BREAKING: A civil trial has commenced in Santa Ana, California, where the Los Angeles Angels are facing allegations of responsibility for the fatal overdose of pitcher Tyler Skaggs. The trial, initiated by Skaggs’ family, claims the team ignored internal drug policies, allowing an addicted employee access to players, which contributed to the tragic death of the 27-year-old in 2019.
In powerful opening statements delivered on October 3, 2023, attorney Shawn Holley argued that the Angels knowingly kept Eric Kay, their communication director convicted of providing the fentanyl-laced pill that killed Skaggs, on staff despite his drug issues. Holley stated, “They buried their heads in the sand over and over again, and as a result Tyler Skaggs is dead.”
The family is seeking $118 million in damages, citing lost earnings and emotional suffering. Holley claims Kay was not only addicted but was also supplying drugs to other players, creating a dangerous environment within the team. “Eric regularly supplied the drugs they needed to perform and they trusted him,” Holley noted.
The trial centers around Skaggs’ death during a team trip to Texas, where he was found unresponsive in his hotel room. A coroner’s report revealed a toxic mix of alcohol, fentanyl, and oxycodone in his system. Kay was sentenced to 22 years in federal prison for his role in Skaggs’ death after a conviction in 2022.
Lawyers for the Angels are expected to argue that Skaggs was off-duty and that his actions, including drug use in his hotel room, were beyond the team’s control. They also plan to highlight the autopsy findings, which showed Skaggs had consumed alcohol and was not adhering to prescribed medication usage.
This case comes at a time when the United States grapples with a surge in overdose deaths, particularly among young adults. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, overdose fatalities have become the leading cause of death for individuals aged 18-44.
The trial, which could span several weeks, may feature testimony from prominent players including Mike Trout and former pitcher Wade Miley. As this case unfolds, it raises critical questions about accountability in professional sports and the ongoing opioid crisis impacting thousands across the nation.
Stay tuned for more updates as the trial progresses and more emotional testimony is expected from Skaggs’ family members and former teammates.
