A devastating tragedy has struck former New York Yankees outfielder Brett Gardner and his family.
Gardner’s 14-year-old son, Miller, passed away unexpectedly while on vacation in Costa Rica. According to reports, local authorities revealed the teen’s sudden death may have been due to “asphyxiation” following possible food intoxication. Several members of the family also fell ill, though details remain unclear as investigators await autopsy and toxicology results.
Hotel staff found Miller unresponsive in his room at the upscale Arenas Del Mar Beachfront & Rainforest resort in Manuel Antonio on March 21. His grieving parents, Brett and Jessica Gardner, confirmed the heartbreaking news, stating, “We have so many questions and so few answers at this point, but we do know that he passed away peacefully in his sleep.”
Yankees Community Mourns Unimaginable Loss
The shocking news has led to an outpouring of support from the baseball community. Brett Gardner, a beloved figure in the Yankees organization, spent 14 years with the team and played a key role in their 2009 World Series victory. His former teammate and current Mets manager Carlos Mendoza was visibly emotional, saying, “I had a really good relationship with [Brett], and we’re thinking about him. The whole Mets organization is thinking about the Gardner family.”
The Yankees also released a heartfelt statement expressing their deep sorrow: “Our hearts are heavy, and the Yankees family is filled with grief after learning of the passing of Miller Gardner. Words feel insignificant in trying to describe such an unimaginable loss.”
Tragedy strikes Yankees legend Brett Gardner’s family: Reports reveal that his teenage son’s cause of death was asphyxiation caused by food intoxication during a family vacation. Sending love, support, and condolences to the Gardner family during this unimaginable time Click the… pic.twitter.com/08ywufJvBU
— Loud Review (@TheLoudReview) March 25, 2025
The Gardner family is currently working with officials to bring Miller’s body back to the U.S. The U.S. State Department confirmed that it is closely monitoring the investigation, though out of respect for the family’s privacy, they declined further comment.
Miller’s parents described their son as a vibrant young boy who lived life to the fullest. “We cannot yet comprehend our life without his infectious smile,” they shared. As the family and baseball world mourns this tragic loss, the investigation into the cause of his sudden passing continues.
