WHAT’S BEING CLAIMED:
- The Los Angeles Angels announced the passing of its pitcher Tyler Skaggs, who was found “unresponsive” in his hotel room on Monday.
- The team has not revealed the MLB player’s cause of death but there was no foul play involved, according to the police.
- The team was scheduled to begin a four-game series against the Texas Rangers on Monday. The game was postponed.
Los Angeles Angels pitcher Tyler Skaggs passed away on Monday in Texas at a hotel the team was staying. The team was scheduled to begin a four-game series against the Rangers.
Angels statement on the passing of Tyler Skaggs. pic.twitter.com/6XA2Vu1uWV
— Los Angeles Angels (@Angels) July 1, 2019
The Southlake (Texas) Police Department said officers were called to the team hotel Monday afternoon and found the 27-year-old left-hander “unresponsive” in his room. The police said no foul play is suspected and an investigation is underway.
A 911 call placed at 2:18 p.m. Central Time, summoned Tarrant County emergency personnel to the Angels’ team hotel in Southlake. The emergency dispatch called it a “possible death investigation” and police were deployed.
The game between the Angels and the Rangers was postponed as both teams were shocked by the news.
In a press conference, Rangers manager Chris Woodward said: “There were a lot of pretty emotional guys in there. Some guys knew him. Some guys who didn’t even know him were physically shaken.”
“It’s heartbreaking. You could tell our guys were pretty upset,” Woodward added.
Skaggs’ cause of death has not been revealed. The team expresses the organization’s sympathies on social media.
“Tyler has, and always will be, an important part of the Angels family. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife Carli and his entire family during this devastating time.”
Skaggs is the second active Angels starting pitcher to pass away during the season. Nick Adenhart was only 22 when he was killed by a drunk driver in Fullerton, California on April 9, 2009. Adenhart died hours after he started a game at Angels Stadium.
A Southern California native, Skaggs attended Santa Monica High School and was originally drafted by the Angels. He was then traded to Arizona in a deal that sent Dan Haren to Anaheim. Skaggs was eventually traded back to the Angels.
Source: USA Today