Just a day after a former professional baseball player and his wife revealed the heartbreaking loss of their 14-year-old son, Miller, authorities in Costa Rica—where the family was reportedly vacationing—released initial findings on his cause of death.

According to Costa Rica’s Judicial Investigation Agency, Miller’s death is preliminarily linked to suffocation, possibly triggered by ingesting a toxic substance. “It appears the cause could be asphyxia following potential intoxication, likely from something he ate,” a spokesperson from the agency said in a March 24 statement, translated from Spanish. “This is still an active investigation pending autopsy results and toxicology analysis to pinpoint the exact cause.” Those results could take two to three months, the agency added.

The former athlete, who also has a 16-year-old son, Hunter, with his wife, broke the news of Miller’s passing on March 23, noting that the teen “passed peacefully in his sleep.”

Family Mourns Miller’s Death
“With heavy hearts, we share the devastating news of our youngest son Miller’s passing,” the family wrote in a statement shared publicly. “He was only 14 and left us far too soon after he and several family members fell ill while on vacation.”

They continued, “We’re left with more questions than answers right now, but we know he slipped away peacefully in his sleep on the morning of March 21st.”

Alongside the announcement, the couple honored Miller’s memory. “He was a cherished son and brother, and it’s hard to imagine life without his bright, contagious smile,” they said. “Miller loved football, baseball, golf, hunting, fishing, his family, and his friends—he lived every day to the fullest.”

The couple also expressed gratitude for the support during this “challenging time,” adding, “We trust our faith, family, and friends will guide us through this unbearable loss.”

Here’s what we know about Miller’s life and untimely death.

Miller’s Life in South Carolina
Raised in South Carolina, Miller and his older brother Hunter grew up largely out of the spotlight, despite their dad’s 17-year career in professional baseball. The couple, who married in 2007, kept their family life private but occasionally brought the boys out for events, like a children’s clothing line launch in New York in 2013.

A Teen Who Lived Big
Miller’s family described him as a kid with an “infectious smile” who embraced every moment. A statement from his father’s former team in March 2025 highlighted his “outgoing and feisty personality.” Whether it was football, baseball, golf, fishing, or hunting, Miller poured himself into what he loved.

In a social media post from earlier this year, he shared football field photos with the caption “Miss it,” showing his passion for the game.

Following in His Father’s Footsteps
Like his dad, Miller had a knack for athletics. Beyond baseball, he branched out into football, golf, and outdoor hobbies like hunting and fishing. He was carving his own path while carrying that same spark his dad brought to the field.

Miller’s Mark on His Father’s Team
The team, where his father played from 2008 to 2021, remembered Miller in a March 2025 tribute for his “spark in his eyes” and “warm, loving nature.” “He wasn’t the only one who grew up with this organization—so did his wife and their boys,” the team noted, underscoring the family’s deep ties.

A Family Searching for Answers
In their statement, the family shared that Miller fell ill along with other family members during their trip, passing away peacefully on March 21. “We can’t yet fathom life without him,” they wrote, emphasizing the shock and uncertainty surrounding his death.

Costa Rican Authorities Weigh In
On March 24, Costa Rican officials provided a preliminary update, suggesting Miller may have suffocated after consuming something toxic. The investigation remains open, with autopsy and toxicology results still pending to confirm the cause.

Vacation Context from the U.S. Embassy
The U.S. Embassy in Costa Rica confirmed that the family was in the country for a spring break getaway when Miller passed. The embassy is also coordinating with the family to arrange the return of his body to the U.S.