article_snippet: (CNN)A Spanish dolphin trainer who was accused on social media of abusing the animals has been found dead, a source with the Spanish National Police told CNN on Saturday.
article_snippet: Georgia Aquarium Chairman and CEO Mike Leven issued a strongly worded statement that said: .
article_snippet: the Georgia Aquarium began a search for truth in hopes of disproving these unsubstantiated claims.
article_snippet: In February, videos circulated of animal trainers in Spain allegedly hitting and kicking dolphins.
article_snippet: the Georgia Aquarium questioned the authenticity of videos circulated of animal trainers in Spain but put (Barbero)   employment on hold.
article_snippet: Trainers are making fast foot and hand motions in the dolphins' direction, but it is unclear if these are blows.
article_snippet: Barbero's employer in Spain, Marineland Mallorca, denied the allegations and said the allegations planned to take legal action against Barbero's accusers, according to the Georgia Aquarium.
highlights_snippet: Grainy viral video triggered abuse allegations as Dolphin trainer Jose Luis Barbero prepared to work at the Georgia Aquarium .