A tiger handler was killed during a performance at a big cat preserve in southeastern Oklahoma over the weekend. Ryan Easley, 37, died Saturday at the Growler Pines Tiger Preserve in Hugo. The incident occurred in front of an audience, including Easley’s wife and daughter.

According to authorities, Easley was attacked by a tiger he had raised since it was a cub. The attack happened near the end of a show. Choctaw County Sheriff Terry Park stated that the tiger bit Easley around the neck and shoulder, likely resulting in an instant death.

"No one knows, other than God above, as to what made the tiger attack the handler/trainer," Sheriff Park said. Emergency responders arrived shortly after the incident but found Easley already deceased. His body has been sent to the state Medical Examiner's Office for an autopsy.

The Growler Pines Tiger Preserve released a statement expressing deep sorrow over Easley’s death. The statement described him as a passionate advocate for wildlife conservation, stating, "Ryan was more than just a handler; it was his calling, his passion and his life’s purpose."

In the wake of the tragedy, all tours at the preserve have been canceled until further notice. The facility has promised refunds for any pre-booked tours.

Easley was reportedly a former associate of Joe Exotic, a figure known from the Netflix series "Tiger King." PETA has claimed that Easley acquired some of his animals through Exotic and another associate, Bhagavan "Doc" Antle. The organization also criticized Easley for alleged cruelty toward animals and urged remaining wild animal exhibitors to exit the business.

Joe Exotic, currently serving a 21-year prison sentence, released a statement regarding Easley’s death. He expressed condolences, stating, "No matter if you agree with the way another operates his business, a loss is always something no one wants to see happen. So with all my respect as a human R.I.P. Ryan Easley. You died doing what you loved."

The USDA, which licenses the preserve, is conducting an investigation into the incident. The facility has passed multiple inspections without issues, with the most recent inspection occurring in January.

Easley previously operated ShowMe Tigers, a traveling circus act featuring tigers. Humane World for Animals noted that Easley owned ten tigers and had a history of working with dangerous wild animals for entertainment purposes. Laura Hagen, director of captive wildlife for the organization, called Easley’s death a "sad and preventable tragedy" and emphasized the dangers of using wild animals for entertainment.