( 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 . Jose Luis Barbero was expected to become vice president of the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta , CNN affiliate WSB reported . He was found dead inside his vehicle in the public parking lot of the Palma de Mallorca airport on the island of Mallorca , the source said . The source said the case is being treated as a suicide . Georgia Aquarium Chairman and CEO Mike Leven issued a strongly worded statement that said : . `` Georgia Aquarium began a search for truth in hopes of disproving these unsubstantiated claims . Sadly , ( Barbero ) and his family received death threats , and groups and individuals rushed to judge him . He was not given the right or the privilege to be considered innocent until proven guilty ... His death is untimely , unnecessary and unjust . '' Barbero , 59 , went missing recently and authorities had started searching for him . In February , videos circulated of animal trainers in Spain allegedly hitting and kicking dolphins . Posters on social media claimed Barbero was one of them . The Georgia Aquarium questioned the authenticity of the videos but put his employment on hold . The video footage is grainy and dark , and faces are difficult to make out . Trainers are making fast foot and hand motions in the dolphins ' direction , but it is unclear if these are blows . CNN could not independently confirm the authenticity of the videos . Barbero 's employer in Spain , Marineland Mallorca , denied the allegations and said it planned to take legal action against Barbero 's accusers , according to the Georgia Aquarium .
Jose Luis Barbero trainer Dolphin was found dead in his vehicle , Spanish police say . Grainy viral video triggered abuse allegations as he prepared to work at the Georgia Aquarium .