Ex-Yankee Brett Gardner's son Miller dies during family vacation

TAMPA, Fla. — The 14-year-old son of popular former Yankees outfielder Brett Gardner died on Friday after falling ill on a family vacation, the team announced on Sunday.

Miller Gardner got sick “along with several other family members while on vacation,” according to a statement attributed to Brett and Jessica Gardner that was released by the Yankees. “We have so many questions and so few answers at this point, but we do know that he passed away peacefully in his sleep.”

Brett Gardner, 41, played his entire 14-year career with the Yankees from 2008-21.

“Miller was a beloved son and brother and we cannot yet comprehend our life without his infectious smile,” Brett and Jessica Gardner said in the statement. "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.”

A statement released by the Yankees said, in part, “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.

“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.”

Brett Gardner — or “Gardy,” as he was known to Yankees fans — was a fixture in the outfield and a leader in the clubhouse. He was a member of the 2009 World Series-winning club and was named to the American League All-Star team in 2015.

An emotional Aaron Boone, who managed Gardner from 2018-21, said he had not yet spoken to his former player.

“What can you say?” Boone said. “We're heartbroken. We talk about being family all the time, and even though Brett's been gone for a few years, that doesn't stop. Just a lot of people in there that know that family intimately. It's really, obviously, a very tough day, very tough news. Just as best we can, we'll be praying for the Gardner family and trying where we can to offer support. That's kind of the unimaginable. Just very sad. Just very tough.”

Mets manager Carlos Mendoza, who played with Gardner in the minors and coached him with the Yankees, opened his postgame news conference on Sunday by sending his "thoughts and prayers to Jessica and Brett Gardner on the loss of their son. Obviously, I have a really good relationship with him. We’re thinking about him. The whole Mets organization is thinking about the Gardner family."

With Tim Healey in Port St. Lucie, Florida

By Anthony Rieber

anthony.rieber@newsday.comAnthonyRieber

Anthony Rieber covers baseball, as well as the NFL, NBA and NHL. He has worked at Newsday since Aug. 31, 1998, and has been in his current position since July 5, 2004.