Hugh Skillen is Dan Vasser's boss at the San Francisco Register newspaper. Dan and Hugh are also friends; Hugh is close enough to Dan that Katie consults him when she becomes concerned for her husband's behavior. He is present with Dan's friends and family during an intervention.
Hugh had a sister who died in the Loma Prieta earthquake. In Game Three, it is revealed that Hugh's life was in disarray at the time, primarily due to excessive drinking. On the day of the earthquake, his sister attempted to convince to seek help, but Hugh reacted angrily. They had an argument, and Hugh sent her away. The earthquake struck on her way home, and she died. When his mother called and delivered the news, Hugh realized that her death was a direct result of his behavior, and decided to seek help, getting his life back on track.