With deep sorrow, we share the heartbreaking news of the passing of our youngest son, Miller. At just 14 years old, he left us far too soon after falling ill, along with several family members, while on vacation. We are overwhelmed with questions and have few answers, but we take solace in knowing that he passed away peacefully in his sleep on the morning of Friday, March 21st,” Brett and Jessica Gardner said in a statement released by the Yankees.
“Miller was a cherished son and brother, and we cannot begin to imagine life without his infectious smile. He had a deep love for football, baseball, golf, hunting, fishing, and, most of all, his family and friends. Every day, he embraced life to the fullest.”
The Yankees expressed their profound grief upon learning of Miller Gardner’s passing.
“There are no words that can truly capture the pain of such an unimaginable loss. Brett wasn’t the only one who spent years growing within this organization—his wife, Jessica, and their sons, Hunter and Miller, were just as much a part of our family. We mourn alongside Brett, Jessica, Hunter, and their loved ones as they grieve Miller, who had an infectious spark, a spirited and outgoing personality, and a warm, loving heart. Our support for the Gardner family is unwavering, and we respect their need for privacy during this difficult time. May Miller rest in peace,” the team said.
Last fall, Miller was featured in a football highlight for his South Carolina school, catching a pass and running it in for a touchdown while wearing No. 11—the same number his father wore during his Yankees career.
Brett Gardner played 14 seasons in the major leagues, all with the Yankees, and was a key part of the 2009 championship team. He retired after the 2021 season.
During his time with the Yankees, Gardner was a respected teammate and shared a close bond with players like Aaron Judge.
“We’re devastated,” Yankees manager Aaron Boone said Sunday. “We always talk about being a family, and even though Brett has been retired for a few years, that bond never fades.”