Asphyxiation Ruled Out In Death Of Ex-NY Yankees Player's Son: Report

NEW YORK CITY — Authorities have ruled out asphyxiation as the cause of death for the 14-year-old son of former New York Yankees player Brett Gardner, who died last week while vacationing with family in Costa Rica, according to his family and a report.

In a statement sent to ABC News, Costa Rican police said Miller Gardner didn't die from asphyxiation because his respiratory tract was clear. Authorities previously told ABC News they suspected he died from possible asphyxiation from "food intoxication," or a reaction to the food he consumed.

A final autopsy report has not been released and it's unknown what Gardner may have eaten that made him ill. More tests are being done to determine his official cause of death.

Gardner's family confirmed the teen's death in a statement released Sunday. In the statement, Brett and Jessica Gardner said their son died in his sleep Friday morning after he and several other family members became ill.

"Miller was a beloved son and brother and we cannot yet comprehend our life without his infectious smile," his family wrote. "He loved football, baseball, golf, hunting, fishing, his family and his friends. He lived life to the fullest every single day."

Statement from Brett and Jessica Gardner:

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
— New York Yankees (@Yankees) March 23, 2025

The Gardners went on to say they have "so many questions and so few answers at this point."

"Our prayers go out to Miller's teammates and friends, as well as to all other families who have lost a child far too soon as we share their grief," the family wrote.

The Yankees also released a statement following Gardner's death, saying the organization was “filled with grief.”

“Words feel insignificant and insufficient in trying to describe such an unimaginable loss,” the team said in its statement. “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, 41, was drafted by the Yankees in 2005 and spent his entire big league career with the organization, according to The Associated Press. The outfielder batted .256 with 139 homers, 578 RBIs, 274 steals and 73 triples in 14 seasons from 2008 until 2021.