On Sunday 23 March 2025, ex-Yankees outfielder Brett Gardner and his wife announced the tragic loss of their son, aged only 14. The boy had reportedly fallen ill while he was on holiday with his family. Find out everything you need to know below.
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Brett Gardner mourns the death of his 14-year-old son
Brett Gardner and his wife Jessica announced the untimely death of their son, Miller, in a statement published by the official Yankees account on Sunday 23 March 2025. The couple wrote:
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.
The 14-year-old teenager's cause of death has not been revealed yet, and it seems the family is still waiting for answers as well. They went on:
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.
Brett and Jessica Gardner paid tribute to their son's short but full life, as well as his infectious smile. They wrote:
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.
Medics tried to revive the boy for 30 minutes
Miller Gardner reportedly fell ill while he was on holiday in Costa Rica with his family. The doctor in charge of the teenager opened up to the New York Post, explaining he was already 'unresponsive' when the team arrived at the high-end resort where he sadly passed away. Dr. Kevin Gannon said:
From what we encountered there, we could not verify a cause of death. To us it was very confusing. We responded to a minor without vitals. We tested him for cardiac arrest and performed CPR for more than 30 minutes. There was not really much we could significantly do.
According to him, the Gardners all fell ill after having dinner the night before. The teenager was first treated by the hotel medical staff before medics were called to the scene the next morning. However, he does not believe food poisoning could be the cause of Miller's death. He explained:
Some people are saying it was anaphylactic shock from food he ate. But I will say it is very, very rare for a patient to eat food and go that long without a reaction. Usually it’s right away.
Both Miller's doctors and his family are waiting for the autopsy and toxicology reports to know more about the young man's cause of death. The Yankees have expressed their support to the family, saying:
Words feel insignificant and insufficient in trying to describe such an unimaginable loss.
Read more:
Prince Frederik tragically passed away at the age of 22: He was fighting a rare disease
Michelle Trachtenberg passes away at 39: What we know about her death so far
BBC Scotland Nick Sheridan passes away at 32: 'He will be greatly missed'
Sources used:
ESPN: Miller Gardner, son of ex-Yankees OF Brett Gardner, dies at 14
New York Post: Doctor describes frantic fight to save ex-Yankee Brett Gardner’s son: Medics tried to revive teen for 30 minutes
People: New York Yankees Player Brett Gardner's 14-Year-Old Son's Cause of Death Ruled Out as Asphyxiation, Investigation Still Ongoing
