Former Yankees outfielder Brett Gardner’s teenage son reportedly passed away due to asphyxiation while on a family vacation in Costa Rica.
An official with Costa Rica’s Judicial Investigative Agency told NBC News that Miller Gardner, 14, seemingly died by asphyxia “after a possible intoxication after apparently ingesting some food.” It appears that authorities believe Miller’s asphyxiation, a state in which the body is deprived of oxygen, occurred after getting sick from eating something.
The official, Juan Pablo Alvarado Garcia, told NBC News that Miller was found Friday in a hotel room in Manuel Antonio, a popular, local resort district. He added that the cause of death is preliminary, and that officials are waiting on an autopsy and toxicology report for further details.
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Brett, who played with the Yankees for 14 years before retiring in 2021, announced the tragic death of his son in a joint statement with his wife Jessica Gardner on Sunday.
“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. 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 couple wrote.
“Miller was a beloved son and brother and we cannot yet comprehend our life without his infectious smile,” they continued. “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.”
The U.S. State Department has additionally confirmed to the New York Post that Costa Rican authorities are actively investigating Miller’s shocking death, though refrained from offering any further comment out of respect for the family’s privacy.
