Miller Gardner, the 14-year-old son of former Yankees outfielder Brett Gardner, died at a resort in Costa Rica during a family vacation, the U.S. Embassy of Costa Rica told Inside Edition.
The Gardners announced Miller’s death on Sunday, saying he fell ill “along with several other family members” during the 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.” Brett and his wife Jessica said in a statement.
Miller Gardner
Brett Gardner (r.) and wife Jessica (second from l.) with sons Miller (second from r.) and Hunter (l.)
“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.”
Miller was the youngest of the Gardners’ two sons.
Brett Gardner Charles Wenzelberg
Gardner spent his entire 14-year career with the Yankees and last played in 2021.
“Our hearts are heavy, and the Yankees family is filled with grief after learning of the passing of Miller Gardner,” the Yankees said in a statement on Sunday. “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.”