Erik Cowie, who was one of the zookeepers that was featured on the 2020 Netflix true crime documentary streaming television miniseries Tiger King, was found dead in Brooklyn.
A spokesperson for the New York City Police Department has confirmed the death of the 52-year old Cowie who, according to initial reports, was pronounced dead at exactly 5:30 p.m. on the bedroom of an apartment located at East 155th Street and Remsen Avenue in East Flatbush.
As of posting time, no official report about the cause of Cowie's death was released, although according to investigating officers, he might have consumed alcohol excessively. They added that there was a large bottle of vodka that was found at the scene.
As for the reason for Cowie's presence in the apartment where he was found already lifeless, it was found out by investigators that he was in town and was visiting a friend living there.
As one of the caretakers working at the Greater Wynnewood Exotic Animal Park in Oklahoma, Cowie was the subject of extensive interviews on numerous occasions about working with the zoo's owner, Joe Maldonado-Passage, popularly known as Joe Exotic.
But in a sudden twist of faith, on the wake of Exotic's arrest for plotting to kill Carole Baskin, a big-cat rights activist and considered as his rival, Cowie testified against his employer.
In one instance, the zookeeper, while talking to reporters, said Exotic got involved in killing tigers at the zoo. During a reunion special, Cowie told comedian Joel McHale that his old boss should never be released from prison.
In the 2020 special, he was quoted as saying, "He's going to die in there so good riddance."
Like his fellow "Tiger King" stars, Cowie has had his share of some legal troubles. In fact, earlier this year, he was busted for DUI following a car accident that took place in Oklahoma.
The zookeeper pleaded guilty and was to be sentenced shortly thereafter but he failed to appear in court and therefore an arrest warrant for him was issued.
After that, nothing was heard about his whereabouts, but apparently, he found his was in the Big Apple.
