Head zookeeper of Joe Exotic’s GW Zoo in Oklahoma, Erik Cowie, who was a central figure in Netflix’ cultural phenomenon, Tiger King has been found dead at age 53.
The big cat and other exotic animal keeper had skipped bail after pleading guilty to driving under the influence. He had been arrested after he was in a car accident earlier this year but did not show up for his sentencing in court. An arrest warrant was issued, however, it was unknown where Cowie had run off to.
Tiger King Zookeeper Erik Cowie Found Dead While Evading the Courts.
As it turns out, he was in Brooklyn, NY at a female friend’s apartment. This is where the 53 year old was found unresponsive by first responders on Friday, September 3 after Cowie’s friend found him face down in a bedroom.
Though no official cause of death has been released, investigating officers were informed that Cowie used alcohol excessively. A large bottle of vodka was found at the scene.
Cowie was well known by millions who watched the insane docu-series that was Tiger King. Released just as the pandemic had the world over forced indoors, 34.3 million viewers watched Tiger King within 10 days of its release.
Cowie had credited his job at the GW Zoo for saving his life at the time, claiming that before knocking on Exotic’s door, he was “at the end of (his) rope” and admitted on the show to having a ‘past’ drinking problem.
After his 15 minutes of fame, Cowie continued working at the GW zoo after Exotic’s arrest and Jeff Lowe had taken ownership. Cowie ended up testifying against his ex-boss, formally known as Joseph Maldonado-Passage , saying he’d seen Exotic order some of the animals at the zoo to be shot and killed. This contributed to Exotic’s conviction of animal cruelty and the 22 year sentence that was handed down.
RIP Erik and condolences to his friends, family and fans.
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