‘Questions’ remain as teenage son of baseball star dies after 'falling ill with other family members' on holiday

The family of a 14-year-old boy who died while on holiday said they had 'so many questions and so few answers'.

Miller Gardner, son of former US baseball star Brett Gardner, fell ill along with a number of other family members while away on holiday and he died, his family said.

Brett and his wife Jessica released a statement explaining that their son died in his sleep on the morning of 21 March, but at this point they didn't have all of the answers to their 'questions'.

They said: "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.

"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.

“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."

The family statement did not include information about what sort of illness the 14-year-old had been suffering from or where they had gone on holiday.

They also asked for 'privacy as we mourn and search for healing'.

Many messages of condolence were sent to the Gardner family, including from the New York Yankees, the baseball team Brett Gardner spent his entire athletic career playing for.

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

"Our hearts are heavy, and the Yankees family is filled with grief after learning of the passing of Miller Gardner," the baseball team said in its statement.

"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."

Many others shared their condolences to the family and said they'd be keeping them in their thoughts.