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A big cat handler with ties to Tiger King<\/em> star Joe Exotic was killed during a performance in Oklahoma.<\/p>\n On Saturday (Sept. 20), Ryan Easley was fatally attacked at the Growler Pines Tiger Preserve<\/a> in Hugo, Okla.<\/p>\n According to Choctaw County Sheriff Terry Park<\/a>, Easley was inside a large cage with the animal when it unexpectedly bit him and began to shake him.<\/p>\n Easley was not breathing when first responders arrived. Adding to the tragedy, his wife and young daughter were present at the show.<\/p>\n Sheriff Park told reporters that Easley had owned the tiger \u201cfor quite some time.\u201d He was reportedly performing an act with the animal when the attack occurred.<\/p>\n \u201cIt was a big tiger,\u201d Park said. Easley had long been involved in the world of exotic animals.<\/p>\n Animal rights group PETA<\/a> described him as an associate of Joe Exotic, claiming he had acquired tigers from Exotic as well as Bhagavan \u201cDoc\u201d Antle for his business, ShowMe Tigers.<\/p>\n Joe Exotic, who is serving a 21-year prison sentence, posted a tribute online that has since been deleted.<\/p>\n Read More:\u00a0<\/strong><\/em>\u2018Tiger King\u2019 Star Joe Exotic Marries Fellow Inmate in Prison<\/a><\/p>\n \u201cPrayers go out to his family,\u201d he wrote, according to The Oklahoman<\/em><\/a>. \u201cRyan took great care of his animals! He loved every one of those tigers and was an advocate for tigers as well as elephants.\u201d<\/p>\n In a statement, Growler Pines Tiger Preserve remembered Easley as \u201ca passionate advocate for wildlife conservation\u201d who had a \u201clove for animals, especially Big Cats.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThis tragedy is a painful reminder of both the beauty and unpredictability of the natural world,\u201d the preserve said<\/a>. \u201cRyan understood those risks \u2014 not out of recklessness but out of love.\u201d<\/p>\n They added, \u201cThe animals under his care were not just animals to him, but beings he formed a connection with \u2014 one rooted in respect, daily care and love.\u201d<\/p>\n Read More:\u00a0<\/strong><\/em>Big Cat Energy! Carole Baskin Defends Using Charity Funds to Purchase $895,000 Florida Crib<\/a><\/p>\n Until further notice, all tours and encounters at Growler Pines have been cancelled.<\/p>\n This list proves that small risks an artist takes each time they travel to a show adds up.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Gallery Credit: Billy Dukes<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nA Sudden and Tragic Attack<\/h3>\n
Remembering Ryan Easley<\/h3>\n
11 Country Singers Who Died in Plane Crashes<\/h2>\n