Tyler Skaggs died of fentanyl, oxycodone, alcohol mixture, coroner says

Tyler Skaggs’ death was caused by a mixture of opioids and alcohol, and ruled an accident, according to findings of the Tarrant County Medical Examiner’s office, and the Skaggs family issued a statement suggesting someone with the Angels may have been connected to the tragedy.

The report, which was released Friday, indicated Skaggs was found with powerful painkillers fentanyl and oxycodone in his system, as well as alcohol.

Skaggs’ family released as statement after the release of the news, and hired an attorney, Rusty Hardin, to assist.

“We are heartbroken to learn that the passing of our beloved Tyler was the result of a combination of dangerous drugs and alcohol,” the statement read. “That is completely out of character for someone who worked so hard to become a Major League baseball player and had a very promising future in the game he loved so much.

“We are grateful for the work of the detectives in the Southlake Police Department and their ongoing investigation into the circumstances surrounding Tyler’s death. We were shocked to learn that it may involve an employee of the Los Angeles Angels. We will not rest until we learn the truth about how Tyler came into possession of these narcotics, including who supplied them. To that end, we have hired Texas attorney Rusty Hardin to assist us.”

A message left for Hardin was not immediately returned.

Skaggs, who was 27, was found dead in his hotel room in Southlake, Texas, on July 1, the day the Angels were set to begin a series against the Texas Rangers.

A spokesman from the Southlake Police Department said Friday that the case was still open, and no further information could be released.