Alex Rodriguez shared his emotional reaction to the death of Miller Gardner, the 14-year-old son of his former New York Yankees teammate, Brett Gardner.
“I’ll tell you, from someone who has two daughters, I can’t even begin to comprehend the feelings,” Rodriguez, 49, told People in a story published Thursday, March 27.
Rodriguez shares daughters Natasha, 10, and Ella, 6, with his ex wife, Cynthia Scurtis.
“My thoughts and prayers go out to him, his wife, Jessica, and obviously his entire family,” he added.
Rodriguez played with Gardner, 41, in New York from 2008 to 2016, the 14-time All-Star’s final MLB season.
Gardner was remembered as a “feisty” player by his former Bronx Bomber teammate.
“He was always like blue collar, great work, fan favorite,” Rodriguez said. “He’s just a great, great competitor and a better human being.”
Gardner was vacationing in Costa Rica with his wife, Jessica Gardner, and their sons, Miller and Hunter, when the entire family became ill on Thursday, March 20. All of the family members were administered medication by a doctor at their resort.
The following morning, Miller was found dead in his hotel room at the Arenas Del Mar Beachfront & Rainforest Resort in the tourist region of Manuel Antonio.
Miller’s passing was announced by his parents via a statement by the Yankees on Sunday, March 21.
“With heavy hearts we are saddened to announce the passing of our youngest son, Miller,” the statement read. “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 statement continued, “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.”
The Yankees organization also released a statement addressing Miller’s death on Sunday.
Related: Brett Gardner’s Son Miller Was Following In His Footsteps Before His Death
Before his sudden passing on Friday, March 21, 14-year-old Miller Gardner was staring at a bright athletic future. Miller, son of former New York Yankees star Brett Gardner, died while on a family vacation in Costa Rica last week. His preliminary cause of death was ruled as asphyxia “after a possible intoxication after apparently ingesting […]
“Words feel insignificant and insufficient in trying to describe such an unimaginable loss,” the team’s statement said. “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.”
The Yankees’ statement continued, “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.”
Miller’s cause of death remains unknown, but authorities have ruled out asphyxiation, which was listed as the preliminary cause of death.
Autopsy and toxicology results are expected to take at least two or three months due to an outbreak of gang violence in Costa Rica.
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