In opening statements of a wrongful death civil trial, the family of Tyler Skaggs accused the Los Angeles Angels of responsibility for the pitcher’s 2019 drug overdose death, while the team denied any culpability. The trial, which began on October 14, 2025, in Santa Ana, California, centers on whether the Angels failed to prevent the tragedy by ignoring signs of drug use within the organization.
Shawn Holley, the attorney for Skaggs’ family, argued that the Angels were aware of communication director Eric Kay’s long-standing opioid addiction and his role in providing drugs to players, including Skaggs. She detailed instances where Kay showed up to work high, was seen snorting drugs in the clubhouse, and underwent rehabilitation, yet the team allowed him to continue working and accompanying the team on trips. Holley claimed that the Angels’ failure to enforce their own drug policies directly led to Skaggs’ death, describing it as a preventable tragedy.
In contrast, Todd Theodora, the Angels’ attorney, contended that the team was unaware of Skaggs’ drug use or Kay’s activities, and that Skaggs made a reckless decision by mixing alcohol with illicit drugs. Theodora presented evidence from the autopsy, showing high levels of oxycodone, fentanyl, and alcohol in Skaggs’ system, and argued that the player alone was responsible for obtaining and consuming the substances. He emphasized that the Angels wished Skaggs had sought help for his struggles.
Skaggs, a 27-year-old left-handed pitcher, was found dead in his hotel room in Texas on July 1, 2019, during a team road trip. A coroner’s report confirmed he died from choking on his vomit due to a toxic mix of alcohol, fentanyl, and oxycodone. Kay was convicted in 2022 of providing the fentanyl-laced pill and sentenced to 22 years in prison, with testimony revealing he supplied drugs to multiple Angels players over several years.
The lawsuit, filed by Skaggs’ wife Carli and his parents in 2021, seeks $118 million in damages for lost earnings, family suffering, and punitive measures against the Angels. The trial is expected to last six weeks and may include testimony from current and former players, such as Mike Trout and Wade Miley, as well as team officials like former public relations head Tim Mead.
The case highlights broader issues in professional sports, including drug use among athletes and organizational responsibility. Following Skaggs’ death, MLB implemented opioid testing and treatment programs, underscoring the impact of this incident on league policies. The outcome of this trial could set precedents for how teams are held accountable for player welfare.
As the trial continues, jurors will weigh conflicting narratives to determine liability in a case that has drawn significant attention for its implications on sports and safety standards.