The teenage son of former Yankees star Brett Gardner is believed to have died of ‘asphyxiation’, according to reports.
Authorities in Costa Rica are investigating the tragic death of Miller Gardner, who was just 14. According to NBC News, the preliminary cause of death is asphyxiation after eating.
Miller apparently died by ‘after a possible intoxication after apparently ingesting some food,’ officials in Costa Rica told NBC News.
It’s claimed the teen’s body was found Friday, in a hotel room in Manuel Antonio. According to Inside Edition, Gardner was staying at the upscale Arenas Del Mar Beachfront & Rainforest resort.
The family are now reportedly working with local authorities to bring his body back to the United States. Officials, meanwhile, are said to be awaiting an autopsy and toxicology reports before the cause of death is confirmed.
Gardner and his wife Jessica announced the awful news over the weekend, explaining that their son had fallen ill ‘along with several other family members’.
Ex-Yankees star Brett Gardner’s son Miller died while the family were on vacation in Costa Rica
Gardner and wife Jessica announced the death of their 14-year-old son over the weekend
‘We cannot yet comprehend our life without his infectious smile,’ Brett and Jessica said
On Monday, the US State Department told the New York Post: ‘We are closely monitoring local authorities’ investigation into the cause of death.
‘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 State Department also confirmed ‘the death of a US citizen in Costa Rica on March 21.’
The comments came hours after reports first emerged that the teen passed away at a resort in the country.
In their statement on Sunday, Brett and Jessica said ‘so many questions remain’ regarding Miller’s sudden death.
‘With heavy hearts we are saddened to announce the passing of our youngest son, Miller,’ they said.
‘He was 14 years old and has left us far too soon after falling ill along with several other family members while on vacation.’
They continued: ‘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.’
Gardner spent his entire Major League Baseball career as an outfielder with the Yankees
The 41-year-old played 14 seasons with the Yankees before retiring after the 2021 campaign
Gardner, 41, played 14 seasons with the Yankees between 2008 and 2021 and was part of their 2009 World Series-winning team. He was said to be highly respected within the organization and forged close ties with the likes of Aaron Judge.
Yankees icons Aaron Boone and Joe Girardi have been left heartbroken by the tragic news of his death.
‘We talk about being family all the time and even though Brett’s been gone for a few years, that doesn’t stop,’ Boone, the team’s current manager, told reporters, via 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.’
YES Network’s play-by-play man Michael Kay announced Miller’s passing during the Yankees’ Grapefruit League game against the Tampa Bay Rays on Sunday, which Girardi – who managed Gardner for a decade in New York – was commentating on at the time.
‘You get to know their kids, and they get to know yours,’ Boone’s predecessor said. ‘It hits hard. I am just devastated for Brett and Jessica.’
The Yankees also released a statement on the tragedy.
‘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.’