Estate of young animal keeper who was mauled, killed by cougar sues wild cat sanctuary, owners

The estate of a young woman who was mauled to death by a cougar while working at a suburban Portland wild cat sanctuary is suing the sanctuary and its owners.

The lawsuit against Wildcat Haven and owners Michael and Cheryl Tuller was filed last week in Multnomah (muhlt-NOH'-muh) County District Court.

The lawsuit alleges the sanctuary is liable for the death of Renee Radziwon-Chapman because she was left alone with the animals despite expressing concerns about working solo.

The 36-year-old keeper was found dead inside the animals' enclosure in November 2013, with two cougars roaming freely near her.

Radziwon-Chapman is survived by her husband and baby daughter. Her estate seeks $6 million in damages for wrongful death and other violations.

The Tullers did not immediately return a call seeking comment.