Angels Secure Private Agreement with Tyler Skaggs’ Relatives in Lawsuit Regarding Wrongful Death

 The family of the late pitcher Tyler Skaggs and the Los Angeles Angels have come to a private agreement in a prominent wrongful-death lawsuit, officially bringing to an end a legal dispute that has captured national interest. This agreement was finalized on Friday, December 19, 2025, during the jury’s discussions in a civil trial that lasted for two months.

Confidential Terms and Jury Deliberations

Details regarding the settlement, including any monetary compensation, were not made public. Nonetheless, the legal representatives for the Skaggs family described the result as favorable, expressing that they were “extremely happy” with the outcome. This agreement was reached on the third day of jury deliberations, at a time when the jury was said to be nearing a decision to grant the family around $100 million in damages, as indicated by the jury foreman.

Background of the Civil Trial

The civil trial centered around claims that the Angels organization failed to adequately supervise Eric Kay, the former communications director, who provided the fentanyl-laced pill that resulted in Skaggs’ death in 2019. The case scrutinized whether the team had an obligation to avert such a tragedy and if their negligence played a role in the untimely death of the young pitcher.

Eric Kay’s Criminal Conviction

Eric Kay had earlier been found guilty in a federal criminal case of drug distribution leading to death. He is currently serving a 22-year sentence in prison due to his involvement in Skaggs’ death. The civil trial aimed to determine the Angels' potential negligence, distinct from Kay’s criminal accountability.

Statements from the Skaggs Family and the Angels

Through their lawyers, the Skaggs family released a statement underscoring that the trial “revealed the truth” surrounding Tyler’s death. They also voiced their hope that Major League Baseball would take further measures to ensure responsibility within the Angels organization.

The Angels issued a separate statement, asserting, “The death of Tyler Skaggs is still a tragedy. During the proceedings, both parties sought a way to reach a mutually agreeable resolution, and a confidential settlement has now been achieved.”

Finality to a Lengthy Legal Battle

This settlement concludes a four-year legal conflict that has been closely monitored by fans, the media, and the baseball community. By settling the case outside of court, both parties avoided the unpredictability of a jury’s final decision and allowed the Skaggs family to begin moving forward.

This resolution marks a crucial moment in legal cases related to sports that deal with organizational responsibility, bringing attention to ongoing issues regarding player safety and the duties of professional sports organizations.