Hermosillo, Mexico (CBS HOUSTON) – 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 the Sonora state when one of the animals lunged towards him and pulled him to the ground. The handheld video shows other tamers running into the cage to help free Crispin from the tiger’s attack.

Many members of the audience are heard screaming and standing up from the crowd.

The Mexican news agency Notimex reported that Crispin – who is an American – suffered from bites and scratches from the tiger’s claws before dying as a result of the wounds at the Red Cross Huatabampo Hospital.

In a statement sent from the Circo Suarez company to the Notimex news agency, the incident occurred at 22:30 pm inside a circus tent located in the Plaza Indian township south of the Sonora state.

The Sonora state is one of 31 states that, with the Federal District, comprise the 32 Federal Entities of Mexico. It is divided into 72 municipalities; the capital city is Hermosillo.