Skaggs Death Trial

A lawyer for the family of late pitcher Tyler Skaggs argues that the Los Angeles Angels’ failure to investigate reports of drug use and dealing by the team’s communications director led to the overdose death of the 27-year-old player. An Angels’ attorney, however, says it was Skaggs who was pushing drug addicted employee Eric Kay to provide him with pills. The long-running civil trial in Southern California is over whether the team should be held responsible for Skaggs' death. It has included testimony from Angels outfielder Mike Trout and the team’s president, John Carpino.

The Los Angeles Angels have settled a lawsuit over the drug overdose death of pitcher Tyler Skaggs. The decision to settle was reached Friday after a two-month civil trial in Southern California. Authorities say Skaggs died in 2019 after snorting a fentanyl-laced pill provided by the team’s communications director, Eric Kay. Skaggs’ relatives filed a lawsuit alleging the MLB team knew or should have known Kay was a drug addict and dealing painkillers to players. The team said officials didn’t know Skaggs was taking drugs and would have sought him help if they did. The Skaggs family says the confidential settlement closes a painful process.