Family pay tribute to ‘bright, warm’ man who was killed after entering tiger enclosure
The family of a man who was killed after he entered a tiger enclosure have paid tribute, calling him ‘bright, warm and engaging’.
William Chapman, 23, died on Saturday (10 October) after he entered the enclosure at Yorkshire Wildlife Park.
In a statement, his heartbroken family said that Chapman, who appeared on ITV and the BBC as a child actor, had 'suffered significant mental illness’ over a number of years.
The family also urged people to stop sharing ‘deeply offensive’ content of the incident.
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“The family are utterly devastated by their loss and are struggling to come to terms with what has happened,” they said in a statement on Tuesday.
“The publication and circulation of deeply offensive media content is causing them severe distress at an exceptionally vulnerable time. We ask people to stop doing this.
“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 continued: “William was a bright, warm and engaging young man whom his family dearly loved – and William loved them back.
“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.”
Police have confirmed that Chapman was visiting the park alone on 10 October, where he entered the tiger enclosure at around 1.30pm.
He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Witness Anthony Hunt told Sky News he saw the tiger's 'eyes lock on to something in the enclosure'.
He went on: "We thought maybe he's getting fed."
But as his girlfriend Scarlett was taking photos, they saw through the camera lens that Chapman had entered the enclosure.
Other witnesses recall people desperately telling Chapman to pay dead before the tiger attacked.
A woman named Alice told LADbible it was 'all very sudden' and 'chaotic', recalling 'a member of staff running around telling people to evacuate but wouldn't say anything about why’.
She added: "When we left we had to walk the length of the park and pass nearby the tiger enclosure and could see emergency services dealing with the scene from afar but not close enough to make out any casualties."
South Yorkshire Police have asked people not to share social media footage of Chapman being attacked in the tiger enclosure.
The City of Doncaster Council has opened a health and safety investigation into the incident.
Dan Swaine, Executive Director of Place at City of Doncaster Council, said: “We are deeply saddened by the incident that occurred this weekend.
"Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with everyone involved, including the family and loved ones of the person who tragically lost their life, those that witnessed the incident and the staff involved at Yorkshire Wildlife Park, as well as the emergency services who provided a swift response.
“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.”
Following Chapman’s death, Yorkshire Wildlife Park has remained closed, but it has confirmed that the tiger involved in the incident - an adult male named named Altai - will not be euthanised.
In a statement shared with LADbible on Sunday (11 October), Yorkshire Wildlife Park said: "We would like to thank everyone who has expressed their concern following yesterday's tragic incident.
"Our thoughts and heartfelt sympathies remain with the family and loved ones of the man who tragically lost his life.
"The park will be closed today and the staff team who were deeply affected by events will receive specialist support.
"Many, many people have contacted us about Altai, the tiger. We can reassure everyone that he is safe and well and will not be euthanised as a result of this incident."
Topics: UK News
Claire Reid