Suspected cause of death revealed for ex-Yankee Brett Gardner’s 14-year-old son
The teen’s sudden death may have been the result of 'possible intoxication after apparently ingesting some food'
Article content
Miller Gardner, the 14-year-old son of former New York Yankees all-star Brett Gardner, died of “asphyxiation” while on a family vacation at a Costa Rican resort, according to reports.
The Gardners were staying at the upscale Arenas Del Mar Beachfront & Rainforest resort in Manuel Antonio, a tourist hotspot on the country’s Pacific Coast, when Miller became seriously ill along with several members of his family, local officials told Inside Edition.
tap here to see other videos from our team.
Suspected cause of death revealed for ex-Yankee Brett Gardner’s 14-year-old son Back to video
Local investigators said the teen’s sudden death may have been the result of “possible intoxication after apparently ingesting some food,” according to NBC News.
The preliminary cause of death has yet to be confirmed via autopsy and toxicology analysis, an official with Costa Rica’s Judicial Investigative Agency told the outlet.
tap here to see other videos from our team.
The U.S. State Department confirmed to the New York Post that Costa Rican authorities are actively investigating his death and they are closely monitoring local authorities’ investigation.
“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.
Officials are working with the family to have Miller’s body returned to the U.S.
The luxury Costa Rican hotel has said it is cooperating with an investigation.
In a statement to DailyMail.com, Arenas Del Mar Beachfront & Rainforest Resort said: “We are deeply saddened by this loss, and our hearts go out to the family during this incredibly difficult time.
“The factors that led to this tragic incident are unknown and we are fully cooperating with authorities as they investigate.
“We remain committed to supporting our guests and staff, prioritizing their well-being and safety, while respecting the privacy of those affected.”
In a statement over the weekend, Brett Gardner and wife Jessica noted that Miller 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,” the family’s statement said.
“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.
Last year, Miller played football for his high school in South Carolina, wearing No. 11 like his father wore during his 14-year career with the Yankees.
“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. “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.”
Aaron Boone, the Yankees manager, commented on the loss Sunday from the team’s spring training camp in Florida.
“We talk about being family all the time and even though Brett’s been gone for a few years, that doesn’t stop,” Boone said, per the New York Post. “A lot of people in there (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,” he added. “That’s kind of the unimaginable that unfortunately that’s where we are with it. Very sad. Very tough.”
Gardner, 41, played for the Yankees from 2008 to 2021 and was part of their 2009 World Series championship team. He made one all-star team during his career and won a Gold Glove in 2016.
During his career, he hit .256 with 139 home runs and 578 RBIs while stealing 274 bases.
He retired after the Yankees chose to not re-sign him following the 2021 season.
Postmedia is committed to maintaining a lively but civil forum for discussion. Please keep comments relevant and respectful. Comments may take up to an hour to appear on the site. You will receive an email if there is a reply to your comment, an update to a thread you follow or if a user you follow comments. Visit our Community Guidelines for more information.