Former New York Yankees player Brett Gardner and his wife, Jessica Gardner, have announced the devastating loss of their 14-year-old son, Miller, who passed away unexpectedly after falling ill during a family vacation.
The couple shared the heartbreaking news in a statement released through the New York Yankees’ official X account on Sunday, revealing that Miller “passed away peacefully in his sleep” on Friday morning. “He was 14 years old and has left us far too soon after falling ill along with several other family members while on vacation,” they wrote. “We have so many questions and so few answers at this point.”
Former Yankees Player Brett Gardner and Wife Jessica Mourn Tragic Death of 14-Year-Old Son Miller
In their statement, Brett and Jessica described Miller as a “beloved son and brother” whose “infectious smile” they cannot yet comprehend living without. “He loved football, baseball, golf, hunting, fishing, his family and his friends,” they shared. “He lived life to the fullest every single day.”
The Gardners expressed their gratitude for the outpouring of “support and encouragement” during this incredibly difficult time and requested privacy as they navigate their profound grief.
The New York Yankees organization also released a statement, expressing their deep sorrow and offering their condolences to the Gardner family. “Our hearts are heavy and we are filled with grief,” the team wrote. “Words feel insignificant and insufficient in trying to describe such an unimaginable loss.”
The Yankees emphasized the deep connection between the Gardner family and the organization, noting that “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.”
Brett Gardner, who played for the Yankees for 14 seasons from 2008 to 2021 and was a key member of their 2009 World Series-winning team, stepped away from professional baseball in 2021. 1 The tragic loss of their son has deeply affected the Yankees organization and the wider baseball community, who are offering their support to the Gardner family during this time of immense grief.
