Former New York Yankees outfielder Brett Gardner's 14-year-old son, Miller, is suspected to have potentially died of "asphyxiation" while the family was on vacation at a resort in Costa Rica, local officials told Inside Edition.
Miller, who was Brett and Jessica Gardner's youngest of two sons, was reported to have fallen seriously ill along with several family members during the vacation. Local investigators believe the teenager may have died of “possible intoxication after apparently ingesting some food,” NBC News reported.
Miller's death has not yet been officially confirmed by an autopsy or toxicology results, both of which are pending, according to Juan Pablo Alvarado, an official with Costa Rica's Judicial Investigative Agency.
Local authorities are currently working with the Gardner family to transfer Miller's body back to the U.S. The U.S. State Department confirmed that Costa Rican authorities were actively investigating the teenager's death and closely monitoring local authorities as the investigation continues.
“Out of respect for the privacy of the family and loved ones during this difficult time, we have no further comment at this time,” the department said in a statement to the New York Post.
Gardner, 41, who spent his entire 14-year MLB career with the Yankees from 2008 to 2021, as well as his entire minor league career within the organization from 2005 to 2008, and his wife, Jessica, released a statement announcing their son's death on behalf of the team on Sunday (March 23).
"With heavy hearts we are saddened to announce the passing of our youngest son, Miller. He was 14 years old and has left us far too soon after falling ill along with several other family members while on vacation. We have so many questions and so few answers at this point, but we do know that he passed away peacefully in his sleep on the morning of Friday, March 21st.
"Miller was a beloved son and brother and we cannot yet comprehend our life without his infectious smile. He loved football, baseball, golf, hunting, fishing, his family and his friends. He lived life to the fullest every single day.
"We are so thankful to all who have reached out to offer support and encouragement during this difficult time and we are confident our faith, family, and friends will help us navigate this unimaginable loss. Our prayers go out to Miller's teammates and friends, as well as to all other families who have lost a child far too soon as we share their grief.
"Please respect our wishes for privacy as we mourn and search for healing."
The Yankees also issued a statement in response to Miller's death.
"Our hearts are heavy, and the Yankees family is filled with grief after learning of the passing of Miller Gardner," the team said. "Words feel insignificant and insufficient in trying to describe such an unimaginable loss. It wasn't just Brett who literally grew up in this organization for more than 17 years -- so did his wife, Jessica, and their two boys, Hunter and Miller.
"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.
"Our love for the Gardner family is unconditional and absolute, and we will offer an enduring support while understanding their desire for privacy at this time.
"May Miller rest in peace."
Yankees manager Aaron Boone, who Gardner played for during his final four MLB seasons, called the family's loss "unimaginable."
“We’re heartbroken,” Boone said Sunday at Steinbrenner Field, the Yankees' Spring Training home stadium, via the New York Post. “We talk about being family all the time and even though Brett’s been gone for a few years, that doesn’t stop. A lot of people in there [in the clubhouse] that know that family intimately. It’s a very tough day and very tough news.
“As best we can, we’ll be praying for the Gardner family and, where we can, offering support. That’s kind of the unimaginable that unfortunately that’s where we are with it. Very sad. Very tough.”
Gardner played in his last MLB game in 2021 and had since moved his family back to his home state of South Carolina.