Former Yankee outfielder Brett Gardner and his wife, Jessica Gardner, have shared that their 14-year-old son, Miller, died unexpectedly after a recent illness.
The couple confirmed the news of their youngest child’s death in a statement shared on the New York Yankees’ official X account 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,” Brett Gardner and Jessica Gardner wrote. “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 proud parents praised their late son.
“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,” they said.
Brett Gardner and Jessica Gardner thanked those who have reached out and supported them as they grieve Miller. They said they are leaning on their faith, family and friends as they “navigate this unimaginable loss.”
They also expressed their condolences to Miller’s teammates, friends and other families who have lost a child.
“Please respect our wishes for privacy as we mourn and search for healing,” they said, in closing.
The post included a photo of the 14-year-old smiling while wearing a camouflage hat and hoodie. In another family picture, he posed alongside his mom, dad and older brother, Hunter.
The Yankees released a statement about Miller’s death, as well.
“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,” the team said in a message posted on X. “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 team said they were grieving alongside the Gardner family. The organization complimented Miller for having “a spark in his eyes, an outgoing and feisty personality, and a warm and loving nature.”
The Yankees added that they will continue to offer support to the Gardner family, writing that their love for the retired baseball player, his wife and his children is “unconditional and absolute.”
“May Miller rest in peace,” they concluded.
Brett Gardner, 41, and Jessica Gardner have been married since 2007. He played all 14 seasons of his MLB career for the Yankees. He last played during the 2021 season.
