What Happened to Tyler Skaggs? Who was Tyler Skaggs,? How did Tyler Skaggs Die? Cause of Death Revealed
by Harini
Updated Jul 18, 2023
What Happened to Tyler Skaggs?
Tyler Skaggs, a pitcher for the Los Angeles Angels, 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 Skaggs' death an accident, caused by asphyxiation due to choking on vomit while under the influence of fentanyl, oxycodone, and alcohol. Recently, Eric Prescott Kay, a former communications director of the Angels, was sentenced to 22 years in prison for his involvement in providing the drugs that led to Skaggs' death. Kay had been convicted in February on charges related to drug distribution resulting in death and conspiracy to possess controlled substances with intent to distribute.
During the trial, prosecutors presented evidence that Kay had supplied drugs to Skaggs, leading to his fatal overdose in a Texas hotel room. Disturbing jail phone calls and emails were introduced in court, in which Kay insulted Skaggs, his family, and even the jury. However, Kay expressed regret for his comments during the trial, admitting that he was selfish and venting his frustrations.
The judge, Terry R. Means, sentenced Kay to two years above the 20-year minimum due to his demeaning comments and lack of remorse. Means criticized Kay for his callousness and refusal to accept responsibility for the consequences of his actions.
The investigation revealed that Skaggs had choked on his own vomit after using a combination of drugs and alcohol. High levels of opioids, including fentanyl, oxycodone, and oxymorphone, were found in his system. Court records showed that Skaggs had 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, C.J. Cron, Mike Morin, and Cameron Bedrosian, who confirmed that Kay had distributed pills, including oxycodone, to them. The Drug Enforcement Administration's investigation revealed that Kay regularly dealt 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 kind-hearted nature. The Skaggs family hoped that the sentencing of Eric Kay would provide some comfort and hold accountable those involved in the distribution of illicit opioids.
The sentencing 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 consequences of drug abuse and the importance of addressing this issue.
How did Tyler Skaggs Die?
Tyler Skaggs, a professional baseball pitcher for the Los Angeles Angels, passed away in July 2019 due to an unfortunate incident involving drugs. The reason for his death was determined to be choking on his own vomit. A toxicological 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, high levels of opioids, such as fentanyl, oxycodone, and oxymorphone, were detected in Skaggs' system through toxicology tests. These findings led the medical examiner to conclude that, had it not been for the presence of fentanyl, Skaggs would not have died.
Investigations further revealed that Skaggs had been in contact with Eric Prescott Kay, a former communications director of the Angels, who was found to have provided Skaggs with drugs. Skaggs had sent text messages to Kay, requesting pills to be brought to his hotel room on the day prior to his tragic death.
It was determined that Kay had been distributing pills, including counterfeit oxycodone that contained fentanyl, to Skaggs and other individuals within the Angels organization. The Drug Enforcement Administration's investigation uncovered evidence of Kay's regular involvement in the sale and distribution of fentanyl, which was referred to as "blue boys" due to its blue coloring.
The combination of substances consumed by Skaggs, along with the choking incident, ultimately led to his untimely demise. This devastating event has shed light on the dangers of drug abuse and the importance of addressing 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 providing the drugs accountable for their actions.
Tyler Skaggs Cause of Death
Tyler Skaggs tragically passed away due to asphyxia 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 Los Angeles Angels' visit for a series against the Texas Rangers.
The autopsy conducted at the end of August revealed that Skaggs had accidentally died after aspirating his own vomit.
It was determined that he had been under the influence of fentanyl, oxycodone, and alcohol at the time of his passing. This devastating event shocked the baseball community and led to subsequent legal actions against individuals involved in providing the opioids, including former Angels director of communications Eric Kay, who admitted to providing drugs to Skaggs and other members of the team.
What killed Tyler Skaggs?
Tyler Skaggs' life was cut short by a devastating fate, as he succumbed to asphyxia, a result of the harrowing experience of choking on his own vomit. The presence of fentanyl, oxycodone, and alcohol within his system is 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.
