In an utterly heartwrenching tragedy of the sort no parent wants to experience, former New York Yankees star Brett Gardner and his wife Jessica had do announce that their son Miller had passed away at just 14 years old. The Gardners were on vacation with Miller when he died on Friday, March 21, and they announced his passing on Sunday the 23rd.
The statement announcing Miller’s heartwrenching death was released through the Yankees, the team for whom Brett Gardner played as an outfielder for 14 seasons, retiring after the 2021 season, on X (formerly Twitter). In the statement, the Gardners stated that Miller got sick while on vacation with them and, while the rest of the family got sick but was able to beat the illness, he passed away from it.
Beginning the statement that was released on X on Sunday afternoon, the Garnders noted that Miller was their youngest son and fell ill while on vacation with the family, passing away in his sleep from the illness. They said, “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 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.”
Continuing, they commented on his hobbies and how he could brighten the room with his smile, saying, “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.”
Concluding, the family noted that their faith and personal relationships will help them get through the heartbreaking tragedy, saying, “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. 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. Please respect our wishes for privacy as we mourn and search for healing.”
The Yankees released a statement of their own about the tragedy, also on X. In it, the team began by saying, “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.”
Continuing, the team noted that though it was Brett who played for the team for years, his family grew up with it as well, so Miller felt like part of the organization. It said, “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.”
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The team then added, commenting on Miller’s wonderful personality and their grief over his passing, “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.”
Concluding, the team vowed to aid the family as it dealt with the tragedy and to respect the family’s desire for privacy. It said, “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.”
Featured image credit: the Yankees on X