Family of tiger attack victim William Chapman pays tribute

Summarised from 2 outlets · 3 reports · Updated 14 Oct, 07:32 · Archive

William Chapman, a man in his mid-20s, was killed by a tiger at Yorkshire Wildlife Park near Doncaster on Saturday after entering the animal's enclosure. He was attacked at around 1.30pm and pronounced dead at the scene. Footage emerged showing Chapman filming himself moments after entering the pen, approaching the animal with heavy breathing audible throughout.

His family described him as a 'bright, warm and engaging young man' whom they dearly loved. They stated in a statement that William had suffered from 'significant mental illness' over a number of years and had been prescribed 'strong medication'. They said it was for the coroner to decide whether his mental illness played a part in his death.

Chapman had worked as a child actor, featuring in ITV's May Contain Nuts and the BBC's True Stories. Jackie Palmer Stage School in High Wycombe, where he studied, paid tribute to him on social media, saying he 'will be remembered with great fondness by everyone'.

The City of Doncaster Council has launched a health and safety investigation into Chapman's death. The park remains closed.

How it is being reported

• William Chapman: Family pays tribute to ‘bright young man’ killed by tiger at wildlife park“William was a bright, warm and engaging young man whom his family dearly loved – and William loved them back.”Yorkshire Post · 14 Oct, 07:14
• Tiger attack victim William Chapman's former school 'deeply saddened' as staff pay tributeThe school has described William Chapman, who was killed by a tiger at Yorkshire Wildlife Park as someone who "will be truly missed".Huddersfield Examiner · 14 Oct, 07:02
• 'Devastated' family of tiger attack William Chapman victim pay tribute to 'warm young man'His family have described him as dearly loved and a 'bright, warm and engaging young man'Huddersfield Examiner · 13 Oct, 22:57

In this story: William Chapman · Yorkshire Wildlife Park · Doncaster · Jackie Palmer Stage School

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