Miller Gardner, the youngest son of former Yankees outfielder Brett Gardner, passed away on March 21 at just 14 years old. The heartbreaking news was shared by the family through a statement issued by the Yankees.

In their message, Brett and his wife Jessica explained that Miller had become sick 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 Gardners shared in their statement.

“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.”

Brett Gardner, a cornerstone of the Yankees organization for 14 seasons, last played in 2021 and has since focused on spending time with his family in South Carolina. In his time with the team, Gardner was a highly respected teammate and close to Aaron Judge, among others.

Yankees manager Aaron Boone, who worked with Gardner for four seasons, expressed his devastation upon hearing the news. “We’re heartbroken, Boone said Sunday at Steinbrenner Field. We talk about being family all the time and even though Brett’s been gone for a few years, that doesn’t stop. A lot of people in there [in the clubhouse] that know that family intimately. It’s a very tough day and very tough news.”

“As best we can, we’ll be praying for the Gardner family and, where we can, offering support. That’s kind of the unimaginable that unfortunately that’s where we are with it. Very sad. Very tough.”

Carlos Mendoza, current Mets manager and a former teammate of Gardner during their time in the minor leagues, also expressed his condolences during his postgame press conference on Sunday. Mendoza, who later coached Gardner on Boone’s staff, was visibly emotional as he spoke about the family.

“I had a really good relationship with [Gardner] and we’re thinking about him, Mendoza said, his voice breaking. The whole Mets organization is thinking about the Gardner family.”

“I got two boys, too, and they were pretty close.”

The Yankees organization also issued a heartfelt statement in support of the Gardners.

“Our hearts are heavy, and the Yankees family is filled with grief after learning of the passing of Miller Gardner,” the team wrote. “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 Yankees continued, saying, “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.”

As the baseball world — and countless fans across the country — join in mourning, prayers continue to pour in for the Gardners. In the face of an unthinkable loss, their faith and the support of loved ones will remain a vital source of strength in the difficult days ahead.