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Tiger Handler Killed in Mauling
12 Dec
Summary
- Animal handler Ryan Easley died from blunt force and sharp force injuries.
- The fatal tiger mauling was officially ruled an accident.
- Easley had acquired tigers from Joe Exotic and Doc Antle.
The official cause of death for Ryan Easley, an animal handler previously associated with Tiger King star Joe Exotic, has been confirmed as blunt force, sharp force, and crushing injuries resulting from a tiger mauling. The medical examiner in Tulsa, Oklahoma, determined the manner of death to be accidental.
Easley was fatally attacked by a tiger under his care at the Growler Pines Tiger Preserve in Hugo, Oklahoma, on September 20th. The preserve stated that Easley was performing an act with the tiger when an unforeseen event led to the tragic attack. Deputies arriving at the scene found Easley unresponsive.
Animal rights group PETA has since accused Easley of mistreating tigers, alleging he acquired them from Joe Exotic and Doc Antle and forced them to perform in circuses. PETA also claims Easley had a history of animal abuse, including whipping tigers and keeping them in cramped conditions.
