In the ongoing wrongful-death lawsuit against the Los Angeles Angels, former team official Tim Mead‘s testimony has introduced a complex narrative surrounding Eric Kay, the employee convicted of providing the fentanyl-laced pill that led to Tyler Skaggs’ fatal overdose. Mead detailed Kay’s mental health struggles and behavioral issues, but also revealed a previously undisclosed detail: he searched Kay’s desk for illicit drugs, raising critical questions about the team’s awareness and accountability.
The civil trial stemming from the tragic 2019 death of Los Angeles Angels pitcher Tyler Skaggs has taken a compelling turn with the testimony of Tim Mead, the former head of communications for the team. Mead, the first witness in the long-awaited proceedings, provided insights into the behavior and mental state of Eric Kay, the Angels’ former communications director convicted of providing the fatal dose of fentanyl-tainted oxycodone. His testimony, however, has also highlighted a nuanced and at times contradictory picture of the team’s awareness of Kay’s struggles.
A Portrait of Conflict: Kay’s Mental Health and Mead’s Suspicions
Mead testified on Wednesday and Thursday in Santa Ana, California, portraying Eric Kay as an employee who, while largely effective, battled significant personal demons. Kay was reportedly taking prescription medication for depression and bipolar disorder, leading to what Mead described as “off days.” These periods were marked by concerning conduct, including yelling at an intern, engaging in an affair with another, and even taking money from players for risky stunts like getting hit by a fast-moving pitch. Mead initially noted that he “took him at his word for knowing his condition and what he was managing,” believing Kay was primarily mismanaging his prescription medication and not involved with illegal drugs, as reported by the Associated Press.
However, a critical revelation emerged during cross-examination: Mead admitted to searching Kay’s desk three times looking for potential illicit drugs or drug paraphernalia during Kay’s final years with the franchise. This admission complicates Mead’s earlier statements about only suspecting prescription mismanagement and suggests a deeper level of concern about illegal drug use than previously disclosed. Mead stated he “felt almost relieved I didn’t find something, so i continued to believe what i was being told.”
Mead’s testimony also covered instances where concerns about Kay escalated, notably in April 2019 when Kay’s unusual behavior at work led to his hospitalization later that night. Mead described Kay as “a mess,” with his “eyes half rolled up his head,” indicating something “very very wrong.” Despite these serious incidents, Mead explained that he involved the Angels’ employee assistance program and at one point human resources, but ultimately did not report Kay’s issues to higher team officials because he considered the employee assistance program “part of the organization.”
The Angels’ Accountability Under Scrutiny
The core of the wrongful-death lawsuit, filed by Skaggs’ wife, Carli, and his parents, hinges on the contention that the Angels failed to adhere to their own drug policies. The family argues the team allowed an addicted and drug-dealing employee like Kay to have access to its players, thereby bearing responsibility for Skaggs’ death. This claim is significantly challenged by Mead’s admission of his desk searches and the internal suspicions he harbored, suggesting a potential gap between team policy and practice.
Conversely, the Angels maintain that Skaggs and Kay’s involvement with drugs occurred on their own time, and the team could not have prevented Skaggs’ actions in the privacy of his hotel room. The team has also stated its officials were unaware Skaggs was taking drugs and would have intervened if they had known. This defense stands in direct opposition to the family’s argument about the team’s alleged negligence in overseeing Kay.
The Tragic Timeline: A Fatality and a Conviction
The trial unfolds more than six years after Tyler Skaggs, then 27, was found dead in a suburban Dallas hotel room in 2019. A coroner’s report confirmed Skaggs choked to death on his vomit, with a toxic combination of alcohol, fentanyl, and oxycodone present in his system. This devastating event sent shockwaves through the MLB community.
The criminal aspect of the case concluded in 2022 when Eric Kay was convicted of providing Skaggs with the fentanyl-laced oxycodone pill. Kay was subsequently sentenced to 22 years in federal prison. His federal trial included damning testimony from five MLB players who admitted to receiving oxycodone from Kay between 2017 and 2019, underscoring a pattern of drug distribution that the Angels’ organization is now accused of overlooking.
Family Seeks Justice and $118 Million in Damages
The Skaggs family is seeking substantial compensation through the civil lawsuit. Their demands include $118 million in lost earnings, in addition to compensation for pain and suffering and punitive damages against the Angels. This financial pursuit underscores the profound impact of Skaggs’ untimely death on his loved ones and aims to hold the organization accountable for its alleged failures.
Beyond the Individual: MLB’s Shift in Opioid Policy
In the wake of Skaggs’ death, the broader baseball community was forced to confront the issue of opioid use among players. The MLB, in collaboration with the players association, reached a landmark agreement to begin testing for opioids and to refer any player testing positive to a dedicated treatment board. This significant policy change demonstrates a league-wide recognition of the need for greater awareness and support regarding substance abuse and mental health in professional sports.
The Weeks Ahead: High-Profile Testimonies Expected
The civil trial is anticipated to last for several weeks, with potential for further revelations. High-profile figures within the Angels organization, including star outfielder Mike Trout and former pitcher Wade Miley (now with the Cincinnati Reds), are expected to testify. Their insights could provide additional context and perspectives on the team’s culture and knowledge regarding drug use among its staff and players.
Navigating Responsibility in Professional Sports
The Tyler Skaggs wrongful-death lawsuit continues to shine a harsh spotlight on the complex interplay of individual accountability, organizational responsibility, and the imperative for robust mental health and drug policies within professional sports. Tim Mead‘s evolving testimony, particularly the admission of his desk searches for illicit drugs, adds another layer of scrutiny to the Angels’ claims of unawareness. For fans and the wider sporting world, the trial serves as a sobering reminder of the unseen battles fought by individuals within beloved organizations and the critical importance of proactive support and rigorous oversight to prevent such tragedies in the future.
