The 14-year-old son of former New York player Yankis Brett Gardner was resting with his family in Costa Rica when he suddenly became ill and died in his sleep, according to the US State Department.
The death of Miller Gardner was announced on Sunday in a statement by his father and his mother Jessica Gardner, which was released on the Yankees’s X account.
Brett and Jessica Gardner said their son died on his sleep on Friday while on vacation after getting sick with several other family members.
GARDERS said that their youngest child “left us too early.”
This unquench photo, posted by New York Yankees on the social media website, shows 14-year-old Miller Gardner, son of former Yankees players Bret Gardner, who died, March 21, 2025, from a sudden illness while on a family vacation.
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On Monday, the US Department of State confirmed to ABC News that Miller Gardner had died while in Costa Rica.
“We can confirm the death of a US citizen in Costa Rica on March 21,” said a spokesman for the State Department. “We are closely monitoring the investigation of local authorities about the cause of death. Out of respect for the privacy of the family and loved ones, we have no more comments at the moment at this difficult time.”
The State Department did not say what city they stayed during the death of the teenager.
“We have so many questions and answered so few at this point, but we know that he died quietly on his sleep on Friday, March 21,” said Gardner and his wife. “Miller was a loved son and brother, and we still can’t understand our lives without his contagious smile. He loved football, baseball, golf, hunting, fishing, family and friends. He lived on the most day every day.”
The couple also expressed a deep gratitude for the support and encouragement they received.
Brett Gardner (far right) poses in this unsaid photo with his wife Jessica and sons, Miller (next to his father) and Hunter (far left).
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“We are convinced that our faith, family and friends will help us to navigate this unthinkable loss,” GARDERS wrote in the statement. “Our prayers come out to Miller’s teammates and friends, as well as to all other families who have lost a child too soon when we share their grief. Please respect our desires for seclusion while we are sorrow and seek healing.”
In addition to Miller, Brett and Jessica Gardner, they also share a bigger son Hunter Gardner.
Brett Gardner, a former outfield, spent his entire 14-season MLB career with the Yankees. He was named the All-Star American League All-Star in 2015 and won the Golden Glove Award in 2016 and was part of the team that won the World Series in 2009, just one year after its debut in the Basic League. He retired after the 2021 season.
Brett Gardner #11 of New York Yankees in action against the rays of Tampa Bay at Yankee Stadium on October 03, 2021 in New York. The New York Yankees defeated Tampa Bay’s rays 1-0. (Photo by Mike Stob/Getty Images)
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As a result of the news of Miller Gardner’s death, the Yankees shared a separate statement on Facebook, offering “unconditional and absolute” love to Gardner’s family, while also acknowledging their need for confidentiality at this difficult time.
“Words feel insignificant and insufficient in trying to describe such an unthinkable loss,” the Yankees statement said. “Not only has Bret literally grew up in this organization for more than 17 years – so his wife Jessica and their two boys, Hunter and Miller.”
“We mourn with Brett, Jessica, Hunter and their community of family and friends in complaining about the loss of Miller, who had a spark in his eyes, an outgoing and fairy personality and warm and loving nature,” the statement added.
“May Miller rests in peace,” the statement concludes.
