An associate of Joe Exotic was killed by a tiger under his care at his animal preserve in southeastern Oklahoma, according to the preserve.

Ryan Easley, the operator of Growler Pines Tiger Preserve near Hugo, died on Saturday, Sept. 20 in what the preserve described as "an accident."

"This tragedy is a painful reminder of both the beauty and unpredictability of the natural world," Growler Pines Tiger Preserve said in its statement, which it posted to its Facebook page on Sunday, Sept. 20. "Ryan understood those risks―not out of recklessness but out of love. 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."

The preserve did not disclose further details about how Easley was killed.

Records show E

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