Reports say the 14-year-old son of former Yankees outfielder Brett Gardner died of “suffocation” while on vacation with his family at a Costa Rica resort.
Miller Gardner was staying at the luxury Arena Del Mar Beachfront & Rainforest Resort when she was seriously ill with several members of the family, local officials told Inside Edition.
Officials are currently working with their family to return Miller's body to the US, the outlet reports.
The US State Department confirmed with the Post that Costa Rican authorities were actively investigating his death and closely monitoring local government investigations.
“We respect the privacy of our families and loved ones during these difficult times and have no further comments at this time,” the department said.
Gardner, a speedy outfielder who played 14 years with Pinstripe (retired in 2021 during 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 he passed away about his sleep on the morning of Friday, March 21,” Gardner, 41, and his wife, Jessica, said in a statement released on Sunday for his young son.
“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.”
