Miller Gardner, son of former Yankees outfielder Brett Gardner, dies at 14
TAMPA, Fla. — Miller Gardner, the 14-year-old son of former New York Yankees outfielder Brett Gardner, died Friday morning, the team announced on Sunday afternoon. Brett and his wife, Jessica, said in a statement that Miller got sick, along with several other family members while on vacation, and died peacefully in his sleep.
“Miller was a beloved son and brother and we cannot yet comprehend our life without his infectious smile,” the Gardners said. “He loved football, baseball, golf, hunting, fishing, his family and his friends. He lived life to the fullest every single day.
“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.”
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
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
The Yankees drafted Brett Gardner, who would spend the entirety of his 17-year career with the organization, in the third round out of the College of Charleston in 2005. The Yankees said in the statement the organization is “filled with grief” after learning of Miller’s death.
“Words feel insignificant and insufficient in trying to describe such an unimaginable loss,” the Yankees 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. 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.”
Miller wore No. 11 like his father and was a wide receiver and defensive back for his high school, Pinewood Prep, in Summerville, S.C. On the baseball diamond, Miller was an outfielder and pitcher.
Brett Gardner played 14 seasons with the Yankees and was a beloved member of the 2009 championship team. He retired from MLB after the 2021 season.
“I have not talked to Brett yet. I saw our press release, Brett’s and Jessica’s. We’re heartbroken,” Aaron Boone, who was the Yankees’ manager over the last four years of Brett Gardner’s career. “We talk about being a family all of the time. Brett’s been gone for a few years but that doesn’t stop. A lot of people in there know that family intimately. It’s been a really tough day and tough news. As best we can, we’ll be praying for the Gardner family and trying to, where we can, offer support. That’s kind of the unimaginable. That’s where we are with it. Just very sad and very tough.”
New York Mets manager Carlos Mendoza, who spent time with Gardner in the Yankees organization, opened his postgame availability at the Mets’ spring training complex by saying, “I’d like to start by sending thoughts and prayers to Jessica and Brett Gardner on the loss of their son. Obviously I had a really good relationship with him. The entire Mets organization is thinking about the Gardner family.”
“I played with him in the minor leagues back in 2006, 2007,” Mendoza added. “I watched him his whole career. I had the opportunity to coach him in the big leagues. And I got two boys too, and they were pretty close.”
(Top photo of (l-r) Hunter, Jessica, Miller and Brett Gardner: Courtesy of @Yankees on X)
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