One of the co-founders of a Maine sanctuary for elephants has died after being accidentally crushed by one of his animals. Jim Laurita, 56, was found dead Tuesday morning in the elephant corral where he kept two old retired circus elephants, Rosie and Opal, according to the Portland Press Herald.

Laurita had cared for the large creatures since the 1970s when he was an elephant handler for the circus. He later got a veterinary degree at Cornell University and worked at the Bronx Zoo. Then, in 2011, he opened Hope Elephants with his brother, Tom.

The state medical examiner, Mark Belserene, said to CNN that Laurita died from "asphyxia and multiple fractures due to compression of the chest...This is clearly a tragic accident."

Rosie and Opal had reportedly performed for over 40 years in circus acts until their health began failing. Opal had limb and joint deterioration that was painful and Rosie's trunk had nerve damage, leaving it partially paralyzed and making it difficult for her to feed.

The Hope Elephants website displayed a message acknowledging Laurita's passing.

"Jim's passion for all animals, but especially elephants, was boundless," the post said. "It was Jim's ability to share that passion with all around him that not only helped to make our organization a reality, but also enriched and enhanced the lives of all those who had a chance to know Jim. It was through education that Jim passed on his passion and the importance of wildlife conservation."

Town members were also deeply saddened by the death of this community figure.

"I had to send an email this morning to town officials and I almost didn't want to type the words," town administrator Jon Duke said to the newspaper. "It's hard to think of him in the past tense because he was so alive. He was such a force of nature."