MLB side Los Angeles Angels have reached a settlement with the family of former pitcher Tyler Skaggs, bringing an end to a long-running lawsuit tied to his death in 2019.
Skaggs died at the age of 27 after suffering a fatal overdose of fentanyl and oxycodone while the Angels were on a road trip in Texas. The civil case, filed by his family in June 2021, accused the organisation of failing to protect him and allowing a dangerous environment to develop inside the club.
The settlement terms remain undisclosed by both parties.
Lawsuit focused on internal responsibility
Skaggs’ family named multiple Angels employees in the lawsuit, including former communications director Eric Kay. Prosecutors later proved Kay supplied the drugs that led to Skaggs’ death.
Former Angels vice president of communications Tim Mead was also named in the suit. The family argued Mead was, or should have been, aware of Kay’s drug use and his alleged distribution of drugs to players.
Kay received a 22-year federal prison sentence in October 2022 for his role in Skaggs’ death.
Angels release statement after settlement
The Angels acknowledged the seriousness of the case in a statement released following the settlement.
“The death of Tyler Skaggs remains a tragedy, and this trial sheds light on the dangers of opioid use and the devastating effects it can have,” a spokesperson for the Anaheim-based organisation said.
“Throughout the course of court proceedings, both parties searched for a path to a mutually agreed upon resolution and a confidential settlement has been reached.”
The team did not offer further comment.
Skaggs family speaks on closure
The Skaggs family also released a statement, describing the settlement as a painful but necessary step forward.
“The Skaggs family has reached a confidential settlement with Angels Baseball that brings to a close a difficult six-year process, allowing our families to focus on healing,” the statement said.
“We are deeply grateful to the members of this jury, and to our legal team. Their engagement and focus gave us faith, and now we have finality.”
The family added that the trial revealed uncomfortable truths.
“This trial exposed the truth, and we hope Major League Baseball will now do its part in holding the Angels accountable. While nothing can bring Tyler back, we will continue to honor his memory.”
Tyler Skaggs passed in 2019
Skaggs died on July 1, 2019, hours before the Angels were set to open a four-game series against the Texas Rangers, prompting a postponement.
“It is with great sorrow that we report Tyler Skaggs passed away earlier today in Texas,” the Angels said at the time. “Tyler has, and always will be, an important part of the Angels family.”
His death triggered widespread changes across baseball, including increased scrutiny around drug policies and player welfare.
In 2020, Skaggs’ mother, Debbie Hetman, spoke publicly about the loss.
“I’m sad all the time. Less numb, but sad, heartbroken that I don’t have my son here,” she said. “It’s not gonna be the anniversary I look forward to ever.”
