Costa Rican authorities are actively investigating the tragic death of Miller Gardner, the 14-year-old son of former Yankees star Brett Gardner.
“We can confirm the death of a US citizen in Costa Rica on March 21,” a department spokesperson said in relation to the teenager.
“We are closely monitoring local authorities' investigation into the cause of death. We respect the privacy of our families and loved ones during this difficult time and have no further comment at this time.”
Miller has been ill in a tropical Central American country “with several other families on vacation,” Gardner said in a statement Sunday.
The teen died at a resort in Costa RicaInside Edition was reported on Monday.
A speedy outfielder who played for Pinstripe for 14 years, Gardner retired in 2021, including the 2009 World Series Championship, and has since lived with his South Carolina family.
“There are very few questions and answers at this point, but I know that he passed away peacefully in his sleep on the morning of Friday March 21st,” Gardner's statement read.
“Miller is our beloved son and brother, and we still can't understand our lives without his infectious smile. He loved soccer, baseball, golf, hunting, fishing, his family and his friends. He lived his life to the fullest every day.
“We are very grateful to all of us who reached out to provide support and encouragement during this challenging time and are confident that we will help our faith, family and friends navigate this unimaginable loss.
Miller's shocking death caused savings in support, including Gardner's former minor league teammate and Mets manager Carlos Mendoza.
“I had a really good relationship [Gardner] And we're thinking of him,” Mendoza said, choking.
“I got two boys too, and they were pretty close.”
The Yankees expressed their sadness to their families in a sincere statement.
“Our hearts are heavy and the Yankees are filled with sadness after learning that Miller Gardner has passed,” the team said. “I feel that words are insignificant and insufficient to try to explain these unimaginable losses. Brett was not the only one who grew up in this organization for over 17 years, as did his wife Jessica and two boys, Hunter and Miller.”
