Brett Gardner’s Son Miller Returned To Family As Investigation Into Tragic Death Continues

The body of 14-year-old Miller Gardner, son of retired Yankees outfielder Brett Gardner, has been released to his family following his sudden and still-unexplained death during a family vacation in Costa Rica.

Miller Gardner had been vacationing with his father, Brett Gardner, mother, Jessica Clendenin, and older brother, Hunter, 16, at the time of his death.

Costa Rica’s Judicial Investigations Police confirmed to The Post on Sunday that Miller’s remains were returned to his loved ones as authorities continue to search for answers surrounding the teen’s March 21 passing at the Arena Del Mar Beachfront and Rainforest Resort near Manuel Antonio National Park.

The family had reportedly experienced food poisoning the evening before Miller was discovered unresponsive in his bed.

According to local physician Dr. Kevin Gannon, who leads Manuel Antonio Urgent Care, emergency responders found the high school student “clinically dead” upon arrival, despite their efforts to administer advanced life support CPR.

“There was not much we could do,” Dr. Gannon told People, adding that the circumstances surrounding Miller’s death remained “confusing” and that his team was unable to verify a cause at the scene.

Brett Gardner first shared the devastating news via the New York Yankees’ official X account, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, on March 23. “So many questions and so few answers,” the 40-year-old former MLB star wrote in the heartfelt statement.

"With heavy hearts, we are saddened to announce the passing of our youngest son, Miller," the couple shared. "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."

Remembering their son, the couple wrote, "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."

"Please respect our wishes for privacy as we mourn and search for healing," the statement concluded.

In an emotional interview with People Magazine, former Yankees star Alex Rodriguez, who played alongside Gardner from 2008 to 2016, shared his thoughts on the tragedy that has deeply affected his longtime friend and former teammate.

"I'll tell you, from someone who has two daughters, I can't even begin to comprehend the feelings," Rodriguez said. "My thoughts and prayers go out to him, his wife, Jessica, and obviously his entire family."

"Brett was someone who entered our team as a very young player, feisty," the former MLB star added. "He was always like blue-collar, great work, fan favorite. He's just a great, great competitor and a better human being."

Initial reports from local authorities had cited asphyxiation due to “vomit in the mouth and nasal passages” as the likely cause. However, that has since been ruled out.

Another theory being explored is the possibility of an allergic reaction to medication taken to treat the suspected food poisoning.

However, Dr. Gannon noted such reactions to common gastrointestinal medications are “very, very rare.”

Following the announcement, the Yankees organization issued a detailed statement expressing their condolences:

"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 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."

Gardner dedicated all 14 seasons of his MLB career to the Yankees, playing from his debut in 2008 through his final season in 2021.