Brett Gardner's son's death: Family releases touching obituary

New York Yankees World Series champion Brett Gardner and his wife Jessica have released an obituary for their son Miller, who died Saturday after he passed away at the age of 14 while on a holiday in Costa Rica.

The family shared details of the upcoming funeral, reflecting his life in obituaries published in Charleston Post and the Courier.

“It's felt over the years that Miller passes the leaves in the hearts of family, friends, teammates, teachers, coaches, and more. Gardner's family will forever cherish the places they visited, the people they met, the friends they made, the memories they created together,” the obituary read.

“Miller's time with them was short, but his spirit continues forever through those who have influenced the way he lived.”

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The obituary also highlights Miller's reputation as a star athlete and honorary student at Pinewood Preparatory School in Summerville, South Carolina. He was an aggressive honor roll student with excellent soccer and baseball while wearing the Jersey No. 11, which his father wore along with the Yankees.

Brett Gardner played for the Yankees from 2008 to 2021, and was part of the organization's final World Series Championship in 2009. Gardner was a teammate of Derek Jeter and Alex Rodriguez, and was Aaron's judge many years later.

The Yankees themselves paid tribute to the son of the late teenager, a former outfielder, before a 4-2 victory over the Milwaukee Brewers on opening day. The team observed a moment of silence before the first pitch and displayed a photo of the mirror on the team's video board.

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A moment of silence is observed in Miller Gardner, the son of former New York Yankees player Brett Gardner, before the opening day baseball game begins between the Yankees and Milwaukee Brewers at Yankee Stadium on March 27, 2025 in New York. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)

“Our hearts are heavy and the Yankees are full of sadness after learning that Miller Gardner has passed,” the team said in a statement Sunday. “I feel that words are insignificant and insufficient to try to explain these unimaginable losses. Brett was not the only one who grew up in the organization for over 17 years, as did his wife Jessica and two boys, Hunter and Miller.

“We lament the loss of Brett, Jessica, Hunter and a community of family and friends, with the loss of Miller, who had a spark in his eyes, a comedic, talented personality, and a warm and loving nature. The love for the Gardner family is unconditional and absolute.

“Miller may rest in peace.”

Marisel Rodriguez Solis, the media director for the Costa Rica Judicial Investigation Police (OIJ), told Fox News that the investigation has shifted to food poisoning as the most likely cause, but choking has not been ruled out.

The results of forensic and pathology tests can take 1-4 months.

The Gardner family stayed at the Arena del Mar Hotel in Manuel Antonio and ate at the hotel's Italian restaurant on March 20th. I started to feel sick when all four of my family were staying by 11pm.

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New York Yankees' Brett Gardner will leave the field after losing to the Tampa Bay Rays in a baseball game in New York on Saturday, October 2, 2021. (AP Photo/Adam Hanger, File)

Arenas del Mar Hotel called the doctor to give him medication to help with stomach problems. The next morning, Miller Gardner was found dead with traces of vomit.

Costa Rican authorities were still investigating the cause of death.

Ryan Gaydos and Bryan Llenas of Fox News Digital contributed to this report.

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