Angels Failed Eric Kay, Ex-Wife Testifies in Overdose Trial

UPDATE: The ex-wife of a former Los Angeles Angels employee has accused the MLB team of failing her husband during a critical trial related to the tragic overdose of star pitcher Tyler Skaggs. Testimony from Camela Kay revealed shocking allegations of drug use within the team, stating, “The Angels failed Eric,” as she recounted her husband’s struggles with addiction.

The trial, taking place in Santa Ana, California, is centered around a wrongful-death lawsuit filed by Skaggs’ family, who are seeking $118 million in damages. Camela Kay’s testimony is pivotal, highlighting a pattern of drug use among players and Eric Kay’s role in it. She recalled seeing Angels players “partying, drinking and passing around pills” on team flights, raising alarming questions about the organization’s responsibility.

In July 2019, Skaggs, aged 27, was found dead in a hotel room in Texas, with a toxicology report indicating a deadly mix of alcohol, fentanyl, and oxycodone. Just months before Skaggs’ death, Camela Kay reported that her husband had pills intended for the pitcher, which she communicated to the team’s traveling secretary.

During her testimony, Camela Kay emphasized the devastating impact of Eric Kay’s addiction, stating, “I am sitting in a courtroom for two days in front of a mother who lost her son and a widow.” She expressed her deep concern over the Angels allowing Eric Kay to continue working while battling his substance abuse issues.

In 2020, Eric Kay was sentenced to 22 years in prison for supplying the fentanyl-laced pill that resulted in Skaggs’ fatal overdose. Medical records revealed Eric had struggled with addiction for over a decade, often using drugs like Norco and oxycodone. Camela recounted a 2017 intervention with Eric, stating that Angels officials even visited their home to address his substance abuse.

The trial has garnered significant attention, with the Angels defending their stance that they had no knowledge of Skaggs’ drug use. They argue that any substance abuse involving Eric Kay and Skaggs occurred in private settings, away from team activities. However, the implications of Camela Kay’s testimony could shift this narrative dramatically.

The legal proceedings come after the MLB implemented new policies to address opioid use among players, a direct response to Skaggs’ death. The league now mandates testing for opioids and provides treatment referrals for players testing positive.

As the trial unfolds, the emotional weight of these testimonies resonates deeply, highlighting the human cost of addiction and the responsibilities of organizations to protect their employees. The outcome could set a significant precedent for how sports teams manage player health and welfare.

Stay tuned for updates on this developing story as it unfolds in the courtroom.