KEENESBURG, CO - APRIL 05: One of the 39 tigers rescued in 2017 from Joe Exotic's G.W. Exotic Animal Park watches volunteers at the Wild Animal Sanctuary on April 5, 2020 in Keenesburg, Colorado.

A tiger operator affiliated with former Netflix star Joe Exotic was killed by one of the big cats under his care, an Oklahoma-based reserve announced over the weekend.

The Growler Pines Tiger Preserve confirmed the "tragic" passing of Ryan Easley, who died "in an accident involving a tiger" on Saturday, Sept. 20, according to a Facebook statement. No further details on how he was killed were made public.

"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," the statement continued.

"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."

Joe Exotic shares condolences after Easley's passing

According to The Oklahoman, part of the USA TODAY Network, Easley's passing was acknowledged by former zookeeper Joseph Maldonado, more popularly known as Joe Exotic, profiled in the smash hit Netflix documentary series "Tiger King."

Maldonado is serving a 21-year sentence at Fort Worth's Federal Medical Center after he was convicted in a highly-publicized murder-for-hire case.

"Prayers go out to his family," Maldonado said in since-removed posts on Instagram and Facebook, The Oklahoman reported. "Ryan took great care of his animals! He loved everyone of those tigers and was an advocate for tigers as well as elephants."

PETA releases statement amid Easley's death

PETA released a statement in response to Easley's death, slamming his alleged practices and accusing him of forcing tigers to perform in circuses and boarding them in cramped cages at Maldonado's zoo.

"It’s never safe for humans to interact directly with apex predators, and it’s never a surprise when a human is attacked by a stressed big cat who has been caged, whipped, and denied everything natural and important to them," Debbie Metzler, senior director of captive wildlife for the PETA Foundation, said in the Sept. 21 news release.

In a statement, PETA renewed its calls for "wild animal exhibitors" to stop showing their animals and instead send them to sanctuaries.

Maldonado blasted PETA for its response, saying the animal rights group "always got to lie and drag me into everything."

He also shared a screenshot of media outlets including his name in headlines about Easley's death, adding, "I had nothing to do with this dude other than 18 years ago I let him keep his tigers at my zoo for one winter."

Preserve tours postponed

The Growler Pines Tiger Preserve is a wildlife facility located near Hugo, Oklahoma, offering private guided tours to visitors.

In the wake of Easley's death, the encounters have been canceled, and according to its website, tickets will be refunded. The preserve praised Easley for his work and advocacy for the 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 statement continued. "His courage, compassion and unwavering commitment to wildlife will never be forgotten."

Taylor Ardrey is a news reporter for USA TODAY. You can reach her at tardrey@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Man affiliated with 'Tiger King' star Joe Exotic killed by tiger

Reporting by Taylor Ardrey and Jessie Christopher Smith, USA TODAY NETWORK / USA TODAY

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