New details are emerging about the fatal tiger attack that claimed the life of an animal handler connected to Tiger King star Joe Exotic.
Ryan Easley was killed by a tiger at the Growler Pines Tiger Preserve in Hugo, Okla., on Saturday, Sept. 20, the wildlife refuge confirmed on Facebook.
Choctaw County Sheriff Terry Park told the Associated Press that Easley and the tiger were inside a large cage together when the animal suddenly attacked, biting and shaking him.
Easley’s wife and young daughter were present during the incident, which occurred at the conclusion of a big cat show attended by multiple spectators.
“It was a big tiger,” the sheriff explained. “This particular one, he’d had for quite some time.”
Neither the Choctaw County Sheriff’s Office nor Growler Pines Tiger Preserve immediately responded to PEOPLE’s request for comment.
According to KXII, Easley was performing an act with the tiger when the attack occurred and was found unresponsive when deputies arrived.
Animal rights organization PETA noted that Easley was “an associate of Joseph Maldonado,” also known as Joe Exotic, and said he had acquired tigers from both Joe Exotic and Bhagavan ‘Doc’ Antle for his business, ShowMe Tigers.
Exotic, currently serving a 21-year prison sentence, posted a now-deleted tribute on social media, stating, “Prayers go out to his family. Ryan took great care of his animals! He loved every one of those tigers and was an advocate for tigers as well as elephants,” according to The Oklahoman.
Growler Pines Tiger Preserve said Easley “was a passionate advocate for wildlife conservation” with a “love for animals, especially Big Cats.” The preserve added that Easley “believed deeply in the mission of Growler Pines — to provide a safe and forever enriching home for the animals under his care.”
“This tragedy is a painful reminder of both the beauty and unpredictability of the natural world,” the preserve said. “Ryan understood those risks — not out of recklessness but out of love.”
They also emphasized that “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.”
All tours and encounters at Growler Pines will be canceled until further notice.
More than $31,000 has been raised through GoFundMe to support Easley’s family following his death.
