HOPE, Maine — The man who established a sanctuary for retired circus elephants in Maine was found dead Tuesday. The state Medical said the injuries were consistent with an elephant stepping on him.
Dr. James Laurita, 56, who founded Hope Elephants, apparently died while caring for the elephants. The medical examiner said it was an accident.
Laurita apparently fell and was on the ground when the elephant stepped on him, according to Knox County sheriff's investigators. He suffered multiple chest fractures and died of asphyxiation.
Tending to the animals was part of Laurita's daily routine at the facility he founded with his brother Tom in 2011. Hope Foundation's two Asian elephants, Rosie and Opal, arrived in 2012.
"The elephant was not aggressive in any way. It was clearly an accident," said Mark Belserene, administrator for the state medical examiner's office.
Hope Elephants wrote on their website: "Hope Elephants is deeply saddened by the death of our founder, Dr. Jim Laurita. Jim's passion for all animals, especially elephants, was boundless."
Laurita began his love affair with elephants in the late 1970s when he worked for a regional circus. In fact, the two elephants at the sanctuary were those he took care of while working for the circus.
Contributing: The Associated Press
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