Tyler Skaggs, a talented baseball pitcher, died tragically on July 1, 2019, at the age of 27, after choking on his own vomit, a toxic combination of alcohol, fentanyl and oxycodone.
What happened to Tyler Skaggs?
Los Angeles Angels pitcher Tyler Skaggs was found dead in his hotel room in Southlake, Texas on July 1, 2019. He was 27 years old.
The Tarrant County Medical Examiner’s Office ruled that Skaggs’ death was an accident, caused by asphyxiation from choking on vomit while under the influence of fentanyl, oxycodone and alcohol. Recently, Eric Prescott Kay, the Angels’ former communications director, was sentenced to 22 years in prison for his involvement in the drug deal that led to Skaggs’ death. Kay was convicted in February of charges related to drug distribution resulting in death and conspiracy to possess a controlled substance with intent to distribute.
During the trial, prosecutors presented evidence that Kay supplied the drugs to Skaggs, leading to his fatal overdose in a Texas hotel room. Disturbing jailhouse phone calls and emails, in which Kay insulted Skaggs, his family and even the jury, were introduced in court. However, Kay expressed regret for his comments during the trial, admitting he had been selfish and had vented his frustrations.
The judge, Terry R. Means, sentenced Kay to two years more than the 20-year minimum for his demeaning comments and lack of remorse. Means criticized Kay for his callousness and refusal to accept responsibility for the consequences of his actions.
An investigation revealed that Skaggs choked on his own vomit after taking a combination of drugs and alcohol. High levels of opioids, including fentanyl, oxycodone and oxymorphone, were found in his system. Court records show Skaggs texted Kay, asking him to bring pills to his hotel room the day before his death.
The trial also included testimony from former players, including Matt Harvey, CJ Cron, Mike Morin and Cameron Bedrosian, who confirmed that Kay distributed pills, including oxycodone, to them. A Drug Enforcement Administration investigation revealed that Kay regularly distributed fentanyl pills, known as “blue boys,” to Skaggs and other individuals within the Angels organization.
Tyler Skaggs, a beloved figure in the baseball community, was known for his talent and good nature. The Skaggs family hoped Eric Kay’s verdict would provide comfort and hold accountable those involved in the distribution of illicit opioids.
The verdict marked the end of a painful chapter for both the Skaggs family and the baseball world. The tragic loss of Tyler Skaggs serves as a reminder of the devastating effects of drug abuse and the importance of addressing this problem.
How did Tyler Skaggs die?
Tyler Skaggs, a professional baseball pitcher for the Los Angeles Angels, died in July 2019 due to an unfortunate incident involving drugs. It was determined that the cause of his death was choking on his own vomit. A toxicology examination revealed that Skaggs had a combination of substances in his system, including alcohol and various opioids.
According to the Tarrant County Medical Examiner’s Office, toxicology tests revealed high levels of opioids, such as fentanyl, oxycodone and oxymorphone, in Skaggs’ system. These findings led the medical examiner to conclude that Skaggs would not have died had it not been for the fentanyl.
Investigations further revealed that Skaggs was in contact with Eric Prescott Kaye, the former Angels communications director, who was found to have supplied Skaggs with drugs. Skaggs sent text messages to Kay, asking for pills to be brought to his hotel room the day before his tragic death.
Kay was found to have distributed pills, including counterfeit oxycodone containing fentanyl, to Skaggs and other individuals within the Angels organization. A Drug Enforcement Administration investigation uncovered evidence of Kay’s regular involvement in the sale and distribution of fentanyl, nicknamed “blue boys” because of its blue color.
The combination of substances consumed by Skaggs, along with the choking incident, ultimately led to his untimely death. This devastating event shed light on the dangers of drug abuse and the importance of addressing the issue of the distribution of illicit substances. The baseball community and Skaggs’ family have since expressed their desire for justice and accountability in holding those responsible for supplying drugs accountable for their actions.
Tyler Skaggs’ cause of death
Tyler Skaggs tragically died from asphyxiation caused by choking on his own vomit. The incident occurred on July 1, 2019, when Skaggs was found unresponsive in his hotel room in Southlake, Texas, during the visit of the Los Angeles Angels for a game against the Texas Rangers.
An autopsy performed in late August revealed that Skaggs died accidentally after aspirating his own vomit.
It was determined that he was under the influence of fentanyl, oxycodone and alcohol at the time of his death. The devastating event shocked the baseball community and led to subsequent legal actions against individuals involved in the supply of opioids, including former Angels communications director Eric Kay, who admitted to supplying the drug to Skaggs and other team members.
What killed Tyler Skaggs?
Tyler Skaggs’ life was cut short by a devastating fate, as he succumbed to asphyxiation, the result of the harrowing experience of choking on his own vomit. The presence of fentanyl, oxycodone and alcohol in his system were intricately intertwined to contribute to this heartbreaking tragedy.
It is a poignant reminder of the profound impact that the convergence of these circumstances had, ultimately robbing the world of a gifted and promising baseball pitcher.
The career of Tyler Skaggs
Tyler Skaggs, a talented left-handed pitcher, was drafted by the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim in the 2009 Major League Baseball (MLB) draft. He was selected as the 40th pick, just behind his teammate and future star, Mike Trout. Skaggs decided to forgo college baseball at Cal State Fullerton and signed with the Angels, receiving a $1 million bonus.
