Brett and Jessica Gardner said their 14-year-old son died in his sleep on Friday while on vacation, after ‘falling ill’ along with several other family members.
WASHINGTON — The 14-year-old son of former New York Yankees player Brett Gardner died of possible “food intoxication” while his family was vacationing in Costa Rica, according to reports in multiple media outlets.
Miller Gardner died Friday morning “peacefully in his sleep,” according to a statement released by his family.
Costa Rican authorities told multiple media outlets including ABC, NBC, CBS and CNN, that it appears the teenager may have died from asphyxiation from a reaction to something in the food.
Food intoxication is the medical term for food poisoning, which can happen when food is contaminated with toxins produced by bacteria, viruses, or other microorganisms. While it is not often fatal, food poisoning can be especially dangerous for people with weakened immune systems such as young children or elderly adults.
A final autopsy report has not been released.
Brett and Jessica Gardner said their son died in his sleep on Friday while on vacation, after falling ill along with several other family members.
The couple announced their son’s death on social media, asking for privacy as they look for answers.
“He was 14 years old and has left us far too soon after falling ill along with several other family members while on vacation,” the statement, posted Sunday to the New York Yankees social media, said. “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 Yankees said in the post to social media the organization is “filled with grief” after learning of his death.
“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,” the statement said. It continued to describe him as someone who had “a spark in his eyes, an outgoing and feisty personality, and a warm and loving nature.”
Miller Gardner played football for a South Carolina school last fall and wore the No. 11 — the same number his father wore while playing with the Yankees, according to ESPN. He scored a touchdown, then.
Brett Gardner was a Yankees outfielder for 14 seasons and retired after the 2021 season, according to ESPN.
