Further details have emerged in the sudden death of Miller Gardner, the 14-year-old son of former New York Yankees star Brett Gardner.
According to a CNN report on Tuesday, March 25, Miller may have died from complications related to food poisoning.
Miller’s preliminary cause of death was due to asphyxia “after a possible intoxication after apparently ingesting some food,” NBC News reported on Monday, March 24. Asphyxia was ruled out by forensic medicine after it was discovered Miller’s airwaves were not obstructed.
An official from Costa Rica’s Judicial Investigation Police (OIJ) told CNN that Miller was found dead in his hotel room on Friday, March 21.
The death is still under investigation and the OIJ are awaiting further results from autopsy and toxicology tests to determine the exact cause of death.
Miller was staying at the Arenas Del Mar Beachfront & Rainforest resort in Manuel Antonio with his family. Per CNN, the whole family fell ill after ingesting food on the resort’s premises.
Brett, 41, and his wife, Jessica, released a statement via the Yankees on Sunday, March 23 announcing Miller’s death.
“With heavy hearts we are saddened to announce the passing of our youngest son, Miller,” the statement read. “He was 14 years old and has left us far too soon after falling ill along with several other family members while on vacation. We have so many questions and so few answers at this point, but we do know that he passed away peacefully in his sleep on the morning of Friday, March 21st.”
The statement continued, “Miller was a beloved son and brother and we cannot yet comprehend our life without his infectious smile. He loved football, baseball, golf, hunting, fishing, his family and his friends. He lived life to the fullest every single day.”
Brett played all 14 seasons of his MLB career with the Yankees before retiring at the end of the 2021 season.
The Yankees organization also released a statement of their own after Miller’s death was announced.
“Words feel insignificant and insufficient in trying to describe such an unimaginable loss,” the team’s statement said. “It wasn’t just Brett who literally grew up in this organization for more than 17 years — so did his wife, Jessica, and their two boys, Hunter and Miller. 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.”
The Yankees’ statement continued, “Our love for the Gardner family is unconditional and absolute, and we will offer our enduring support while understanding their desire for privacy at this time. May Miller rest in peace.”