Skaggs began his professional career in 2009, debuting for the AZL Angels and Orem Owlz of the Pioneer League. He performed impressively, posting a 1.80 ERA. In 2010, Skaggs and Trout became roommates while playing for the Cedar Rapids Kernels in the Class A Midwest League. Skaggs continued to thrive, earning a spot on the 2010 Midwest League All-Star team.
Later that year, Skaggs was traded to the Arizona Diamondbacks as part of a deal that included pitcher Dan Haren. He played in the Diamondbacks’ minor league system, excelling at various levels, including the Class A South Bend Silver Hawks and the Double-A Mobile BayBears. Skaggs was named Minor League Pitcher of the Year for the Diamondbacks in 2011.
Skaggs made his MLB debut on August 22, 2012, pitching for the Diamondbacks against the Miami Marlins. He spent the 2013 season split between the Diamondbacks and their Triple-A affiliate, the Reno Aces. Skaggs showed promise but struggled with consistency. After the 2013 season, Skaggs revealed his past struggles with opioid abuse, and made the decision to overcome it.
In December 2013, Skaggs was traded back to the Angels, rejoining his original team. He looked to cement his spot in the Angels’ starting rotation, but encountered setbacks, including a season-ending injury in 2014 that required Tommy John surgery. Skaggs underwent a rigorous rehabilitation process and returned to the Angels’ roster in July 2016.
In the following years, injuries continued to plague Skaggs. He battled various ailments, including a muscle strain and a sprained ankle. Despite this, Skaggs remained resilient and led the Angels rotation in 2019, showing his potential.
Tragically, on July 1, 2019, at the age of 27, Skaggs was found unresponsive in his hotel room while traveling in Texas. An autopsy determined that he died of asphyxiation caused by choking on his own vomit while under the influence of fentanyl, oxycodone and alcohol. The investigation led to the indictment of Eric Kay, a former Angels employee, on charges related to Skaggs’ death.
Tyler Skaggs’ career was marked by promise and potential, but his untimely death cut short a life and talent that touched the hearts of many. He will be remembered as a young player with immense talent and potential for greatness.
Personal life of Tyler Skaggs
In a joyful celebration, Tyler Skaggs married his girlfriend, Carli Miles, on New Year’s Eve 2018, marking a new chapter in their lives together. During the off-season, Skaggs devoted himself to training, choosing Pepperdine University in Malibu, California as his training ground. There, he worked with fellow MLB players Scott and Tyler Heineman, honing his skills and staying in top shape for the upcoming season.
During his baseball career, Skaggs maintained close friendships with his Angels teammates Andrew Heaney and Patrick Corbin. Their relationship extended off the field as well, with Skaggs having the honor of serving as best man at Corbin’s wedding. Skaggs was proud of his Mexican heritage and planned to represent Mexico at the 2021 World Baseball Classic, showcasing his talent and love of the game on the international stage.
Who was Tyler Skaggs?
Tyler Wayne Skaggs, born July 13, 1991, was a highly talented left-handed starting pitcher in Major League Baseball (MLB). He played for both the Arizona Diamondbacks and the Los Angeles Angels from 2012 until his unfortunate death in 2019.
Skaggs, a native of Woodland Hills, Calif., and a graduate of Santa Monica High School, was selected by the Angels in the supplemental first round of the 2009 MLB Draft. In 2010, he was traded to the Diamondbacks in a deal that included pitcher Dan Haren. Skaggs steadily progressed through the minor league system in Arizona, showcasing his skills in the All-Star Futures Game in 2011 and 2012. He made his major league debut on August 22, 2012 against the Miami Marlins while playing for the Diamondbacks. Although he spent the entire 2012 season with the Diamondbacks, he was optioned to the minor leagues in 2013. In December 2013, Skaggs was traded back to the Angels, reuniting him with the original team.
Skaggs faced a career setback when he suffered an ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) injury, leading to Tommy John surgery in July 2014. Despite his plans to return to minor league pitching by the end of 2015, he continued to train in the beginning of the 2016 season and finally returned to the Angels’ roster that July. However, injuries continued to hamper his progress, causing him to miss significant portions of each season from 2017 to 2019. Through June 2019, Skaggs posted a career earned run average (ERA) of 4.41, amassed 476 strikeouts, and maintained a win-loss record of 28-38.
On July 1, 2019, Skaggs was tragically found unresponsive in his hotel room in Southlake, Texas, where the Angels were staying during their series against the Texas Rangers. He was pronounced dead the same day. Subsequent investigations revealed that Skaggs died accidentally from asphyxiation caused by choking on his own vomit while under the influence of fentanyl, oxycodone and alcohol. In October, Eric Kay, the former director of communications for the Angels, was indicted on charges related to Skaggs’ death after he admitted to administering opioids to several team members, including Skaggs. Kay was subsequently convicted of two counts related to Skaggs’ death in February 2022. As a tribute to Skaggs, the Angels wore the number 45 on their jerseys until the end of the 2019 season, and his widow and mother established a charitable foundation in his honor.
| Name | Tyler Skaggs |
| Profession | Baseball pitcher |
| date of birth | July 13, 1991 |
| Age | 27 years |
| Height | 1.96 m |
| Netto value | 1 million dollars |
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Categories: General
Source: HIS Education