Gardner and his wife Jessica were vacationing in Costa Rica with their sons, Miller and Hunter, when tragedy struck.

Miller Gardner died unexpectedly in his sleep on the morning of Friday, March 21.

In a heartfelt message to People Magazine, the former Yankees star opened up about the tragedy that has shaken 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.”

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Rodriguez, who played alongside Gardner from 2008 to 2016, spoke fondly of the outfielder’s character both on and off the field:

“Brett was someone who entered our team as a very young player, feisty. He was always like blue-collar, great work, fan favorite. He’s just a great, great competitor and a better human being.”

“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.”

Dr. Kevin Gannon, who helps oversee both Manuel Antonio Urgent Care and Quepos Urgent Care in Costa Rica, has confirmed to People that his team responded to the emergency involving 14-year-old Miller Gardner at Arenas Del Mar Beachfront & Rainforest Resort, where the Gardner family was staying during their vacation.

“There was not much we could do for him,” Gannon said, adding that Miller was already non-responsive by the time medical personnel arrived. CPR efforts continued for over 30 minutes.

“He was clinically dead when we arrived,” Gannon confirmed. “We responded to a patient without vital signs, and he had no vital signs when we arrived.”

He also clarified that Miller had not received prior treatment at either of the clinics he helps oversee. “We do not have records of him at all.”

While the precise cause of death remains undetermined, Gannon noted that Miller and his family had been experiencing “gastrointestinal symptoms” during their stay.

Though he did not go into specifics, the American College of Gastroenterology identifies common GI issues as including heartburn, indigestion, bloating, and constipation.

After the news broke, the Yankees organization released a lengthy statement, sharing 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,” the team said in their statement, per ESPN. “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 spent his entire 14-season MLB career with the Yankees, from his 2008 debut until his final season in 2021.

Rodriguez, who retired in 2016, reflected on the enduring bond they built during their years in the Bronx, a connection now underscored by a shared grief no parent ever wants to face.