Tyler Skaggs’ Shocking Cause of Death: New Testimony Challenges Earlier Conclusions

Tyler Skaggs’ shocking cause of death returned to the spotlight this week as a toxicology expert hired by the Los Angeles Angels presented an alternative explanation during civil trial testimony in Santa Ana, California on December 6, 2025. The expert argued that alcohol and oxycodone played a substantial role alongside fentanyl in the former pitcher’s death.

The testimony comes as the Skaggs family continues its wrongful death lawsuit against the Angels. The trial is examining who bears responsibility for the 2019 tragedy, while past court rulings have already determined that fentanyl was the decisive factor that led to Skaggs’ death.

New Testimony Adds Disputed Layer to Tyler Skaggs’ Cause of Death

Dr. Shaun Carstairs, an emergency physician and toxicologist hired by the Angels, testified that fentanyl alone would not have killed Tyler Skaggs. He said the combination of alcohol and oxycodone created a dangerous situation that substantially contributed to the fatal outcome.

Carstairs estimated Skaggs consumed between 11 and 13 alcoholic beverages on the team flight from Long Beach to Dallas on June 30, 2019. He said toxicology reports showed Skaggs’ blood alcohol concentration was between .122 and .140 at the time of his death. He further stated that the 3.8 ng/mL of fentanyl found in the pitcher’s system fell within what he described as the “therapeutic range.”

However, Skaggs family attorneys immediately challenged these claims. On cross-examination, Carstairs admitted he did not review testimony from the 2022 federal criminal trial of former Angels employee Eric Kay. In that trial, multiple medical examiners testified that fentanyl alone caused Skaggs’ death. A federal jury reached the same conclusion.

Attorneys also questioned the reliability of Carstairs’ estimate of Skaggs’ alcohol consumption. They cited a medical study noting the inaccuracies of post-mortem drink calculations. Carstairs conceded the estimate could be incorrect.

Skaggs family expert Dr. Stacey Hail previously testified that autopsy reports often list all substances found in the bloodstream but emphasized this does not necessarily mean they all contributed significantly to death. She and other experts have repeatedly reaffirmed fentanyl as the cause of death.

Trial Developments and What Comes Next

The civil trial has focused heavily on comparative fault. Jurors must decide whether Skaggs, former executive Eric Kay, or the Angels bear legal responsibility. Kay is already serving a 22-year federal sentence for providing Skaggs a fentanyl-laced pill.

Carstairs also suggested Skaggs’ decision to snort the pill increased the risks. He compared Skaggs’ actions to “Russian Roulette,” a comparison that drew strong scrutiny from the plaintiffs.

The trial will resume next week with the final round of testimony. The Angels plan to recall Skaggs’ widow and mother, introduce additional depositions from former players, and call several expert witnesses. Former MLB general manager Dan Duquette is also expected to testify regarding Skaggs’ projected career earnings.

The coming week will shape the final narrative in the long-running legal battle, as the court revisits every detail tied to Tyler Skaggs’ shocking cause of death and the events leading to the tragedy.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: What is Tyler Skaggs’ cause of death according to previous court rulings?

A federal jury ruled in 2022 that fentanyl was the sole cause of Skaggs’ death. This finding cannot be disputed in the civil trial.

Q2: Why is the Angels’ toxicology expert offering a different explanation?

The Angels argue alcohol and oxycodone were substantial contributing factors. Their expert says fentanyl alone was not fatal.

Q3: What role does Eric Kay play in the case?

Kay is serving a 22-year federal sentence for supplying the fentanyl-laced pill Skaggs ingested. His criminal trial established fentanyl as the decisive factor.

Q4: Why does alcohol consumption matter in this trial?

The Angels claim Skaggs drank heavily on the team flight. The plaintiffs dispute both the estimates and the significance of alcohol in his death.

Q5: When will the trial conclude?

The final week of testimony begins Monday. Closing arguments and deliberations are expected shortly afterward.

References

Los Angeles Times | Angels toxicology expert offers alternative explanation for Tyler Skaggs’ cause of death | Dec. 6, 2025

Associated Press | Testimony continues in wrongful death suit over Tyler Skaggs’ 2019 overdose | 2025

BBC News | Former Angels employee convicted in death of pitcher Tyler Skaggs | 2022