Family pays tribute to William Chapman after fatal tiger attack

William Chapman, 23, died after entering a tiger enclosure at Yorkshire Wildlife Park near Doncaster on Saturday. He was pronounced dead at the scene. [1]

In a statement released on Tuesday evening, his family remembered him as “a bright, warm and engaging young man” and said they were “utterly devastated” by their loss. They said Chapman had experienced “significant mental illness” for a number of years and had been prescribed “strong medication”. The family said it was for the coroner to determine whether this played a part in his death. [1]

The family asked for privacy and said the circulation of “deeply offensive media content” was causing them severe distress. Footage of the incident had been widely shared online, including by US President Donald Trump on Tuesday evening. Downing Street said people should respect the family’s views on sharing the footage, but declined to comment on Trump’s post. [1]

An inquest is due to open at Doncaster Coroner’s Court on Thursday. City of Doncaster Council has launched a health and safety investigation. Yorkshire Wildlife Park remains closed, with no reopening date confirmed. The park said the Amur tiger, Altai, remained in its enclosure and would not be euthanised. [1]

The incident happened shortly after 13:30 BST on Saturday and prompted the park’s evacuation. An eyewitness told the BBC they saw Chapman wearing headphones and “pacing around” near the enclosure before he entered it. [1]

Chapman was a former pupil of the Jackie Palmer Stage School in High Wycombe and appeared in television productions as a child. The school said it would remember him with “great fondness”. South Yorkshire Police said specialist officers were supporting his family. [1]