A former Angels employee, Eric Kay, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Texas on two counts linked to the tragic overdose death of pitcher Tyler Skaggs, as reported by the Los Angeles Times. The indictment alleges that Kay distributed the fentanyl that led to Skaggs’ passing last year.
“On or about June 30, 2019 … Eric Prescott Kay, the defendant, did knowingly and intentionally distribute a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl, a Schedule II controlled substance, and the use of said substance resulted in the death and serious bodily injury of [Skaggs],” the indictment stated.
Kay, who had been part of the Angels’ media relations department for 24 years, was taken into custody and charged with the distribution of fentanyl in early August.
The 27-year-old Skaggs was discovered deceased in his hotel room in Southlake, Texas, on July 1, 2019, just hours before a game against the Rangers was scheduled to commence.
Following a toxicology examination, it was revealed that he had fentanyl, oxycodone, and alcohol in his system. Tragically, due to the influence of these substances, he asphyxiated on his own vomit, leading to his untimely death.
The Angels had drafted Skaggs with the 40th selection in the first round of the 2009 MLB draft. Over seven seasons in the major leagues, he accumulated a record of 28–38 with a 4.41 ERA.
