South Carolina (USA) - An animal keeper (†52) was found dead in the enclosure of four-year-old red giant kangaroo Jack on a farm in the US state of South Carolina on Friday.

As News13 reports, Eric Slate spent almost every day at the 5-Star Farm, which is a popular destination for families, especially because of its petting zoo.

Interacting with the animals was a real affair of the heart for him - he was particularly taken with Jack the kangaroo. The two of them used to play and romp together in the enclosure.

But that's exactly where Eric was found dead. According to the New York Post, the coroner found blunt injuries. It is not yet clear whether these were actually caused by the kangaroo - the investigation is still ongoing.

His brother, Robert Slate, who owns the farm, asked for privacy in a moving Facebook post .

In an interview with News13, however, he explained that he did not believe that Jack had attacked his brother. Eric had already complained of chest pains days before his death.

An autopsy planned for the end of the week should now bring clarity. Until then, Jack the kangaroo is in quarantine as a precautionary measure.