brett Gardner, has brought attention to the dangers of food poisoning and foodborne illnesses.
Hunter died during a family vacation in Costa Rica.
Authorities initially reported that the teen died due to asphyxia and food intoxication. However, they later ruled out asphyxiation, stating that the respiratory tract was clear upon inspection. Food intoxication, commonly known as food poisoning, occurs when toxins released by pathogens in food cause illness.
BACKGROUND | “Costa Rican officials, US State Dept. give new details in death of Miller Gardner: reports.”
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that 3,000 people in the United States die from food poisoning each year, while the World Health Organization estimates the global number at 420,000.
With spring break season underway, many families are traveling overseas, where the risk of food-related illnesses can be higher. Travelers may encounter pathogens and bacteria unfamiliar to their immune systems, increasing the risk of illness.
Dr. Valerie Scott, a family physician with Roper St. Francis Physician Partners, advised caution when traveling abroad, particularly in developing countries. “
When you’re traveling overseas, especially in the developing world, you need to be really cautious about the foods,” she said. “The people that live there are more accustomed to all the bacteria that surround them, so they’re able to eat at street vendors.
BACKGROUND | “Miller Gardner, son of Charleston baseball icon Brett Gardner, dies at 14.”
She emphasized eating fruits that have a peel, making sure food is cooked and warm when received and checking the quality of the water.
Miller’s father, Brett Gardner, a Holly Hill native, walked on to the College of Charleston baseball team before being drafted by the New York Yankees in 2005. He spent his entire career in the Yankees organization, winning a Golden Glove and World Series title.
Gardner and his wife Jessica, who still have ties to the Lowcountry, announced the loss of their son in a statement shared by New York Sunday. Miller went to school in Summerville along with his brother Hunter.
The Yankees released a separate statement on behalf of the organization.
“We grieve with Brett, Jessica, Hunter, and their community of family and friends in mourning the loss of Miller, who had a spark in his eyes, an outgoing and feisty personality, and a warm and loving nature,” it reads in part.
