N.Y. Yankees Star Brett Gardner’s 14-Year-Old Son’s Cause Of Death Reversed By Authorities In Costa Rica

Last Sunday, former New York Yankees outfielder Brett Gardner and his wife, Jessica, announced on Sunday that their teenage son had died of a sudden illness while on vacation.

Miller Gardner, 14, was with his parents on holiday in Manuel Antonio – a town on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica – when he and the rest of the family fell ill, likely from food poisoning. Miller was found dead in his hotel room on Friday morning.

Authorities initially ruled that Miller’s cause of death was “asphyxiation due to intoxication related to food poisoning,” but forensic medicine quickly found there was no sign of blockage in Miller’s airways. The toxicology results have not yet been released, and any information regarding the potential food poisoning is presently unknown.

Costa Rica’s Judicial Investigation Agency said in a statement, “It was preliminarily ruled out that the cause of death was due to asphyxia due to the fact that at the time of the inspection of the body, no anomaly was observed at the macro level in the respiratory tract.” 

Gardner and Jessican’s statement read, “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,” the statement continued. “We are so thankful to all who have reached out to offer support and encouragement during this difficult time, and we are confident our faith, family, and friends will help us navigate this unimaginable loss. Our prayers go out to Miller’s teammates and friends, as well as to all other families who have lost a child far too soon as we share their grief.”

In conclusion, they added, “Please respect our wishes for privacy as we mourn and search for healing.”

Gardner and Jessica have been married since 2007 and share another son, Hunter.

Gardner, who retired after the 2021 season, played with the Yankees for 14 seasons, including winning the World Series in 2009.