The family of William Chapman, the 23-year-old man who died after entering a tiger enclosure at Yorkshire Wildlife Park, have paid tribute to their “bright, warm and engaging” son while asking the public to respect their privacy during an incredibly difficult time.
Chapman was killed at the wildlife park in Doncaster, South Yorkshire, on Saturday afternoon after entering an enclosure housing a Siberian tiger. His family said he had experienced significant mental health difficulties for several years and had been prescribed strong medication.
In a statement released on Tuesday evening, the family described their grief and expressed concern over distressing material circulating online about his final moments.
“The publication and circulation of deeply offensive media content is causing them severe distress at an exceptionally vulnerable time,” the statement said. “We ask people to stop doing this.”
They also appealed for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death, adding that they hoped the relevant authorities would establish why their son had acted as he did.
“William was a bright, warm and engaging young man whom his family dearly loved – and William loved them back,” they said.
The statement continued: “Sadly, William suffered from significant mental illness over a number of years and was consequently prescribed strong medication.”
The family stressed that it was not their place to determine whether his medication played a role in the tragedy. “It will be for the coroner to decide what part this played in his death,” they said, asking everyone to respect that process.
Emergency crews rushed to the scene
Police were contacted shortly after 1.30pm on Saturday after Chapman entered the tiger enclosure. Officers said he had been visiting the park alone.
Park rangers fired warning shots in an attempt to frighten the animal away. The tiger eventually retreated to a nearby shelter and was secured, but emergency medical teams were unable to save Chapman, who was pronounced dead at the scene.
Reports suggest Chapman had posed for photographs with the tiger visible in the background shortly before approaching the animal. Footage believed to have been shared on a now-deleted Instagram account appeared to show the large cat resting on a wooden platform inside the enclosure.
Audio from the clip captured heavy breathing and distant voices reacting with alarm. It is believed Chapman jumped from a viewing platform into the enclosure.
The tiger, named Altai, reportedly approached him before launching an attack. In footage described by witnesses and media reports, Chapman could be seen sitting on the grass close to the animal, pointing forcefully and kicking out.
A visitor reportedly shouted “Hey!” twice in an attempt to distract the tiger. Other footage captured cries of “No, no, no!” and “Stop, stop, stop, stop, stop!” as the animal repeatedly lunged at him.
The tiger eventually seized Chapman by the neck and dragged him away. Witnesses also reported seeing blood.
One woman who was present reportedly made a desperate attempt to pull Chapman back before he entered the enclosure. Another witness said he had seen Chapman behaving erratically earlier in the day.
The circumstances surrounding the incident remain subject to investigation.
Chapman previously appeared in an ITV comedy drama
Before his death, Chapman had appeared as a child actor in the ITV comedy drama May Contain Nuts, which aired in 2009.
The two-part production featured Shirley Henderson, widely recognised for playing Moaning Myrtle in the Harry Potter films, alongside actor Darren Boyd. Chapman played Alfie Chaplin, the younger son of the characters portrayed by Henderson and Boyd.
He later appeared in the BBC educational series True Stories in 2012, portraying Edward Jenner as a young boy. Jenner is known for his pioneering work on the smallpox vaccine.
These were reportedly among Chapman’s only professional television and film credits.
Chapman had also attended the Jackie Palmer Stage School in High Wycombe, a performing arts school whose former students include Eddie Redmayne, James Corden and Aaron Taylor-Johnson.
Former stage school remembers its student
Following news of Chapman’s death, Jackie Palmer Stage School shared a tribute on Facebook, expressing its sadness at losing a former student.
“Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with William’s family and friends during this incredibly difficult time,” the school said.
“We loved watching William grow, both as a person and as a performer, during his time with us.”
The tribute continued: “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.”
The school added that Chapman would be “truly missed” and would always hold a special place in its hearts.
Investigation continues as wildlife park remains closed
Yorkshire Wildlife Park remained closed on Wednesday, marking the fifth day since the fatal incident.
The City of Doncaster Council, which is responsible for licensing the attraction, confirmed on Monday that it had launched a health and safety investigation into the circumstances surrounding Chapman’s death.
His family have asked for privacy as the investigation proceeds and the coroner considers the circumstances of the tragedy. They have also urged the public to stop sharing material they say is causing them further distress as they mourn their son.