"Tiger King" Star Jeff Johnson Dies By Suicide: Report

BY Erika Marie 44.0K Views
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Tiger King Suicide
The tragic incident took place back in September but reports of Johnson's death were released today.

The release of Tiger King 2 has placed the controversial docuseries back in the spotlight. Carole Baskin sued Netflix and Tiger King producers over the use of her likeness and Joe Exotic has been giving regular updates from prison regarding his health. While he has reportedly been transferred to a medical facility to treat his cancer, another Tiger King star has reportedly passed away.

According to reports, Jeff Johnson, a former reptile dealer, shot himself following an argument with his wife.


Johnson appeared in Tiger King but for a brief moment as he spoke about Carole Baskin and Joe Exotic's legal issues following her filing a lawsuit against her nemesis. Police in Oklahoma have reportedly stated that Johnson and his wife were having a disagreement inside of the garage to their home when he shot himself right in front of her.

A Medical Examiner did list the 58-year-old's cause of death as a suicide and the incident occurred days after Tiger King star Erik Cowie was found dead of chronic alcohol use. Meanwhile, Joe Exotic continues to petition for his release from prison. He remains incarcerated on charges related to the alleged plot to murder Carole Baskin. 

Exotic has denied any wrongdoing.


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About The Author
Since 2019, Erika Marie has worked as a journalist for HotNewHipHop, covering music, film, television, art, fashion, politics, and all things regarding entertainment. With 20 years in the industry under her belt, Erika Marie moved from a writer on the graveyard shift at HNHH to becoming a Features Editor, highlighting long-form content and interviews with some of Hip Hop’s biggest stars. She has had the pleasure of sitting down with artists and personalities like DJ Jazzy Jeff, Salt ’N Pepa, Nick Cannon, Rah Digga, Rakim, Rapsody, Ari Lennox, Jacquees, Roxanne Shante, Yo-Yo, Sean Paul, Raven Symoné, Queen Naija, Ryan Destiny, DreamDoll, DaniLeigh, Sean Kingston, Reginae Carter, Jason Lee, Kamaiyah, Rome Flynn, Zonnique, Fantasia, and Just Blaze—just to name a few. In addition to one-on-one chats with influential public figures, Erika Marie also covers content connected to the culture. She’s attended and covered the BET Awards as well as private listening parties, the Rolling Loud festival, and other events that emphasize established and rising talents. Detroit-born and Long Beach (CA)-raised, Erika Marie has eclectic music taste that often helps direct the interests she focuses on here at HNHH. She finds it necessary to report on cultural conversations with respect and honor those on the mic and the hardworking teams that help get them there. Moreover, as an advocate for women, Erika Marie pays particular attention to the impact of femcees. She sits down with rising rappers for HNHH—like Big Jade, Kali, Rubi Rose, Armani Caesar, Amy Luciani, and Omerettà—to gain their perspectives on a fast-paced industry.