Watch: Yankees Alum Brett Gardner’s 14-Year-Old Son Dies on Family Vacation
The Yankees organization is standing by Brett Gardner during a difficult time.
Following the news that the former MLB star’s son Miller Gardner died at the age of 14, the team shared their condolences.
“Our hearts are heavy, and the Yankees family is filled with grief after learning of the passing of Miller Gardner,” the team—which Brett played on for 14 seasons—said in a statement. “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.”
“We grieve with Brett, Jessica, Hunter, and their community of family and friends in mourning the loss of Miller, who had a spark in his eyes, an outgoing and feisty personality, and a warm and loving nature,” the statement continued. “Our love for the Gardner family is unconditional and absolute, and we will offer our enduring support while understanding their desire for privacy at this time. May Miller rest in peace.”
Miller’s death was also mourned by Joe Girardi, who was Brett’s manager on the Yankees for 10 seasons. While commentating the Yankees Grapefruit League game against the Tampa Bay Rays with Michael Kay and David Cone, Joe reflected on his relationship with Brett’s family.
“You get to know their kids, and they get to know yours,” Joe said on March 23. “It hits hard. I am just devastated for Brett and Jessica.”
In addition, Yankees manager Aaron Boone also grieved the loss of Miller.
“We talk about being family all the time and even though Brett’s been gone for a few years, that doesn’t stop,” Aaron told reporters at the game via the New York Post in an interview March 23. “A lot of people in there [the clubhouse] that know that family intimately. It’s a very tough day and very tough news.”
Brett, 41, and his wife Jessica announced that Miller died on March 21, after getting sick while on vacation.
“With heavy hearts we are saddened to announce the passing of our youngest son, Miller,” they wrote in a statement the Yankees shared on X March 23. “He was 14 years old and has left us far too soon after falling ill along with several other family members while on vacation.”
The pair went on share that they are still seeking answers amid the tragedy.
“We have so many questions and so few answers at this point,” the statement continued. “But we do know that he passed away peacefully in his sleep on the morning of Friday, March 21st.”
Amid their grief, Brett and Jessica also extended their condolences to Miller’s friends and teammates who are also affected by his untimely passing.
“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,” Brett and Jessica added. “Please respect our wishes for privacy as we mourn and search for healing.”
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