An autopsy revealed that Los Angeles Angels pitcher Tyler Skaggs died of an accidental overdose. The 27-year-old lefty was found dead in his hotel room on July 1, 2019, while the Angels were in town visiting the Texas Rangers.
The autopsy determined that Skaggs choked on his own vomit and died of asphyxia. At the time of his death, the pitcher had fentanyl, oxycodone, and alcohol in his system, according to ESPN.com.
After news of Skaggs’ autopsy went public, the late pitcher’s family issued a statement.
Skaggs’ family has hired attorney Rusty Hardin and their statement implied that they believe an employee of the Los Angeles Angels may have helped supply drugs to the pitcher prior to his accidental overdose. They are working with Hardin to determine how Skaggs came into possession of the drugs involved in the fatal overdose.
“We are heartbroken to learn that the passing of our beloved Tyler was the result of a combination of dangerous drugs and alcohol. That is completely out of character for someone who worked so hard to become a Major League Baseball player and had a very promising future in the game he loved so much,” the statement read.
“We are grateful for the work of the detectives in the Southlake Police Department and their ongoing investigation into the circumstances surrounding Tyler’s death. We were shocked to learn that it may involve an employee of the Los Angeles Angels. We will not rest until we learn the truth about how Tyler came into possession of these narcotics, including who supplied them. To that end, we have hired attorney Rusty Hardin to assist us.”
At the time of his death, Skaggs was fifth on the club with a record of 7-7 and a 4.29 ERA. The promising prospect was drafted by the Los Angeles Angels in 2009.