Suspected cause of death for former Yankees player’s son in Costa Rica revealed

(NEXSTAR) – Officials in Costa Rica have reportedly suggested that Miller Gardner, the 14-year-old son of former Yankees outfielder Brett Gardner, died of “food intoxication” during the family’s recent trip to the country.

On Monday, an official with Costa Rica’s Judicial Investigation Agency said investigators suspect the teen died of asphyxiation, which was possibly a reaction to something he had eaten earlier, ABC News and NBC News reported. His family had previously indicated that Miller died “peacefully” in his sleep.

A representative for the Costa Rican agency did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Brett Gardner and wife Jessica Gardner had said in their initial statement that “several other family members” on the trip had also become sick along with Miller, but did not provide details of their illnesses.

“We have so many questions and so few answers at this point,” the Gardners had said.

“Miller was a beloved son and brother and we cannot yet comprehend our life without his infectious smile,” Jessica and Brett Gardner said in the release. “He loved football, baseball, golf, hunting, fishing, his family and his friends. He lived life to the fullest every single day.”

The Gardners, who share another son, Hunter, asked for privacy as they “mourn and search for healing,” and did not provide any additional details.

In a separate statement, the team wrote that “the Yankees family is filled with grief after learning of the passing of Miller Gardner.”

Brett Gardner, a native of South Carolina who attended the College of Charleston, was drafted by the Yankees in 2008. He spent all of his major league career with New York, playing in the 2009 World Series that the team would secure and earning a Gold Glove in 2016.

Miller Gardner had been playing football in South Carolina, ESPN reports, and wore No. 11, the same number worn by his father while he played for the Yankees. Miller also played as an outfielder and pitcher on the baseball diamond, according to The Athletic.

Gardner last played with the Yankees in 2021.