Grief-stricken relatives of William Chapman, the 23-year-old killed by a tiger at a wildlife park, have paid tribute to him as a “bright, warm and engaging young man” and pleaded for an end to the sharing of footage from the fatal incident.
Mr Chapman died on Saturday after entering a tiger enclosure at Yorkshire Wildlife Park in Doncaster. In a family statement, relatives said he had lived with “significant mental illness over a number of years”.
“The family are utterly devastated by their loss and are struggling to come to terms with what has happened,” the statement said.
The family also urged members of the public to stop circulating video clips linked to his death.
“The publication and circulation of deeply offensive media content is causing them severe distress at an exceptionally vulnerable time,” they said.
“The family are hopeful that the relevant authorities will do their upmost to get to the bottom of why our amazing son did what he did,” the statement added.
Relatives said Mr Chapman, who they described as “a bright, warm and engaging young man”, was “dearly loved”.
‘Remembered with great fondness’
In their statement, the family said: “Sadly, William suffered from significant mental illness over a number of years and was consequently prescribed strong medication.
“It will be for the coroner to decide what part this played in his death.
“We would ask everybody to respect that process.”
Mr Chapman previously attended Jackie Palmer Stage School in High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire.
In a Facebook tribute, the school said it was “deeply saddened” by the death of its former student, adding that staff had cherished seeing him develop “both as a person and as a performer”.
Jackie Palmer Stage School said: “We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of our former student, William Chapman.
“Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with William’s family and friends during this incredibly difficult time.
“We loved watching William grow, both as a person and as a performer, during his time with us.
“It was a privilege to be part of his journey, and he will be remembered with great fondness by everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him.”
Health and safety investigation
Footage referenced in reports suggests Mr Chapman filmed himself as he approached the animal.
A short clip, said to have been posted on a now-deleted Instagram account, appears to have been recorded from inside the tiger enclosure, showing the large animal lying on top of a wooden platform a few metres from the camera.
On Sunday night, US President Donald Trump shared footage of Mr Chapman being attacked on his Truth Social platform, alongside the signed message: “Don’t ever mess with nature!”
Mr Trump later posted again, this time sharing a video montage that appeared to show other people being mauled by lions set to an upbeat soundtrack.
The wildlife park will stay shut for a fifth day after the attack.
Emergency services were called shortly after 1.30pm on 10 October when Mr Chapman, who police said was visiting alone, entered the enclosure.
He was pronounced dead at the scene.
City of Doncaster Council, the authority responsible for licensing the park, said on Monday it had opened a health and safety investigation.
Dan Swaine, executive director of place at City of Doncaster Council, said: “As the relevant licensing authority for the Yorkshire Wildlife Park, I can confirm that, in line with our statutory duties, the council has launched a health and safety investigation.
“We are also working with multiple agencies, including the police and health agencies, and are supporting the Yorkshire Wildlife Park in response to the incident.
“At this time, we won’t be commenting further on the individual or the investigation and we ask that the privacy of those involved is respected at this difficult time.”
In an earlier social media statement, the park said “many, many people” had been in touch about Altai, the Amur tiger involved, and confirmed he will not be euthanised.
