Horrific New Details Emerge In Fatal Mauling Of ‘Tiger King’ Associate Ryan Easley

Disturbing new information has surfaced in the tragic death of Ryan Easley, a longtime associate of "Tiger King" star Joe Exotic, who was fatally mauled by a tiger during a live performance in Oklahoma. Easley was killed on September 20 while performing at Growler Pines Tiger Preserve in Hugo, Oklahoma, in front of his wife, Elaine, and their young daughter, Lily. The horrifying attack unfolded during a show and left witnesses in shock as emergency responders rushed to the scene. Now, a newly released injury report has revealed the brutal extent of the injuries Easley suffered in his final moments.

According to the report, which was obtained by TMZ, Easley sustained nearly 100 puncture wounds during the attack, including a massive hole in his neck. Additional injuries included deep lacerations across his neck, back, and upper body, extensive hemorrhaging in the neck muscles, crush and puncture trauma to the cervical vertebrae and spinal cord, and contusions to his scalp.

The Tulsa Medical Examiner ruled that the "Tiger King" associate's death was caused by "blunt force, sharp force, and crushing injuries" as a result of the tiger mauling. Authorities confirmed that Easley was pronounced dead at the scene at approximately 2 p.m.

Despite the tragic ending, Easley was no stranger to working with exotic animals. His father was a zookeeper who worked with elephants, and Easley began apprenticing with a circus tiger trainer at 21.

After his mentor retired in 2011, Easley launched his own traveling act, ShowMe Tigers. When the COVID-19 pandemic brought touring to a halt, he opened Growler Pines Tiger Preserve so he could continue caring for and working with big cats.

According to Sheriff Park, Easley had cared for the tiger involved in the attack for years. The incident occurred toward the end of the performance, and authorities say Easley's wife bravely rushed into the enclosure to pull the animal away during the chaos.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture, which licensed Growler Pines, has launched an investigation into the incident, according to ABC. Officials are reviewing safety protocols and conditions at the preserve following the fatal attack.

The incident has reignited concerns surrounding roadside zoos, traveling animal acts, and the risks associated with live tiger performances.

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) issued a sharply critical statement following Easley's death, alleging he "acquired tigers from Joe Exotic and fellow' Tiger King' villain Bhagavan 'Doc' Antle for his business, ShowMe Tigers." The organization accused Easley of hauling "[the tigers] around the country" and allegedly forcing them to "perform in cruel circuses," adding that "[He] kept them trapped in cages for hours when they weren't performing."

PETA also claimed Easley was allegedly caught "violently whipping tigers during a training session" and accused him of boarding animals in cramped cages at Joe Exotic's roadside zoo. The group called on "the remaining roadside zoo exhibitors" to "get out of the business now and send the animals to accredited sanctuaries where they can finally live in peace."

Joseph Maldonado, better known as Joe Exotic, acknowledged Easley's death in a now-deleted social media post. "Prayers go out to his family," Maldonado wrote. "Ryan took great care of his animals! He loved every one of those tigers and was an advocate for tigers as well as elephants."

Maldonado is currently serving a 21-year federal prison sentence after being convicted on 19 counts, including wildlife crimes and the infamous murder-for-hire plot involving zoo rival Carole Baskin.