India, Sept. 23 -- A tiger handler linked to "Tiger King" star Joe Exotic was killed in "an accident" at an Oklahoma animal preserve, according to ABC News.

"This tragedy is a painful reminder of both the beauty and unpredictability of the natural world. Ryan knew those risks - not out of carelessness but out of love," the preserve wrote.

Ryan Easley, a wildlife caretaker and operator of the Growler Pines Tiger Preserve near Hugo, Oklahoma, died after being attacked during an "accident" on Saturday at Growler Pines Tiger Preserve in Hugo, the facility confirmed in a Facebook post.

Staff added, "The animals under his care were not just animals to him, but beings he connected with through respect, daily care, and love."

The preserve, wh...