Brett Gardner #11 of the New York Yankees in action against the Tampa Bay Rays at Yankee Stadium on October 03, 2021 in New York City. New York Yankees defeated the Tampa Bay Rays 1-0. Statement from Brett and Jessica Gardner: With heavy hearts we are saddened to announce the passing of our youngest son, Miller. Photo:
Mike Stobe/Getty; New York Yankees/X
Brett Gardner and his family were on vacation in Costa Rica when his son Miller, 14, fell ill and died, PEOPLE can confirm.
Brett, 41, his wife Jessica and their two sons, Miller and Hunter, were vacationing in Costa Rica when Miller died unexpectedly.
The former Yankees player, alongside Jessica, made the heartbreaking announcement of Miller’s passing in a statement on X on Sunday, March 23. “With heavy hearts, we are saddened to announce the passing of our youngest son, Miller. 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 couple began.
“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,” they continued in the statement.
New York Yankee Brett Gardner, his wife Jessica and sons Miller and Hunter attend the CCandy Children’s Clothing Line Launch on August 8, 2013 in New York City. JP Yim/Getty
Jessica and Brett wed in 2007 before welcoming Miller and Hunter. Miller’s family described him as “a beloved son and brother,” and said they “cannot yet comprehend” their lives “without his infectious smile.”
Miller loved a variety of sports, according to his parents’ statement, including football, baseball, golf, fishing and hunting. “He lived life to the fullest every single day,” the couple said of their late son.
“We are confident our faith, family, and friends will help us navigate this unimaginable loss. Our prayers go out to Miller’s teammates and friends, as well as to all other families who have lost a child far too soon as we share their grief,” the statement concluded. “Please respect our wishes for privacy as we mourn and search for healing.”
Brett Gardner #11 of the New York Yankees after a game at Yankee Stadium on May 11, 2016 in New York City ; Brett Gardner smiles with wife Jessica and their two sons Hunter and Miller. Elsa/Getty ; New York Yankees/ X
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The Yankees organization issued a statement after the Gardners announced the news, saying that the MLB organization is “filled with grief after learning of the passing of Miller Gardner.”
“Words feel insignificant and insufficient in trying to describe such an unimaginable loss,” the team’s statement continued. “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,” the statement said.
