Suspected Cause of Death for Former Yankees Player’s Son Ruled Out – The sudden death of Miller Gardner, the 14-year-old son of former New York Yankees outfielder Brett Gardner, has been the subject of investigation in Costa Rica, where the family was vacationing. Initial reports suggested that Miller had died from asphyxiation due to “food intoxication,” but new updates have clarified the situation, with authorities now ruling out asphyxiation as the cause of death.
On Monday, Costa Rican officials with the Judicial Investigation Agency had pointed to the possibility of asphyxiation, citing the presence of vomit as a key factor in their early assessments. This information led to early speculations that the teen might have suffocated after vomiting. However, within 24 hours, officials revised their statement. According to reports from ABC News, NBC News, and People, the Costa Rican National Police confirmed that Miller’s respiratory tract was clear, suggesting that asphyxiation was not the cause of death. Despite this, food poisoning remains a potential factor in the tragic incident. Authorities indicated that further tests would be conducted, with results expected to take two to three months.
Miller Gardner’s death occurred during a family trip to Costa Rica. His family described the death as occurring “peacefully” in his sleep, and authorities have stated that there is no suspicion of foul play. Miller’s parents, Brett and Jessica Gardner, expressed their grief in an emotional statement, remembering their son as a vibrant and passionate individual. They shared that several family members on the trip had also fallen ill, though the specific illnesses were not disclosed. The Gardners’ statement expressed both sorrow and confusion, as they struggled to comprehend the loss of their son.
Brett and Jessica Gardner reflected on Miller’s life, highlighting his love for sports, particularly football, baseball, and golf, as well as his enthusiasm for hunting, fishing, and spending time with his family and friends. They fondly remembered his infectious smile and described him as a beloved son and brother. The Gardners, who also have another son named Hunter, requested privacy as they navigated through their mourning and healing process.
Miller Gardner was a talented young athlete, having played both football and baseball. He had been a player on his school’s football team in South Carolina, wearing the same number—11—that his father wore during his time with the Yankees. Miller also played as an outfielder and pitcher in baseball, following in his father’s footsteps in the sport. His untimely death has left a void in the hearts of his family, friends, and the wider community, including the Yankees organization, which expressed its condolences in a separate statement.
The news of Miller’s passing has deeply affected the baseball world. Brett Gardner, who had a distinguished career with the Yankees, was drafted by the team in 2008 and played his entire major league career with New York. He was a key figure in the Yankees’ 2009 World Series victory and earned a Gold Glove in 2016. The loss of Miller has reverberated through the baseball community, with many sharing their grief over the death of such a young, promising life.
At this time, the investigation into the cause of Miller’s death continues, with food poisoning still under consideration. It remains unclear exactly what led to his tragic passing, but the Gardners’ call for privacy underscores the family’s need for space during this incredibly difficult time.
