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Report: DEA launching probe into how Angels' Tyler Skaggs obtained drugs

DEA investigating how Angels' Tyler Skaggs obtained drugs found in his system at time of his death. (AP)
DEA investigating how Angels' Tyler Skaggs obtained drugs found in his system at time of his death. (AP)

The Drug Enforcement Administration has launched an investigation to determine where Los Angeles Angels pitcher Tyler Skaggs obtained the drugs that were in his system at the time of his death, T.J. Quinn of ESPN reported Wednesday.

An autopsy report released on Aug. 30 revealed that fentanyl, oxycodone and ethanol were in Skaggs' system when he was found dead at a Southlake, Texas, hotel room on July 1.

The ESPN report notes that DEA officials frequently get involved in cases that involve fentanyl. The synthetic opioid has been linked in the deaths of legendary musicians Prince and Tom Petty. Finding the sources who are behind the distribution of fentanyl has become a high priority.

From ESPN:

One federal law enforcement agent, speaking on condition of anonymity, said fentanyl has been showing up "everywhere, even in marijuana."

Skaggs’s family retained prominent Texas attorney Rusty Hardin to represent them when the Southlake Police Department opened its investigation into the pitcher’s death. The family is also seeking to find out how Skaggs came into possession of the opioids that contributed to his death, including who supplied them.

In a statement released by the family on Aug. 30, it was suggested that an Angels employee may have been responsible for supplying the drugs.

"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."

The ESPN report confirms that no Angels team employee has been identified or targeted as of yet in the investigation being conducted by the Southlake Police Department.

"We continue to cooperate with law enforcement on this important matter," Angels team spokesperson Marie Garvey said in statement included in the ESPN report.

Major League Baseball is also looking for answers. After the autopsy report came out, it was reported that the league will conduct its own investigation into the matter. It’s reported MLB will now consider opioid testing for all players as a preventative measure.

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