Miller Gardner, the 14-year-old son of former Yankee outfielder Brett, died of choking “an apparently potential addiction after ingesting some food.”
Reports circulated early on the day that the family was on vacation in Central American countries when Miller died last week.
The State Department said in a statement to Fox News Digital that local officials are investigating the death that occurred in Costa Rica on March 21.
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The New York Yankees have left fielder Brett Gardner (11). (Jeffrey Becker/USA TODAY SPORTS)
Fox News Digital has reached out to the aforementioned agency for additional comment but has not responded yet.
Gardner and his family announced Miller's death in a statement Sunday.
“A heartfelt, we are saddened to announce the death of our youngest son, Miller. He was 14 years old and left us as soon as he got sick with other families on vacation,” their statement read. “There are very few questions and answers at this point, but I know that he passed away peacefully on the morning of Friday, March 21st, in sleep.
“Miller is our beloved son and brother, and we still can't understand our lives without his infectious smile. He loved soccer, baseball, golf, hunting, fishing, his family and his friends. He lived his life to the fullest every day.”
The Yankees also issued a statement regarding Miller's death.
The New York Yankees left fielder Brett Gardner (11) and manager Aaron Boone (17) during a match against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field. (Kim Ku-Men-Ten/USA Today Sports)
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“Our hearts are heavy and the Yankees are filled with sadness after learning that Miller Gardner has passed,” the team said. “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 this organization for over 17 years, as did his wife Jessica and two boys, Hunter and Miller.”
“We mourn the loss of Brett, Jessica, Hunter and a community of family and friends, who lamented the sparks of his eyes, his talented personality and warm and loving nature.” Our love for the Gardner family is unconditional and absolute.
The New York Yankees left fielder Brett Gardner (11) after leading the first innings against the Baltimore Orioles at Orioles Park in Camden Yard. (Tommy Gilligan/USA TODAY SPORTS)
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Gardner was an outfielder for the Yankees for 14 seasons and was with the team in 2009 when he won his final World Series title. He last played in 2021 and spent his entire career in the Bronx.
Ryan Gaydos of Fox News contributed to this report.
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