Tyler Skaggs Career
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 overall pick, following closely 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, making his debut with the AZL Angels and the Orem Owlz of the Pioneer League. He performed impressively, showcasing 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 progress, earning a spot in the 2010 Midwest League All-Star team.
Later that year, Skaggs was traded to the Arizona Diamondbacks as part of a deal involving 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 received accolades as a 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. Following the 2013 season, Skaggs revealed his past struggles with opioid abuse, and he made the decision to overcome it.
In December 2013, Skaggs was traded back to the Angels, rejoining his original team. He aimed to solidify 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 subsequent years, injuries continued to plague Skaggs. He dealt with various ailments, including muscle strains and an ankle sprain. Nevertheless, Skaggs remained resilient and led the Angels' rotation in 2019, displaying his potential.
Tragically, on July 1, 2019, at the age of 27, Skaggs was found unresponsive in his hotel room during a road trip in Texas. The autopsy revealed that his passing resulted from asphyxia caused by choking on his own vomit while under the influence of fentanyl, oxycodone, and alcohol. Investigations 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 passing cut short a life and talent that touched the hearts of many. He will be remembered as a young player with immense talent and the potential for greatness.
Tyler Skaggs Personal Life
In a joyous celebration, Tyler Skaggs married his girlfriend, Carli Miles, on New Year's Eve in 2018, marking a new chapter in their lives together. During the offseason, Skaggs dedicated himself to training, and he chose Pepperdine University in Malibu, California, as his training ground. There, he worked alongside fellow MLB players Scott and Tyler Heineman, honing his skills and staying in top form for the upcoming season.
Throughout his baseball career, Skaggs maintained close friendships with his Angels teammates Andrew Heaney and Patrick Corbin. Their bond extended beyond the field, and Skaggs had the honor of serving as a groomsman at Corbin's wedding. Skaggs took pride in his Mexican heritage, and he had plans to represent Mexico at the 2021 World Baseball Classic, showcasing his talent and love for the game on an international stage.
Who was Tyler Skaggs?
Tyler Wayne Skaggs, born on 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 passing in 2019.
Skaggs, originally from Woodland Hills, California, 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 involving pitcher Dan Haren. Skaggs steadily progressed through Arizona's minor league system, showcasing his skills at 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 his original team.
Skaggs faced a setback in his career when he suffered an ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) injury, leading to Tommy John surgery in July 2014. Despite his plans to return to pitching in the minor leagues by the end of 2015, he resumed practicing at the start of the 2016 season and eventually made his return 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. By June 2019, Skaggs had recorded a career earned run average (ERA) of 4.41, accumulated 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 a series against the Texas Rangers. He was pronounced dead that same day. Subsequent investigations revealed that Skaggs accidentally died due to asphyxia resulting from choking on his own vomit while under the influence of fentanyl, oxycodone, and alcohol. In October, Eric Kay, a former director of communications for the Angels, was indicted on charges related to Skaggs' death after admitting to providing opioids to several members of the team, including Skaggs. Kay was subsequently convicted on two counts associated with Skaggs' passing in February 2022. As a tribute to Skaggs, the Angels wore a No. 45 patch on their jerseys throughout the remainder 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
27years
Height
1.96 m
Net Worth
$1 Million
What Happened to Tyler Skaggs: FAQs
Tyler Skaggs, a professional baseball pitcher, tragically passed away on July 1, 2019, due to asphyxia caused by choking on his own vomit while under the influence of fentanyl, oxycodone, and alcohol.
Tyler Skaggs died as a result of asphyxia caused by choking on his own vomit. The autopsy revealed the presence of fentanyl, oxycodone, and alcohol in his system.
Tyler Skaggs' cause of death was determined to be asphyxia, resulting from choking on his own vomit. The presence of fentanyl, oxycodone, and alcohol contributed to the tragic event.
Tyler Skaggs played for two teams during his MLB career. He began with the Arizona Diamondbacks from 2012 to 2013 and then returned to the Los Angeles Angels, where he played from 2014 until his passing in 2019.
Tyler Skaggs' wife is Carli Miles. They got married on New Year's Eve in 2018, sharing a loving partnership before his untimely passing