Ex-Wife Testifies on Drug Use in Angels’ Wrongful Death Case

The wrongful death civil suit concerning the late Los Angeles Angels pitcher, Tyler Skaggs, took a significant turn on Monday as the testimony of his ex-wife, Camela Kay, revealed alleged drug use within the organization. She stated that the Angels were aware of her ex-husband’s drug abuse prior to the incident that led to Skaggs’ death in March 2019.

During her testimony in a Santa Ana, California courtroom, Camela Kay recounted specific instances where employees of the Angels distributed non-prescription drugs to players. One notable event occurred on a team plane, where she claimed she witnessed opioid pills being passed around among players. Her statements contradicted earlier testimonies from Tim Mead, the former director of communications for the Angels, and traveling secretary Tom Taylor, both of whom claimed they were unaware of Kay’s substance abuse until after Skaggs’ accidental overdose.

The Skaggs family is seeking $118 million in damages, arguing that the Angels failed to act on their own policies regarding employee drug abuse. The family contends that the organization allowed Kay, who had a history of addiction, to interact with Skaggs, exacerbating the tragic circumstances that led to Skaggs’ death.

Camela Kay described a day in October 2017 when Mead and Taylor visited their home after an attempted intervention. She testified that Mead emerged from her ex-husband’s bedroom holding “six or seven” baggies containing pills, which he claimed were directed to him by Eric Kay. She expressed her shock at this incident, emphasizing the severity of the situation.

In response to the allegations, Angels attorneys asserted that the organization bore no responsibility for Skaggs’ death and argued that the pitcher had used drugs prior to joining the Angels. Defense lawyer Todd Theodora stated that it was Skaggs who “decided to obtain the illicit pills” that ultimately led to his demise.

Camela Kay continued to voice concerns about her ex-husband’s substance abuse, claiming she communicated these worries to both Mead and Taylor. She highlighted a lack of positive change in Eric Kay’s behavior, even after he underwent outpatient therapy following the failed 2017 intervention.

Text messages presented in court showed that Camela Kay had numerous discussions with Angels benefits manager Cecilia Schneider in an effort to secure rehabilitation for her husband. She also recounted her experiences aboard the Angels’ plane, where she observed players and staff engaging in behaviors that raised alarms about drug use. When questioned, she indicated that she believed she had seen Xanax and Percocet being distributed among players.

The lawsuit has drawn attention to the broader issues of drug use in professional sports and the responsibility of organizations to monitor and support their employees. As the trial continues, the outcome could have implications not only for the Skaggs family but also for how sports organizations address substance abuse moving forward.

Camela Kay’s testimony will continue as the court reconvenes, with further direct examination expected from plaintiff’s attorney Shawn Holley, followed by cross-examination from the defense team.