Angels Employee Drug Scandal: Unpacking the Skaggs Wrongful Death Case

The tragic death of Los Angeles Angels pitcher Tyler Skaggs in 2019 sent shockwaves through Major League Baseball (MLB) and brought the opioid crisis into sharp focus. Skaggs, 27, was found dead in his hotel room with a toxic mix of fentanyl, oxycodone, and alcohol in his system. His death was later linked to Eric Kay, the Angels’ communications director, who provided Skaggs with counterfeit oxycodone pills laced with fentanyl. This case has ignited discussions about team responsibility, drug policies in professional sports, and the devastating consequences of opioid addiction, leading to a high-profile wrongful death lawsuit.

The Fateful Road Trip and a Life Cut Short

On July 1, 2019, Tyler Skaggs was found unresponsive in his hotel room in Southlake, Texas, where the Angels were scheduled to play a series against the Texas Rangers. An autopsy revealed that Skaggs had died of asphyxia after aspirating his own vomit while under the influence of fentanyl, oxycodone, and alcohol. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) determined that fentanyl, a synthetic opioid 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine, was the primary cause of death.

Skaggs’ death prompted immediate grief and a search for answers. Investigators discovered pills in his hotel room, including a 30 mg oxycodone pill, additional 5 mg oxycodone pills, anti-inflammatories, and white powder. Text messages revealed that Skaggs had asked Eric Kay for painkillers the night before his death.

Eric Kay’s Role and the Criminal Trial

Eric Kay, who had worked for the Angels since 1996, became the central figure in the investigation. In October 2020, Kay was indicted on charges relating to Skaggs’ death, admitting to providing opiates to various members of the Angels, including Skaggs.

During the trial, several of Skaggs’ teammates testified that Kay had provided them with oxycodone pills. Matt Harvey testified that he had provided Skaggs with Percocet pills on several occasions.

In February 2022, Kay was found guilty on two counts: distribution of controlled substances resulting in death and conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances. He was sentenced to 22 years in prison.

The Wrongful Death Lawsuit: Seeking Accountability

Following Kay’s conviction, the Skaggs family filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the Angels, alleging the team knew, or should have known, that Kay was supplying drugs to Skaggs and other players. The lawsuit claims the Angels breached their duty to provide a safe working environment for Skaggs.

The lawsuit alleges that Kay “had a long history of drug abuse” and provided drugs to “at least five” Angels players other than Skaggs. It also accuses Tim Mead, former vice president of communications, of being “negligent in numerous ways,” including failing to stop Kay’s interaction with players once he learned Kay was providing drugs.

The Skaggs family is seeking at least $210 million in lost earnings and damages. The trial began in October 2025, with the Skaggs family aiming to prove that the Angels were responsible for Skaggs’ death.

Elements of a Wrongful Death Claim

To succeed in a wrongful death lawsuit, the plaintiff must generally prove the following elements:

1. Duty of Care: The defendant owed a legal duty of care to the deceased.
2. Breach of Duty: The defendant breached this duty through negligence or intentional misconduct.
3. Causation: The defendant’s breach was the direct and proximate cause of the death.
4. Damages: The surviving family members suffered measurable harm as a result of the death.

In this case, the Skaggs family argues that the Angels owed Skaggs a duty of care to provide a safe workplace, which they breached by allowing Kay, a known drug user, to have access to players and provide them with drugs.

Negligence and Wrongful Death

Negligence is a key element in many wrongful death cases. It refers to the failure to exercise reasonable care, resulting in harm to another person. In the Skaggs case, the lawsuit alleges that the Angels were negligent in their supervision of Kay and in failing to prevent him from providing drugs to players.

To prove negligence, the plaintiff must show that the defendant:

1. Had a duty of care
2. Breached that duty
3. The breach caused the death
4. Damages resulted from the death

Damages in a Wrongful Death Case

Damages in a wrongful death case can include:

• Funeral and burial expenses
• Loss of the deceased’s expected future earnings
• Loss of companionship, love, and support
• Emotional distress and trauma

The Skaggs family is seeking compensation for these types of damages, arguing that his death has caused significant financial and emotional hardship.

MLB’s Response and Evolving Drug Policies

Skaggs’ death prompted MLB to re-evaluate its drug policies. In December 2019, MLB removed cannabinoids and added cocaine and opiates to its list of Drugs of Abuse. Players who test positive for these drugs are now evaluated and, if necessary, placed in a personalized treatment program. Discipline is only imposed if players fail to comply with the evaluation or treatment program.

MLB’s drug policy prohibits players from using, possessing, selling, facilitating the sale of, distributing, or facilitating the distribution of any Drug of Abuse and/or Steroid. Any and all drugs or substances listed under Schedule II of the Controlled Substances Act are considered drugs of abuse covered by the Program. Players who require prescription medication can still use it with a “Therapeutic Use Exemption” granted by MLB.

The league now tests for opioids, fentanyl, cocaine, and synthetic THC as part of its regular drug tests. Marijuana was removed from the list of drugs of abuse and is treated the same as alcohol.

The Dangers of Opioids and Fentanyl

The Skaggs case highlights the dangers of opioid abuse, particularly the risk of fentanyl-laced drugs. Fentanyl is a highly potent synthetic opioid that is often mixed with other drugs, such as oxycodone, without the user’s knowledge. This can lead to accidental overdose and death.

Fentanyl is 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine, making it extremely dangerous. Even a small amount of fentanyl can be lethal.

Oxycodone and fentanyl are classified as Schedule II controlled substances by the DEA, meaning they have a high risk for abuse and dependence.

Mixing fentanyl with other substances, such as alcohol or other opioids, can increase the risk of respiratory depression, overdose, and death.

Legal Consequences of Drug-Related Offenses

The legal consequences of drug-related offenses, such as distribution and possession, can be severe. Eric Kay was sentenced to 22 years in prison for providing the drugs that led to Skaggs’ death.

Penalties for drug trafficking depend on the substance and the quantity involved. Trafficking can result in lengthy prison sentences, heavy fines, and a criminal record.

Seeking Help for Addiction

If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, it’s important to seek help. Resources are available to provide support and treatment.

The Skaggs case serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of drug abuse and the importance of accountability. It raises questions about team responsibility, drug policies in professional sports, and the need for greater awareness of the dangers of opioids and fentanyl. As the wrongful death trial unfolds, the legal and ethical implications of this tragedy will continue to be examined.

Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. If you have legal questions, consult with a qualified attorney.