Preliminary Cause of Death for Former Yankees Star Brett Gardner's Son Revealed
On Sunday afternoon former New York Yankees star Brett Gardner and his wife, Jessica, announced the death of their 14-year-old son, Miller.
"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," a statement from the family through the Yankees said. "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."
Miller’s body was found Friday in a hotel room in Manuel Antonio, a popular resort area on the country’s Pacific Coast, said Costa Rican Judicial Investigative Agency official Juan Pablo Alvarado Garcia to NBC News.
An initial cause of death was not known when the family first revealed Gardner's passing. However, Garcia revealed Gardner appears to have died by asphyxiation after possibly having gotten sick from eating something during the family vacation in Costa Rica. The results are preliminary, pending a toxicology report and autopsy.
The family received a heartfelt message from the Yankees, whom Gardner played for fourteen seasons from 2008-21.
“Our hearts are heavy, and the Yankees family is filled with grief after learning of the passing of Miller Gardner,” the team said in a statement. “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,” the statement continued. “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.”
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