In the small town of Wynnewood, Oklahoma, a life was cut tragically short on October 6, 2017. Travis Maldonado, a 23-year-old male, died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound at the Greater Wynnewood Exotic Animal Park. His death, which occurred in front of a witness, was later ruled accidental by authorities, leading to a conclusion that did not involve any suspects or arrests.
Travis, who had moved to Oklahoma from California, had a history of struggling with meth addiction.
It was hoped that working with animals at the park, owned by the man who would become his husband, Joe Exotic, would provide a new direction in his life. He had been married to Joe Exotic in a three-way ceremony before legally marrying him in 2015. Despite their marriage, those who knew Travis indicated that he did not identify as gay.
The circumstances surrounding his death were both sudden and heartbreaking. Inside the zoo's gift shop, Travis was with Joshua Dial, Joe Exotic's campaign manager at the time. He was handling a. 45 caliber handgun and, in a moment of tragic miscalculation, removed the magazine and placed the gun to his head. He reportedly believed the weapon would not discharge without the magazine inserted, a fatal misconception. The gun fired, and he was pronounced dead at the scene.
The aftermath of Travis Maldonado's death was a period of intense grief, particularly for his husband. No foul play was suspected by law enforcement, and the investigation concluded that his death was an accident. There were no arrests made or suspects identified in connection with the incident, as all evidence pointed to a self-inflicted, albeit unintentional, act. His untimely passing left behind his parents and two sisters.
