Justice For The Family of Former Cedar Rapids Kernels Pitcher Tyler Skaggs

A former employee of the Los Angeles Angels was convicted on Thursday of providing Angels pitcher, and former Cedar Rapids Kernel, Tyler Skaggs the drugs that led to his overdose and death.

KCRG reports that Eric Kay was convicted on one count each of drug distribution resulting in death and drug conspiracy. When sentenced, he faces anywhere from 20 years to life in prison. Skaggs widow Carli, and his mother Debbie Hetman, hugged as the verdict was announced on Thursday.

In 2019, the Angels were preparing for a four-game series against the Texas Rangers. But on July 1st, Skaggs was found dead in his hotel room. A coroner's report found that the 27-year-old Skaggs had a mix of alcohol, fentanyl, and oxycodone in his system. He reportedly choked to death on his own vomit. KCRG reports that the trial included testimony from five major league baseball players who stated they had received oxy from Kay between 2017 and 2019. Kay reportedly got the drugs and handed them out at Angels Stadium.

The Skaggs family has also filed wrongful death lawsuits in Texas and California against the Angels, who have said that they were unaware of employees giving opioids to players, or that Skaggs was using, according to KCRG. Skaggs was a member of the Cedar Rapids Kernels for a part of the 2010 season, back when the team was affiliated with the Angels organization.

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