UPDATE — 3/25/25, 3:40 p.m. ET: The preliminary cause of death of former New York Yankees star Brett Gardner’s son, Miller, has changed as authorities learn more.
Miller, who died while on a family vacation to Costa Rica on Friday, March 21, was originally believed to have suffered asphyxia “after a possible intoxication after apparently ingesting some food.” An official from Costa Rica’s Judicial Investigation Police (OIJ) then told CNN on Tuesday, March 25 that Miller likely died from “asphyxiation due to intoxication related to food poisoning.”
However, the same official told CNN hours later that asphyxia had been ruled out after Miller’s airwaves were observed to be unobstructed.
Miller’s cause of death is now believed solely to be the result of food poisoning, but officials are waiting on toxicology reports to confirm.
Original story below:
Former New York Yankee star Brett Gardner’s son Miller’s preliminary cause of death has been revealed after his death at age 14.
NBC News reported on Monday, March 24, that Miller’s cause of death was due to asphyxia “after a possible intoxication after apparently ingesting some food,” per an official with Costa Rica’s Judicial Investigative Agency. The report was preliminary, and officials are awaiting an autopsy and a toxicology analysis.
On Monday, Inside Edition reported Miller was vacationing with his family at a resort in Costa Rica at the time of his death. The news was reportedly confirmed by the U.S. Embassy of Costa Rica.
Miller’s death was announced on Sunday, March 23, in a statement released by the Yankees on behalf of his parents, Brett and Jessica.
Related: Yankees Alum Brett Gardner‘s Family Guide
Off the field, former New York Yankees outfielder Brett Gardner is a family man. The retired athlete and his wife, Jessica Clendenin, have welcomed two sons, Miller and Hunter, during their marriage Tragedy struck for the family in March 2025 when Gardner and Clendenin announced the sudden death of their youngest child. “He was 14 […]
“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.”
Courtesy of Brett and Jessica Gardner
Brett played all 14 seasons of his MLB career with the Yankees before retiring at the end of the 2021 season.
He and Jessica — who wed in 2007 — share an older son, Hunter.
The Yankees organization also released their own statement on March 23 after Miller’s death was revealed.
Courtesy of Brett and Jessica Gardner/New York Yankees/X
“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.”
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Yankees manager Aaron Boone, who managed Brett during the final four years of his MLB career, addressed Miller’s death in comments to reporters on March 23.
“We talk about being family all the time, and even though Brett’s been gone for a few years, that doesn’t stop,” Boone, 52, said, per the New York Post. “A lot of people in [the clubhouse] know that family intimately. It’s a very tough day and very tough news.”
Boone added, “As best we can, we’ll be praying for the Gardner family and where we can, offering support. That’s kind of the unimaginable that unfortunately that’s where we are with it. Very sad. Very tough.”
