URGENT UPDATE: Conflicting testimonies emerged in the wrongful death trial of Tyler Skaggs, as jurors heard key witnesses present opposing views on the Los Angeles Angels’ awareness of drug use linked to the late pitcher. This critical testimony unfolded in Santa Ana, California, on Tuesday, just days before the defense is set to conclude its case.
Witnesses revealed that Eric Kay, a former Angels employee currently serving a 22-year federal prison sentence for his involvement in Skaggs’ overdose death, claimed he informed his supervisor about drug use as early as 2017. However, Tim Mead, the former head of communications for the team, testified he was completely unaware of any drug-related activities, expressing shock when he learned Kay supplied the fentanyl-laced opioid that led to Skaggs’ tragic death.
The Skaggs family is pursuing $118 million in damages, asserting that the Angels failed to protect Tyler Skaggs from known drug use during a Dallas road trip where he died in July 2019. The jury is tasked with determining if senior officials at the Angels had prior knowledge of Kay’s drug activities and Skaggs’ struggles with addiction.
Detective Delaney Green from the Southlake Police Department testified that Kay made statements implicating Mead during a Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) interview following Skaggs’ death. This directly contradicts previous assertions from Angels officials who maintained they were unaware of Skaggs’ substance abuse issues.
The trial has painted a complex picture of Skaggs as a victim versus a longtime drug user. Defense attorneys have called witnesses to suggest that Skaggs not only abused drugs but also occasionally supplied teammates with pills. This narrative is crucial as the defense seeks to absolve the Angels of responsibility.
In a surprising twist, Kelly Miller, Eric Kay’s sister, contradicted earlier claims made by Kay’s ex-wife, Camela Kay, regarding a confrontation with team officials about drug use. Camela Kay testified about witnessing a bottle of oxycodone pills fall from a car, indicating that Eric Kay was involved in drug abuse. However, Miller denied any conversation about drugs at that moment, stating she had no knowledge of Skaggs’ name until his death.
The courtroom dynamics intensified as Sandy Kay, Eric’s mother, was present but asked to leave, indicating she may be called as a witness. The defense’s strategy hinges on proving that the Angels were not at fault for Skaggs’ death, attributing it instead to his own reckless behavior and addiction history.
As the trial continues, the emotional weight of Skaggs’ family seeking justice looms large. With the defense poised to wrap up their case, closing arguments are expected to commence next week, leading to jury deliberations that could have significant implications for the Angels and their reputation.
This developing story underscores the urgent need for accountability and sheds light on the tragic consequences of addiction in professional sports. Stay tuned for further updates as the trial unfolds.