UPDATE: In a shocking testimony, former Los Angeles Angels communications head Tim Mead revealed he searched the desk of former employee Eric Kay three times for drugs during Kay’s tenure, just days before the start of the trial concerning the wrongful death of pitcher Tyler Skaggs. This startling admission came during a civil suit brought by Skaggs’ family seeking $118 million in damages from the Angels.
The trial, now underway in Orange County Superior Court, has already unearthed significant developments. Mead, the first witness, testified that his searches were motivated by suspicions of drug use, stating, “I had suspicions and doubts but never found anything.” The revelations are part of a broader narrative concerning Kay, who was convicted in federal court in 2022 for providing Skaggs with a fentanyl-laced pill that resulted in his tragic overdose.
As the trial continues, the implications of Mead’s testimony are profound. The Skaggs family alleges that the Angels failed to protect Tyler, who died in July 2019, from Kay’s drug issues. Kay’s history with substance abuse and mental health challenges, including bipolar disorder, has emerged as a critical point in the proceedings.
During his testimony, Mead discussed multiple incidents that raised concern about Kay’s behavior from 2013 to 2019. This included a 2018 hospitalization after an incident at Angels stadium, where Kay exhibited alarming symptoms. Despite these concerns, Mead admitted he did not escalate the matter to higher management within the Angels organization.
In a tense exchange, plaintiff’s attorney Rusty Hardin pressed Mead about his role in monitoring Kay’s behavior. Hardin highlighted the contrast between Mead’s claims of concern and his inaction, asking, “Did you play God when it came to decisions with Kay?” Mead responded emphatically, “I tried to help an individual and his family.”
The courtroom drama intensified as Hardin presented text exchanges between Mead and Kay’s wife, Camela, detailing a failed intervention and Kay’s ongoing erratic behavior. Mead’s acknowledgment of Kay’s struggles with substance use and mental health raises critical questions about the Angels’ responsibility in the face of such challenges.
As the trial progresses, the stakes are high. The Skaggs family is not only seeking financial compensation but also answers about the culture within the Angels organization that allowed these issues to persist. The emotional weight of this case, centered on a beloved athlete’s tragic death, resonates deeply with fans and advocates for mental health awareness.
With the trial resuming on Friday, all eyes are on the courtroom as more revelations are expected. The outcome may have lasting implications for the Angels organization and its handling of employee health and safety protocols.
This story is developing, and readers are encouraged to stay tuned for further updates as the situation unfolds.
