Overview

• Growler Pines Tiger Preserve in Hugo, Oklahoma said Easley died on September 20 in an accident involving a tiger under his care.
• The Choctaw County Sheriff, cited by local media, reported Easley was attacked during an act and was not breathing when deputies arrived.
• The private facility has canceled all tours and public encounters until further notice, with refunds offered for booked visits.
• Animal-welfare groups including PETA and Humane World for Animals urged an end to direct-contact exhibitions with big cats following the death.
• Reports note Easley’s ties to ‘Tiger King’ figures Joe Exotic and Doc Antle, as well as resurfaced 2017 allegations of abusive handling, while exact details of the incident remain limited.