Former New York Yankees player Brett Gardner’s son Miller reportedly died by asphyxiation after eating something on a family vacation in Costa Rica.
The 14-year-old suffered “a possible intoxication after apparently ingesting some food,” an official with Costa Rica’s Judicial Investigative Agency told NBC News Monday.
The official confirmed to the outlet that Miller’s body was found Friday in a hotel room in Manuel Antonio, a tourist destination popular for its resorts and beaches.
The cause of death is preliminary as the agency is awaiting an autopsy and toxicology analysis.
Brett and his wife, Jessica, announced their son’s tragic death on Sunday in a joint statement shared via the Yankees’ official X account.
“With heavy hearts we are saddened to announce the passing of our youngest son, Miller,” they wrote.
“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 couple said that they “have so many questions and so few answers” but shared that Miller “passed away peacefully in his sleep.”
“Miller was a beloved son and brother and we cannot yet comprehend our life without his infectious smile,” added Brett and Jessica, who also have a son named Hunter.
“He loved football, baseball, golf, hunting, fishing, his family and his friends. He lived life to the fullest every single day.”
The Yankees organization also released a statement via X, saying that “words feel insignificant and insufficient in trying to describe such an unimaginable loss.”
They added, “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.”
Brett, 41, played for the MLB team from 2008 until his retirement in 2021.
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