A big cat handler with ties to Tiger King star Joe Exotic was killed during a performance in Oklahoma.

On Saturday (Sept. 20), Ryan Easley was fatally attacked at the Growler Pines Tiger Preserve in Hugo, Okla.

According to Choctaw County Sheriff Terry Park , Easley was inside a large cage with the animal when it unexpectedly bit him and began to shake him.

Easley was not breathing when first responders arrived. Adding to the tragedy, his wife and young daughter were present at the show.

A Sudden and Tragic Attack

Sheriff Park told reporters that Easley had owned the tiger “for quite some time.” He was reportedly performing an act with the animal when the attack occurred.

“It was a big tiger,” Park said. Easley had long been involved in the world of exotic animals.

Animal righ

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