A former colleague of 'Tiger King' Joe Exotic was fatally mauled by a big cat while performing in front of a live audience that included his wife and daughter, it was revealed on Tuesday.
Ryan Easley, 37, was in a cage with the tiger when it attacked him at his animal preserve in southeastern Oklahoma.
Choctaw County Sheriff Terry Park told ABC the handler was unexpectedly bit around the neck and shoulder, killing him almost instantly.
Easley was owner of Growler Pines Tiger Preserve. His wife Elaine and daughter Lily were among the audience who witnessed the kill.
Sheriff Park told The Associated Press that Easley had the 'big tiger' for 'quite some time.' The attack happened toward the end of the show, his wife rushed into the cage and removed the animal.
