Cause of Death Revealed for Man Who Worked with “Tiger King” Star Joe Exotic and Was Killed in Tiger Attack

NEED TO KNOW

• Oklahoma animal handler Ryan Easley died on Sept. 20 after he was attacked by a tiger

• His cause of death was confirmed by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Tulsa, Okla., on Thursday, Dec. 11

• Easley had been linked to Tiger King star Joe Exotic, who is currently serving 21 years in prison

The cause of death for an animal handler linked to Tiger King star Joe Exotic has been confirmed after he was attacked by a tiger, authorities said.

Ryan Easley died of blunt force, sharp force and crushing injuries due to tiger mauling, the Chief Medical Examiner in Tulsa, Okla., said in an autopsy obtained by PEOPLE on Thursday, Dec. 11.

The manner of Easley’s death was an accident.

Easley was killed by the tiger in his care at the Growler Pines Tiger Preserve in Hugo, Okla., on Sept. 20, the wildlife refuge announced in a statement on Facebook at the time.

“It is with profound sorrow that we confirm the tragic loss of Ryan Easley, who lost his life in an accident involving a tiger under his care at the Growler Pines Tiger Preserve,” the preserve said.

Easley was performing an act with the tiger when “something went wrong,” and he was attacked, Choctaw County Sheriff Terry Park told KXII. He was not breathing when deputies arrived.

“This tragedy is a painful reminder of both the beauty and unpredictability of the natural world. Ryan understood those risks- not out of recklessness but out of love,” Growler Pines Tiger Preserve added in their statement. “The animals under his care were not just animals to him, but beings he formed a connection with — one rooted in respect, daily care and love.”

In the immediate aftermath of Easley’s death, the wildlife preserve canceled all tours until further notice.

PEOPLE previously reached out to the Choctaw County Sheriff’s Office and the wildlife refuge for comment.

The Growler Pines Tiger Preserve described Easley as a “passionate advocate for wildlife conservation” who “dedicated his life to the protection and care of these magnificent animals.”

“Growler Pines was more than just a place of work for Ryan, it was his calling, his passion and his life’s purpose,” the preserve added. “His courage, compassion and unwavering commitment to wildlife will never be forgotten.”

A GoFundMe fundraiser was also created to help Easley’s family in the wake of his death.

“Ryan’s impact cannot be overstated,” the organizer wrote. “His dedication, his sacrifice, and his love for his work were unmatched. Anyone who met him could feel his passion — not only for the animals and his work —but even more so for his family. His love for Elaine and Lily shone above all else.”

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Meanwhile, animal rights group PETA noted that Easley acquired tigers from Exotic, 62, and Dr. Bhagavan “Doc” Antle, the controversial stars of Netflix’s hit documentary series Tiger King, for his business, ShowMe Tigers.

In its statement following his death, PETA accused Easley of mistreating the tigers under his care.

“For years [Easly] had hauled them around the country, forced them to perform in cruel circuses, including Shrine and Carden Circuses, and kept them trapped in cages for hours when they weren’t performing,” PETA alleged.

The organization also accused Easley in 2017 of “violently whipping tigers during a training session” a reported 31 times and keeping his tigers in “cramped cages” at Exotic’s former zoo, G.W. Exotic Animal Park, in the winter.

Joe Exotic, whose real name is Joseph Maldonado-Passage, is currently serving a 21-year prison sentence.

Read the original article on People