Erik Cowie, ‘Tiger King’ Zookeeper, Found Dead At 53

Erik Cowie, a zookeeper for Tiger King Joe Exotic‘s former zoo, has been found dead at 53.

The longtime animal caretaker at the Greater Wynnewood Exotic Animal Park was discovered unresponsive and pronounced dead in a New York City apartment that he was residing at during a visit to see his friend.

According to TMZ.com, law enforcement sources are saying there is no foul play and no drugs were found on the scene, however a large bottle of vodka was recovered. He was found face down in the bedroom of the apartment by his friend before the ambulance was called.

A likely toxicology test will be conducted, though only alcohol was recovered at the scene.

Cowie appeared in multiple episodes of the Netflix series Tiger King which portrayed and frequently reference him as the head keeper of the animals. During the trial of Exotic that has placed him currently in prison, Erik testified against Joe claiming that he witnessed the ordering of big cats to be killed at the zoo.

In a more recent state of legal issues for Cowie, he was arrested for driving under the influence and causing a two-car collision earlier this year. He did plead guilty to the charge, however when it came to being sentenced, he failed to show up in court and an arrest warrant was issued and was missing ever since.

Rest in Peace.

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