TAMPA — Miller Gardner, the youngest son of Brett Gardner, died on Friday at the age of 14, the family announced through the Yankees on Sunday.
In a statement from the former Yankees outfielder and his wife Jessica, the Gardners said Miller fell 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,” the Gardners said in the statement.
Former Yankees outfielder Brett Gardner and his wife announced the death of their 14-year-old son, Miller.
Brett Gardner and wife Jessica with their sons Miller (second from right) 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.
“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.”
Gardner, who was the heart of many Yankees teams over his 14-year career in pinstripes, played his final game in 2021 and has spent the time since with his family in South Carolina.
Brett and Jessica Gardner with their two sons in 2013. Getty Images
Aaron Boone, who managed Gardner for four seasons, called the news “unimaginable.”
“We’re heartbroken,” Boone said Sunday at Steinbrenner Field. “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.”
Brett Gardner with the Yankees. Charles Wenzelberg
Mets manager Carlos Mendoza, who played with Gardner in the minor leagues in 2006 and 2007 before coaching him in the big leagues on Boone’s staff, also opened his postgame news conference Sunday by sending his thoughts and prayers to the Gardners.
“I had a really good relationship with [Gardner] and we’re thinking about him,” a choked-up Mendoza said. “The whole Mets organization is thinking about the Gardner family.
“I got two boys, too, and they were pretty close.”
The Yankees also offered their support for Gardner in a statement.
“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 our enduring support while understanding their desire for privacy at this time.
“May Miller rest in peace.”
