Miller Gardner, the 14-year-old son of former Yankee-outfielder Brett, died of suffocation “after a possible intoxication after apparent ingestion of some food,” a Costa Rica Court Teaching Agency’s official told NBC.
Reports circulated earlier in the day that the family was on vacation in the Central American country last week when Miller fell ill and died.
The Ministry of State said in a statement to Pakinomist Digital that local officials were investigating a death that took place on March 21 in Costa Rica – the same day Miller Gardner died.
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New York Yankees left Fielder Brett Gardner (11) running the bases after hitting a home drive against Chicago White Sox during the sixth lap on the Field of Dreams. (Jeffrey Becker/USA Today Sports)
Pakinomist Digital reached out to the aforementioned agency for further comment, but has not yet heard back.
Gardner and his family announced Miller’s death in a statement on Sunday.
“With heavy hearts, we are sorry to announce the transition to our youngest son, Miller. “We have so many questions and so few answers at this time, but we know he died peacefully in his sleep on the morning of Friday, March 21.
“Miller was a beloved son and brother, and we are yet to understand our lives without his contagious smile. He loved football, baseball, golf, hunting, fishing, his family and his friends. He lived life to life every single day.”
Yankees also released a statement about Miller’s death.
New York Yankees left Fielder Brett Gardner (11) and manager Aaron Boone (17) Speech during a game against Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field. (Kim Klement/USA Today Sports)
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“Our hearts are heavy, and the Yankees family is full of grief after learning from Miller Gardner’s passing,” the team said. “Words feel insignificant and inadequate to try to describe such an unimaginable loss. It was not only Brett that literally grew up in this organization for more than 17 years – so did his wife, Jessica and their two boys, Hunter and Miller.”
“We mourn with Brett, Jessica, Hunter and their community of family and friends in the sadness of 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 sustained support while understanding their desire for privacy at this time. “
New York Yankees left Fielder Brett Gardner (11) Go to Dugout after the top of the first lap against Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. (Tommy Gilligan/USA Today Sports)
Gardner was an outfielder for Yankees for 14 seasons and were on the team when they won their last World Series Title in 2009; He spent his entire career in Bronx, last played in 2021.
