The sports world was struck with profound sorrow this weekend following the heartbreaking news that Miller Gardner, the 14-year-old son of former New York Yankees outfielder Brett Gardner, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, March 21st. The Gardner family announced the devastating loss on Sunday, sharing the news through the Yankees organization.
In a statement released by Brett and his wife, Jessica, they revealed that Miller had fallen ill while on vacation with several family members. Despite the uncertainty surrounding his illness, they confirmed that he passed away peacefully in his sleep.
“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,” the statement read. “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.”
As the family navigates this unimaginable tragedy, they expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support from friends, family, and well-wishers. “We are so thankful to all who have reached out to offer support and encouragement during this difficult time and we are confident our faith, family, and friends will help us navigate this unimaginable loss,” they wrote. “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 Gardner, who spent 14 years as a stalwart member of the Yankees, officially retired from baseball after the 2021 season and has since settled with his family in South Carolina. The tight-knit Yankees family, still mourning the loss of one of their own, reacted with deep sorrow.
Yankees manager Aaron Boone, who managed Gardner for four seasons, spoke emotionally about the loss. “We’re heartbroken,” Boone said. “We talk about being family all the time, and even though Brett’s been gone for a few years, that doesn’t stop. A lot of people in there [in the clubhouse] know that family intimately. It’s a very tough day and very tough news. As best we can, we’ll be praying for the Gardner family and, where we can, offering support. That’s kind of the unimaginable that unfortunately that’s where we are with it. Very sad. Very tough.”
The grief was felt beyond the Yankees organization, with New York Mets manager Carlos Mendoza—who had a personal connection with Gardner from their time together in the minor leagues and later as part of Boone’s coaching staff—offering his condolences as well. “I had a really good relationship with Brett, and we’re thinking about him,” Mendoza said, his voice breaking. “The whole Mets organization is thinking about the Gardner family.”
The Yankees, too, expressed their deep sorrow, with the team saying in a statement, “Our hearts are heavy, and the Yankees family is filled with grief after learning of the passing of Miller Gardner. 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.”
The team praised Miller’s vibrant personality and infectious spirit, saying, “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. 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.”
The untimely death of Miller Gardner has left an entire community in mourning, from the close-knit Yankees family to the many friends and fans who came to know and love the Gardners throughout Brett’s career. As the family processes this unspeakable loss, they are not alone in their grief, with countless people offering their prayers and support during this incredibly difficult time.
