The death of the 14-year-old son of former New York Yankees outfielder Brett Gardner is now being linked to food poisoning, according to the New York Post.
Initial reports suggested asphyxiation might have been the cause of Miller Gardner’s death, but authorities ruled out that possibility on Tuesday, per the Post. Costa Rica’s Judicial Investigation Police performed an examination on Miller’s body and determined that his airways were not obstructed.
Miller died Friday while on a family trip in Costa Rica. Brett and his wife, Jessica, released a statement through the Yankees on Sunday, confirming the news.
Authorities cautioned that it could be months before they know Miller’s official cause of death. An autopsy and toxicology report are expected to be completed in the coming months.
In their statement Sunday, the Gardners said Miller fell ill “along with several other family members” while on vacation. The family said he died peacefully in his sleep and asked for privacy as they mourn Miller’s death.
The Yankees put out a separate statement Sunday, calling Miller’s death “unimaginable.”
“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.”
Brett Gardner spent his entire 14-year career in MLB with the Yankees.
