Emotional Testimonies: Tyler Skaggs’ Wife and Mother Take the Stand

The civil trial regarding the wrongful death of Tyler Skaggs continues to unfold in Santa Ana, California. This week, his wife, Carli Skaggs, and mother, Debbie Hetman, provided crucial testimonies as plaintiffs against the Los Angeles Angels. Their emotional accounts highlighted the deep personal impacts of Skaggs’ tragic passing on July 1, 2019.

Key Testimonies in the Trial

Carli Skaggs took the stand first. She shared intimate details of her six-year relationship with Tyler, recalling how they met and fell in love. Through tears, she expressed her anger at both the Angels organization and her late husband for not being present to discuss their struggles.

Debbie Hetman will undergo cross-examination in the upcoming sessions. Both women discussed how Tyler’s addiction to pain pills was not fully known to them. Carli revealed that her only knowledge of Tyler’s drug use stemmed from a comment made by Hetman after his Tommy John surgery in 2014.

Angels’ Role in Tyler Skaggs’ Addiction

• Tyler Skaggs died after ingesting a fentanyl-laced pill provided by Eric Kay.
• Kay is currently serving a 22-year sentence for his role in Tyler’s death.
• The Skaggs family argues that the Angels should have been aware of Kay’s drug distribution.

Throughout the questioning, Carli revealed her final texts with Tyler. Just hours before his death, she expressed concern for his well-being after a night of drinking. When she received the tragic news from then-Angels GM Billy Eppler, Carli described it as the worst moment of her life. “Don’t tell me. Don’t say it,” she recalled repeating in disbelief.

Impact on Family and Future

In her testimony, Carli discussed her current life, which she described as lonely. Following Tyler’s death, she chose not to move into the house they bought together but instead rented it out. She also mentioned her involvement in community service and operating the Tyler Skaggs Foundation, which supports youth sports.

Despite her grief, Carli emphasizes the importance of accountability. “It’s extremely important to me that the Angels are held accountable for their actions and inactions,” she stated. The Skaggs family is seeking damages for the loss of love and support following Tyler’s premature passing.

Next Steps in the Trial

The trial will continue with further testimonies from Debbie Hetman. She shared her devastation upon learning of Tyler’s death, recounting a recent conversation just days prior. The emotional weight of both women’s testimonies provides a poignant backdrop to the ongoing legal battle against the Los Angeles Angels.

The Skaggs family seeks to shed light on the systemic issues surrounding drug use within baseball, hoping for broader accountability within the sport. The trial, while painful, aims not only for justice for Tyler but also to prevent similar tragedies in the future.