Before his sudden passing on Friday, March 21, 14-year-old Miller Gardner was staring at a bright athletic future. 

Miller, son of former New York Yankees star Brett Gardner, died while on a family vacation in Costa Rica last week. His preliminary cause of death was ruled as asphyxia “after a possible intoxication after apparently ingesting some food.” On Tuesday, March 25, CNN reported that Miller may have died from food poisoning. 

The teenager was a dual sport high school athlete at Pinewood Preparatory School in Summerville, South Carolina. According to The Athletic, Miller was a defensive back and wide receiver on the school’s football team. When playing baseball, Miller was a pitcher and outfielder. 

According to a Facebook post from the Pinewood B Baseball team in April 2024, Miller went 2-for-3 with 2 runs and 2 RBIs in a game against Northwood Academy. 

Miller wore No. 11 in honor of his father, who played all 14 seasons of his MLB career as an outfielder with the Yankees before retiring at the end of the 2021 season. 

In September 2024, Miller posted a highlight reel from a recent football game on video hosting site Hudl. The clip showed Miller intercepting a pass and returning it for a lengthy pick-six. 

Brett and his wife, Jessica — who also share an older son, Hunter — released a statement via the Yankees announcing Miller’s death on Sunday, March 23. 

“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.”

The Yankees also released their own statement following Miller’s death, acknowledging his connection to the franchise over the course of his life. 

“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.”