Yankees great Brett Gardner announces death of 14-year-old son Miller in heartbreaking message

Former New York Yankees outfielder Brett Gardner and his wife Jessica announced Sunday that their youngest son Miller passed away. He was 14.

Gardner and his wife shared an emotional message distributed by the Yankees, revealing that Miller fell ill “along with several other family members while on vacation.”

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

“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,” the statement read. “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.”

Yankees mourn loss of Brett Gardner’s son

Gardner, 41, spent the entirety of his 14-year MLB career with the Yankees. A 2009 World Series champion, Gardner made his first and only American League All-Star team in 2015 and was a Gold Glove Award recipient in 2016.

“Our hearts are heavy, and the Yankees family is filled with grief after learning of the passing of Miller Gardner,” the team 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 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. 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.”