Cause of death revealed for Brett Gardner’s 14-year-old son, Miller

Former MLB player Brett Gardner‘s 14-year-old son, Miller, died of carbon monoxide poisoning, according to Costa Rican officials. Officials said the toxicology results showed Miller had a carboxyhemoglobin saturation of 64 percent, well above the lethal threshold of 50 percent.

Randall Zúñiga, Costa Rica’s director of the Judicial Investigation Agency, said Miller likely came into contact with gas through a machine room that was situated next to where the Gardner family was staying during their vacation. He died in his sleep on March 21.

Authorities initially believed Miller may have died from food poisoning and asphyxiation. That was ruled out after an autopsy. Miller was the youngest child of Brett and Jessica Gardner, and the obituary said he was beloved by his family.

Brett Gardner and his wife Jessica pay tribute to Miller

“The void Miller’s passing leaves in the hearts of his family, friends, teammates, teachers, coaches and others will be felt for years,” the obituary reads, per NBC News. “The Gardner family will forever cherish the places they visited, the people they met, the friends they made, and the memories they created together.”

Shortly after Miller died, Brett and Jessica Gardner released a statement that was shared by Brett’s former team, the New York Yankees. “With heavy hearts we are saddened to announce the passing of our youngest son, Miller,” Brett and Jessica said. “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 questions and so few answers at this point, but we do know that he passed away peacefully in his sleep on the morning of Friday, March 21st.  Miller was a beloved son and brother and we cannot yet comprehend our life without his infectious smile. He loved football, baseball, golf, hunting, fishing, his family and his friends. He lived life to the fullest every single day.

Brett Gardner spent his entire 14-year MLB career with the Yankees (2008-2021). In his career, Gardner led the American League in stolen bases in 2011, was named to the All-Star team in 2015, won a Gold Glove in 2016 and helped the Yankees win the World Series in 2009.