Angels Mike Trout Testifies in Tyler Skaggs Wrongful Death Trial

This blog post digs into the emotional testimony of Los Angeles Angels superstar Mike Trout during the civil trial about the wrongful death lawsuit filed by the family of pitcher Tyler Skaggs. Trout’s words give a raw and personal glimpse into his relationship with Skaggs, the shocking revelations about former Angels communications director Eric Kay, and Trout’s own feelings about the tragedy that happened in 2019.

Through honest and sometimes gut-wrenching words, Trout talked about the clubhouse culture, what he knew about drug use in the organization, and how losing someone he saw as a brother has stuck with him.

Mike Trout’s Emotional Testimony

When Trout took the stand, he described his friendship with Tyler Skaggs as something close to family. He said he saw Skaggs as a brother.

The two connected early in their careers, back in the minor leagues. They kept that bond alive through shared experiences, like going to Los Angeles Lakers games and even meeting NBA legend Kobe Bryant.

Witnessing an Unimaginable Loss

The night before Skaggs died in July 2019, Trout remembered seeing Skaggs have just a couple of beers. They rode the elevator together, and nothing felt off.

The next day, Trout heard the devastating news—Skaggs had died from a fentanyl-laced pill that Eric Kay provided. Trout broke down in tears after hearing it.

Later, Kay asked him to talk to the media. Trout admitted he found that almost impossible, given how shaken he was.

Eric Kay’s Role and Trout’s Prior Knowledge

Trout testified that before Skaggs’ death, he knew Eric Kay used drugs. Trout even tried to help by offering to get Kay into rehab.

Trout’s awareness of Kay’s drug use also came up in lighter moments. He paid Kay for silly clubhouse dares, like eating a bug or taking a fastball to the leg.

Realizing the Link to Drug Use

But once Trout realized his money fueled Kay’s substance abuse, he stopped the payments. Trout stressed that he had no knowledge of Skaggs’ drug use or of any other players getting drugs from Kay until it all came out during Kay’s criminal trial.

Now, Kay’s serving a 22-year federal prison sentence for distributing the pill that caused Skaggs’ fatal overdose.

Remembering Tyler Skaggs

For Trout, Skaggs wasn’t defined by the tragedy. He was defined by who he was as a person.

Choking back tears, Trout told the court he thinks of Skaggs as “an unbelievable guy,” not some drug addict. He pointed out that Skaggs had been getting better as a pitcher and seemed headed for All-Star status in 2019.

Key Takeaways from Trout’s Testimony

Some of the most important moments in Trout’s testimony reveal both the emotional and factual sides of the case:

• Brotherly bond: Trout saw Skaggs as more than a teammate.
• Attempt to help: Offered rehab support to Eric Kay before tragedy struck.
• Clubhouse culture: Paid Kay for dares, unaware money fueled drug habit.
• No prior knowledge: Learned of Skaggs’ drug use only after Kay’s criminal trial.
• Legacy of Skaggs: Remembered as an “unbelievable guy” with All-Star potential.

Looking Ahead

The wrongful death civil trial isn’t just about pointing fingers. It’s also pulling back the curtain on the quiet struggles happening inside professional sports organizations.

Trout’s honest words have shifted the focus back to the real toll of substance abuse. Losing a friend so young leaves scars that don’t fade easily.

For fans, teammates, and honestly, anyone who cares about baseball, it’s a gut check. Even the game’s brightest stars can carry invisible weight, right alongside their talent.

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Here is the source article for this story: Angels’ Mike Trout testifies in Tyler Skaggs wrongful death trial: ‘It’s sad losing somebody’