'Tiger King' Joe Exotic's Associate Died From Smorgasbord of Ghastly Injuries

12/12 2:55 AM PT -- TMZ has obtained the long list of injuries Ryan Easley suffered from the tiger attack ... and the injuries are nothing less than horrific. Here they are ...

1. Two lacerations with deep punctures on the left side of the neck.
2. Two lacerations extending from the left to the right side of the neck with separate deep punctures.
3. About ten more deep punctures and multiple other lacerations around the neck area.
4. Cluster of deep red-purple contusions on the scalp.
5. Extensive hemorrhaging within the soft tissue and muscles of the neck.
6. Multiple crush and puncture injuries to the neck's cervical vertebra and spinal cord.
7. Multiple lacerations on the upper abdomen.
8. Two superficial lacerations on the left side of the upper back.
9. Five lacerations on the right side of the upper back.
10. Approximately 47 lacerations and punctures on the mid and lower back with contusions.
11. Four more lacerations in the mid back and one additional on the upper abdomen.
12. Laceration on the upper right arm.
13. Two lacerations on the upper left arm.
14. Abrasion on the lower right leg.
15. Round red mark on the lower right leg.

And there's more ... but you get the picture.

An associate of "Tiger King" star Joe Exotic was attacked by a tiger during a show in Oklahoma earlier this year ... and now TMZ has learned the official cause of death.

According to the Tulsa Medical Examiner, Ryan Easley died from blunt force, sharp force, and crushing injuries ... due to tiger mauling.

As we reported ... Ryan was handling a tiger during a show at the Growler Pines Tiger Preserve in Hugo, OK, on September 20. We were told a tiger suddenly grabbed Ryan around his neck and shoulder area, and sank its teeth into him before violently shaking him.

Paramedics and deputies responded to the scene, but he was pronounced dead shortly after.

Ryan had extensive experience working with animals. His father was reportedly a zookeeper and worked with elephants, while Ryan landed an apprenticeship with a tiger trainer after visiting a circus at the age of 21.

Ryan's mentor retired in 2011, and he started a traveling act called ShowMe Tigers, where he would show off the talents of several trained tigers.

He opened Growler Pines after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, which meant traveling with his act wouldn't be viable.

A statement was shared on Growler Pines' Facebook account after the event took place, calling it a "painful reminder of both the beauty and unpredictability of the natural world."