Asphyxiation has been ruled out as the cause of death for Miller Gardner, the 14-year-old son of New York Yankees player Brett Gardner and his wife Jessica Gardner, Costa Rican officials confirmed to PEOPLE.
Although it was previously reported that the teenage son of the New York Yankees player, 41, had died by asphyxiation “after a possible intoxication after apparently ingesting some food,” officials are now saying that this is not the case.
According to Juan Pablo Alvarado Garcia, an official with Costa Rica’s Judicial Investigation Agency, after meeting with a doctor from the Forensic Pathology Section of the Judicial Investigation Agency, the previous cause of death by asphyxiation in Miller’s case has been ruled out.
“The preliminary ruling ruled out asphyxiation as the cause of death. No macro-level abnormalities were observed in the respiratory tract upon inspection of the body,” Garcia said.
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Brett Gardner. Rob Leiter/MLB Photos via Getty
Samples have been sent to histology, toxicology and neuropathology labs for further testing, and results are expected in two to three months. The case is still being handled as a death under investigation.
The teen son of the MLB player died during a family trip to Costa Rica on Friday, March 21.
Earlier this week, on Monday, March 24, Garcia told NBC Miller’s cause of death was asphyxiation “after a possible intoxication after apparently ingesting some food,” NBC News reported.
Brett Gardner (left) and son Miller (right). Mike Stobe/Getty; New York Yankees/X
According to Garcia, results for Miller’s toxicology test and official autopsy could take two to three months.
On Sunday, March 23, the MLB team shared news of Miller’s death in a statement via X on behalf of his mother and father.
Gardner family. New York Yankees/ X
“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 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,” the post read.
His parents remembered Miller as “a beloved son and brother,” known for “his infectious smile.”
“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 added, asking for privacy as they grieve.
Included in the post were two photos — one of Miller alone smiling in camo gear and another which showed a family portrait.
New York Yankee Brett Gardner, his wife Jessica and sons Miller and Hunter attend the CCandy Children’s Clothing Line Launch on August 8, 2013 in New York City. JP Yim/Getty
In addition to Miller, Brett and Jessica are also parents to son Hunter Gardner.
After Brett’s 2021 season with the Yankees, the pro athlete told reporters that he eventually wanted to focus his time on his family.
“This game has been great to me and great to my family,” he said, per Post and Courier. “But the longer you play and the older your kids get, the harder it gets and the more things I miss out on — not being able to see them back home doing their thing.”
Additional reporting byIngrid Vasquez
