Tiger kills circus trainer during performance in Mexico (VIDEO)

GUADALAJARA, Mexico – A tiger killed its trainer during a circus performance in northern Mexico on Saturday.

A video posted on YouTube purportedly shows the trainer, Alexander Crispin, 35, circling two tigers during his act for Circo Suarez in Sonora state when one of the animals lunged towards him and pulled him to the ground.

Mexican news agency Notimex reported Crispin, an American, suffered neck injuries from bites and scratches and later died in hospital.

The video shows spectators fleeing the circus tent as two workers beat the tiger to free Crispin, who was pinned to the ground.  

Editor's note: This video contains graphic images.