UPDATE - 18:40 (03/25/25):
More information has emerged on Tuesday (March 25) regarding the death of 14-year-old Miller Gardner.
As reported by CNN, Costa Rican authorities have confirmed that the family's vacation turned tragic when Miller died during a trip to the coastal town of Manuel Antonio.
The teenager and his family were staying at a local hotel when they all reportedly became sick, with food poisoning now suspected as the cause. The country’s Judicial Investigation Police (OIJ) confirmed the details, noting the illness likely stemmed from something the family had eaten.
Miller was discovered dead in his hotel room last Friday, according to OIJ spokesperson Marisel Rodríguez.
Initial findings pointed to “asphyxiation due to intoxication related to food poisoning” as a possible cause of death. However, forensic experts with OIJ later ruled out asphyxiation after determining there was no blockage in the boy’s airways.
In an email to the New York Post, officials from Costa Rica’s Judicial Investigation Police said: “Therefore, various samples were sent to the [agency’s] Forensic Science laboratories for three analyses: histology, toxicology and neuropathology.
"A study was also requested from the Costa Rican Institute for Research and Teaching in Nutrition and Health at the University of Costa Rica.
“The results are expected to be available in two to three months due to the high demand for autopsies being performed in the country due to the increase in homicides.”
ORIGINAL:
New information is emerging about the sudden and tragic death of Miller Gardner, the 14-year-old son of former New York Yankees outfielder Brett Gardner.
The teen passed away during a family vacation, and while the family has already shared the devastating news, fresh details now shed light on what may have caused his death, where the tragedy took place, and the status of the ongoing investigation.
“We Have So Many Questions”
The Gardners had earlier shared their grief in a statement issued through the Yankees organization, saying: “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.”
“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 statement continued.
Miller, the couple said, was “a beloved son and brother.”
“We cannot yet comprehend our life without his infectious smile,” the statement added. “He loved football, baseball, golf, hunting, fishing, his family and his friends. He lived life to the fullest every single day.”
The family also expressed their appreciation for the outpouring of support: “We are so thankful to all who have reached out to offer support and encouragement during this difficult time… 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.”
“Please respect our wishes for privacy as we mourn and search for healing.”
Family Was Vacationing in Costa Rica
Though Brett and Jessica Gardner didn’t initially disclose the vacation location in their public statement, officials have since confirmed the family was at a resort in Costa Rica when Miller became ill.
Multiple members of the family reportedly became sick during the trip.
A spokesperson for the U.S. Embassy in Costa Rica confirmed Miller’s death to Inside Edition and noted that Costa Rican authorities are now working with the Gardners to repatriate the teen’s body to the United States.
The U.S. State Department is also involved, stating to the New York Post that they are “closely monitoring local authorities’ efforts” as the investigation continues.
Reported Cause of Death Revealed by Costa Rican Officials
According to Juan Pablo Alvarado Garcia of Costa Rica’s Judicial Investigative Agency, Miller appears to have died by asphyxiation* “after a possible intoxication after apparently ingesting some food.”
The statement was given to NBC News on Monday, March 24, with the outlet stressing that the "cause of death is preliminary".
Garcia also confirmed that toxicology testing and an official autopsy are underway.
*As reported above, forensic experts with OIJ have ruled out asphyxiation after determining there was no blockage in the boy’s airways.
The results could take two to three months, he said.
Girlfriend Shares Heartbreaking Tribute
Among those mourning Miller is his girlfriend, Zoe Williams, who posted an emotional tribute to him on TikTok. The post included a montage of photos and videos of their time together, set to the song 'Scott Street' by Phoebe Bridgers.
“I am so so crushed and I never imagine this could happen,” Zoe wrote, via The Post. “I just wish I could’ve said goodbye or talked to you or even given you a hug for one last time. I love you more than anything and I’ll never be able to get over your loss.”
She added, “I am so glad that I got to experience love with you even though we were too young to make it last. I’ll never trade the time we had. You made me feel so special and I’ll never forget that. I will forever remember you until I die.”
The couple frequently posted videos wearing matching clothes, including sushi-themed snuggies and “I heart my girlfriend/boyfriend” t-shirts.
Yankees, Fans, and Baseball Community Pay Tribute
The New York Yankees released an emotional statement in support of the Gardner family, saying: “Our hearts are heavy, and the Yankees family 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.”
“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.”
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“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 team said their “love for the Gardner family is unconditional and absolute,” and vowed to support them while honoring their request for privacy.
Fans have also flooded social media with messages of support. One wrote, “Today everyone in the baseball community is a Brett Gardner family fan, can't even imagine the pain of losing a child. Condolences.”
Another added, “Words can’t describe how terrible this is. Life is so fragile… thoughts are with the Gardner family through this difficult time.”
Our thoughts continue to go out to Miller's family and loved ones at this time.