In a heartbreaking revelation, the family of former New York Yankees star Brett Gardner is mourning the loss of their 14-year-old son, Miller Gardner, who tragically passed away while the family was on vacation. Initially, the family had announced Miller’s death in a statement, detailing that he had fallen ill along with several other members of the family. They shared their grief with the public and asked for privacy as they tried to come to terms with the unexpected loss.

With heavy hearts, Brett and his wife, Jessica, released a statement saying, “We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of our youngest son, Miller. He was 14 years old and left us far too soon after falling ill while on vacation with several other family members.” They continued, “We have so many questions and so few answers at this point, but we do know that he passed peacefully in his sleep on the morning of Friday, March 21st.” The grieving parents did not provide additional details about the illness Miller had contracted during the vacation but expressed their need for privacy as they navigated through this difficult time.

However, new details have emerged through a report from TMZ, which suggests that Miller’s death may have been caused by asphyxiation while the family was staying at a resort in Costa Rica. According to sources from Inside Edition, Miller and other members of the family became seriously ill during their stay. Local investigators have speculated that the teen’s death could have been linked to “possible intoxication after apparently ingesting some food.” NBC News reported that Costa Rica’s Judicial Investigative Agency had opened an investigation into the circumstances of Miller’s death. Juan Pablo Alvarado, an official with the agency, stated that the official cause of death has yet to be determined pending the completion of autopsy and toxicology tests.

Miller’s father, Brett Gardner, was a beloved outfielder who spent his entire 14-year Major League Baseball career with the New York Yankees. Having retired in 2021, Brett has been focusing on spending more time with his family in South Carolina. The tragic passing of his son has sent shockwaves through the baseball community, with many reaching out to offer their condolences and support.

The New York Yankees, in particular, have extended their heartfelt condolences to the Gardner family during this devastating time. The team released a statement expressing their grief and shared a message of support for Brett, Jessica, and their surviving son, Hunter. “Our hearts are heavy, and the Yankees family is filled with grief after learning of the passing of Miller Gardner,” the statement read. “Words feel insignificant and insufficient in trying to describe such an unimaginable loss. It wasn’t just Brett who grew up within this organization for more than 17 years — so did his wife, Jessica, and their two boys, Hunter and Miller.”

The Yankees’ tribute to Miller went on to say, “We grieve with Brett, Jessica, Hunter, and their community of family and friends, mourning the loss of Miller, who had a spark in his eyes, an outgoing and feisty personality, and a warm and loving nature.” The statement concluded, “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. May Miller rest in peace.”

As the family processes their grief, many have also shared messages of support on social media and through various other platforms. Brett Gardner, who was known for his leadership on and off the field, is now being supported by the team and fans alike, who are rallying around him in his time of unimaginable loss.

The Gardner family’s request for privacy reflects the sensitive nature of their mourning process, as they continue to seek answers and come to terms with this sudden tragedy. For now, the focus remains on honoring Miller’s memory, and the family hopes for healing as they cope with the pain of losing a beloved son, brother, and family member.

Miller Gardner’s passing has left an indelible mark on those who knew him, and the baseball world stands with Brett, Jessica, and their family during this incredibly painful time.