Los Angeles Angels Face Wrongful Death Lawsuit Following Pitcher Tyler Skaggs’ Fentanyl Overdose
Story Snapshot
- Tyler Skaggs’ family sues Los Angeles Angels for wrongful death after pitcher died from fentanyl-laced pills provided by team employee
- Former Angels communications director Eric Kay already convicted and sentenced to 22 years for supplying deadly drugs
- Trial ongoing in 2025 with MLB stars Mike Trout and Albert Pujols as potential witnesses
- Case could set precedent for organizational accountability in professional sports drug culture
A civil wrongful death lawsuit has been filed against the Los Angeles Angels organization by the family of pitcher Tyler Skaggs, who died on July 1, 2019, from a fentanyl overdose. The lawsuit alleges negligence on the part of the Angels, claiming the organization created an environment that enabled drug distribution. This trial, which began jury selection in October 2025, could establish a precedent for how professional sports organizations address substance abuse and employee oversight.
Trial underway over Angels' alleged role in baseball pitcher Tyler Skaggs' overdose death https://t.co/i6l3JIK56s
— Local 4 WDIV Detroit (@Local4News) October 6, 2025
Background of the Case
Tyler Skaggs, 27, was found deceased in a Southlake, Texas, hotel room after consuming counterfeit oxycodone pills containing fentanyl. Eric Kay, a former communications director for the Angels, was convicted in 2022 and sentenced to 22 years in prison for providing the fatal substances. Evidence presented during the criminal case included text messages from Skaggs to Kay on June 30, 2019, requesting painkillers, suggesting a pattern of drug procurement within the team’s operations. The Skaggs family contends that the Angels failed in their responsibility to protect athletes from harmful influences.
Legal Proceedings and Potential Impact
The civil trial is expected to feature testimony from prominent Major League Baseball players, including Mike Trout, Albert Pujols, and Andrew Heaney, who may provide insights into the team’s internal culture regarding drug use. The Angels’ defense strategy reportedly aims to attribute Skaggs’ death to his individual choices and long-term drug use, seeking to deflect organizational responsibility.
This case has the potential to significantly influence policies across professional sports leagues concerning employee background checks, substance abuse monitoring, and organizational liability. A verdict in favor of the Skaggs family could mandate greater accountability for sports organizations in maintaining drug-free environments and ensuring player welfare
.
Watch the report: Eric Kay’s trial underway after overdose death of Angels pitcher Tyler Skaggs
Sources:
Tyler Skaggs – ABC7 Los Angeles
