UPDATE: In a powerful testimony on November 17, Carli Skaggs, widow of late MLB pitcher Tyler Skaggs, fiercely denied any knowledge of her husband’s drug issues prior to his tragic death in 2019. The wrongful death trial against the Los Angeles Angels has been a heartbreaking journey for Carli, who described the legal battle as having “consumed my life.”
Sitting front-row in the Santa Ana courtroom, Carli emotionally recounted her relationship with Tyler and expressed her urgent desire for accountability from the Angels, stating, “I don’t want anyone to go through what I’m going through. I wouldn’t wish this on anyone.”
The trial centers on whether Angels officials were aware of former staffer Eric Kay providing opioids to players, a situation that culminated in Tyler’s death due to a lethal combination of fentanyl, Oxycodone, and alcohol. Kay is currently serving time for his role in this tragedy.
When questioned about her feelings towards the Angels, Carli replied, “Yes,” when asked if she was angry at the organization. She also revealed her conflicting emotions towards Tyler, stating, “It is extremely difficult for me to be angry at the person I love most in this world.”
Carli shared intimate memories of their love story, detailing how Tyler proposed in Bora Bora in 2017 and how they maintained their bond through constant communication during his baseball career. However, Carli learned of Tyler’s past addiction to Percocet only after they began dating. “In hindsight… I have racked my brain for something I could have missed,” she said, firmly denying any knowledge of his opioid use until after his passing.
The widow revealed painful memories of being informed of Tyler’s death, stating, “My life was never going to be the same.” She recalled the harrowing moment of seeing his lifeless body: “The love of my life, my best friend, was lying there on a gurney, lifeless.”
Carli Skaggs is now a dedicated advocate for young athletes through the Tyler Skaggs Foundation and volunteers with the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office. Despite her commitment to helping others, she admitted that the litigation against the Angels has taken a toll on her emotional well-being. “I’m terrified to be deeply in love with someone, because I’m scared to lose them,” Carli confessed.
As the trial continues, jurors are tasked with determining the Angels’ knowledge of Kay’s drug dealings and whether they should have acted to protect Tyler Skaggs. Several team members have testified that Kay’s struggles with addiction were well-known, raising serious questions about the organization’s responsibility.
The trial is still developing, with critical testimonies expected in the coming days. As Carli Skaggs fights for justice, the impact of this case extends far beyond the courtroom, highlighting the urgent need for accountability in professional sports and the devastating effects of addiction.
Stay tuned for live updates as this emotional trial unfolds.
