Key Points
- A toxicology expert hired by the Los Angeles Angels disputes the federal conclusion that fentanyl alone caused Tyler Skaggs’ death.
- Dr. Shaun Carstairs testified that alcohol and oxycodone significantly contributed to the fatal overdose.
- The Skaggs family is suing the Angels for wrongful death, seeking over $100 million in damages.
- The testimony adds new complexity to a case that has drawn national attention since the pitcher’s 2019 death.
- Additional witnesses, including former MLB executive Dan Duquette, are expected before jury deliberations begin.
New Testimony Shifts Focus in High‑Profile Trial
A toxicology expert hired by the Los Angeles Angels has introduced a new theory in the wrongful death trial of former pitcher Tyler Skaggs, challenging the long‑standing conclusion that fentanyl was solely responsible for the 27‑year‑old’s fatal overdose.
Testifying on December 6, 2025, in a Santa Ana civil courtroom, Dr. Shaun Carstairs argued that a combination of alcohol and oxycodone created a lethal scenario—contradicting federal findings that identified fentanyl as the decisive factor.
Alternative Medical Perspective
Dr. Carstairs told the jury that the fentanyl concentration found in Skaggs’ system was below levels typically associated with fatal overdoses. Instead, he said the depressant effects of alcohol and oxycodone likely caused Skaggs to choke on his own vomit.
His testimony directly challenges the 2022 federal jury ruling that concluded fentanyl supplied by former Angels communications director Eric Kay caused Skaggs’ death in a Texas hotel room in July 2019.
The Angels’ legal team is using this testimony to argue that Skaggs’ voluntary use of other substances played a substantial role in the tragedy.
Cross‑Examination Raises Questions
Under cross‑examination, Dr. Carstairs acknowledged he had not reviewed evidence presented during Kay’s criminal trial—where multiple medical experts testified that fentanyl was unquestionably lethal in Skaggs’ case.
The omission could become a key point for the Skaggs family, who maintain that the Angels failed to protect the pitcher from opioid access within the organization.
Emotional Testimony and High Stakes
The wrongful death lawsuit, filed by Skaggs’ widow and parents, seeks damages tied to the pitcher’s projected future earnings, estimated at more than $100 million. The trial has included emotional testimony from teammates and family members, offering a rare look into clubhouse culture and Skaggs’ private struggle with opioids.
The case has captivated the baseball world, raising broader questions about how professional sports organizations monitor player health, substance use, and internal accountability.
What Happens Next
As the trial enters its final phase, additional witnesses—including former MLB general manager Dan Duquette—are expected to testify before the jury determines whether the Angels bear responsibility for Skaggs’ death.
The verdict could have sweeping implications for league‑wide policies on player welfare and organizational oversight.
