Son of Former New York Yankees Star Brett Gardner Dies at 14

The former outfielder announced his youngest son, Miller, died after falling ill on vacation.

Brett Gardner of the New York Yankees motions towards the dugout after being hit by a pitch in the bottom of the third inning against the Toronto Blue Jays at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx borough of New York City on Sept. 4, 2011. Christopher Pasatieri/Getty Images

Miller Gardner, the son of former New York Yankees outfielder, Brett Gardner, has died at 14 years old.

In a shared statement through the Yankees on March 23, Brett and his wife Jessica Gardner said their son died unexpectedly after getting sick while on vacation.

“With heavy hearts we are saddened to announce the passing of our youngest son, Miller,” read the statement.

“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 Gardners added other family members also fell ill while on the trip but did not disclose where they vacationed.

“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 couple described Miller.

They went on to extend gratitude to those who have shown support while requesting privacy as they mourn and navigate healing.

“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.”

The official cause of death for Miller remains unknown at this time.

Brett and Jessica Gardner tied the knot back in 2007 and are parents to another son, Hunter Gardner.

Brett Gardner was a third-round MLB draft pick by the Yankees out of the College of Charleston in 2005.

The 41-year-old spent the entirety of his 14-year major league career with the team before his retirement following the 2021 season.

The team offered their condolences in a statement of their own, noting the Yankees family is filled with grief and heavy hearts following news of Miller’s death.

“Words feel insignificant and insufficient in trying to describe such an unimaginable loss. 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,” read the post on social media.

“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.

“May Miller rest in peace.”