Hugo Public School’s softball player, Lily Easley, and her mother, Elain Hall Easley, are facing an unimaginable loss following the passing of her father, Ryan Easley.
Lily Easley’s father tragically lost his life on September 20, 2025, in an accident involving one of the tigers under his care in Hugo, Oklahoma. Ryan was working as a caretaker for the animals at Growler Pines Tiger Preserve.
Growler Pines Tiger Preserve confirmed the heartbreaking news with a Facebook post.
According to the Preserve, the young softball player’s father was a passionate advocate for wildlife conservation. His love for animals, giant cats, was evident in every part of his life.
The late tiger handler is said to have dedicated his life to protecting and caring for these magnificent animals.
Also, he deeply believed in the mission of Growler Pines – to provide a safe and forever enriching home for the animals under his care.
"Growler Pines was more than just a workplace for Ryan; it was his calling, his passion, and his life’s purpose. His courage, compassion, and unwavering commitment to wildlife will never be forgotten."
-Growler Pines Tiger PreserveAccording to the Choctaw County Sheriff, Easley was performing an act with one of the tigers when the animal attacked him, killing him almost instantly.
Following the shocking news, many of Ryan’s friends flooded social media with tributes and condolences.
For instance, his friend Nichole Burdick Boyd said she was horrified by the news and heartbroken beyond words. She shared how much Ryan meant to her family.
Boyd said Ryan was a fantastic person who touched many lives with his passion and his love for Elaine, Lily, and the cats.
Similarly, the official Facebook page of the Rotary Club of Hugo, Oklahoma, recalled how Lily’s father had spoken to their club many times, and how it was always a highlight.
They added that the Easley family has done incredible things within and for their community, and they asked everyone to join their members in praying for the Easley family in this difficult time of loss.
Lily Easley’s Softball Coach Asked The Community To Support The Family
Among many others, the young softball player’s coach, Karla Victoria Marroquin, has also asked the Hugo, Oklahoma, community to support the Easley family.
On September 22, the Hugo Public School softball head coach wrote, “Lily is one of our middle school softball players. Any little bit helps!” She also linked a GoFundMe page.
Similarly, Katelyn Cantrell wrote, “Elaine and Lily need every ounce of help they can get, and they deserve even more than what we are able to give them.”
A GoFundMe page has been set up by Dylan Geer. The story on the page says that the Easley family ran Growler Pines, caring for many animals with dedication and excellence.
It also notes that the young girl’s father was deeply committed to both his work and his family. Of a $20K target, they had raised $18,195 as of September 22, 2025.
Lily Easley’s Father, Ryan Easley, Is Accused of Mistreating Tigers
While the Easley family is mourning the tragic passing of Ryan, some people have accused him of mistreating animals.
"Easley had a long history of exploiting big cats. He acquired tigers from Tiger King figures Joe Exotic and Doc Antle and transported them around the country for years with his business, ShowMe Tigers."
- Joseph Buddenberg wrote on Facebook.Buddenberg also accused Ryan of forcing tigers to perform in circuses such as Shrine and Carden.
The post further claimed, “In 2017, Easley was caught violently whipping tigers during training, striking one tiger 31 times.“
When the animals weren’t performing, they were reportedly confined to small cages for hours. Another Facebook user, Wienerdog Wifi, shared similar claims.
Wienerdog Wifi added that while the preserve claims Ryan’s work was driven by “love and respect” for the animals, critics like PETA argue that it shows human interaction with apex predators can often end in tragedy.
In Case You Don’t Know
- Lily Easley is currently a middle school student at Hugo Public Schools.
- Tours at Growler Pines Tiger Preserve have been suspended.
- Lily and her family have lived in Hugo, Oklahoma, for many years.
