Officials have released their preliminary report on the death of the son of former New York Yankees star Brett Gardner.
Miller Gardner was only 14 years old when he was found dead on March 21.
He was on vacation in Costa Rica with his family, fell ill and died in his sleep.
Miller Gardner was found in a hotel room at the Manuel Antonio resort on the Pacific Coast. His parents said he died peacefully in his sleep.
Update 2:55 p.m. ET March 25: Asphyxiation has now been ruled out as a cause of Miller Gardner’s death. The forensic medicine division of the Costa Rican Judicial Investigation Police said nothing was obstructing the teen’s airways.
Initially, investigators said that asphyxia was being considered because vomit was found near Miller Gardner’s body.
Officials are still awaiting toxicology tests to see if food poisoning was the cause of death.
Original report: Officials said that he died of possible food intoxication and that he may have asphyxiated from the reaction to the food.
A final autopsy report has not yet been released. Neither has what Miller Gardner may have eaten or drunk before he died.
Officials are still awaiting an autopsy and toxicology results.
Miller’s parents, in a statement, said others with whom they were traveling also became ill at the same time as their son.
Statement from Brett and Jessica Gardner:
— New York Yankees (@Yankees) March 23, 2025
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. We have so many… pic.twitter.com/lBCBVmKGUe
The U.S. Department of State released a statement confirming Miller Gardner’s death.
“We can confirm the death of a U.S. citizen in Costa Rica on March 21,” a spokesperson said. “We are closely monitoring local authorities' investigation into the cause of death. Out of respect for the privacy of the family and loved ones during this difficult time, we have no further comment at this time.”
Brett Gardner was an outfielder with the Yankees for 14 seasons.
© 2025 Cox Media Group