Tiger King zookeeper, Erik Cowie has died at the age of 53.
He found fame on the Netflix show Tiger King: Murder, Mayhem, and Madness alongside Joe Exotic.
It was reported the Netflix star was found “lying down face down” in bed on Friday in New York City.
News of his death hit headlines on Tuesday, September 7.
A law enforcement source told TMZ: “There’s nothing suspicious about the
death at this point, and no drugs were found on the scene, though a
toxicology test will likely still be performed.”
The star worked as an animal caretaker who was responsible for looking after big cats at the zoo.
Mr. Cowie continued to work at the zoo after Exotic was jailed for attempting to hire someone to kill rival Carole Baskin.
At the time, the zookeeper testified against Exotic saying he had
ordered some of the zoo animals to be shot which led to a conviction.
In the past Cowie had admitted to having a drinking problem.
Cowie previously said that he was 'at the end of (his) rope' with his drinking problems before finding Joe.
Earlier this year he got a DUI in Oklahoma after a car accident.
He pleaded guilty and was set to be sentenced sometime after, but failed to show up for his hearing.
