Family of tiger attack victim pay tribute to 'bright, warm' William Chapman

The family of the man killed by a tiger after he entered a wildlife park enclosure has described him as ‘bright, warm and engaging.’

Named today as William Chapman, in his mid-20s, he was visiting Yorkshire Wildlife Park on Saturday, when he was seen by witnesses going into the animal’s pen.

The tiger attacked him and he died at the scene. The City of Doncaster Council launched an investigation into health and safety following the death.

His family said in a statement that Chapman had suffered ‘significant mental illness’ for years and had been prescribed ‘strong medication’.

Their statement released on Tuesday evening said, “William was a bright, warm and engaging young man whom his family dearly loved - and William loved them back.”

The statement explained that a coroner would decide how much Chapman’s mental state motivated his actions and they hoped ‘everyone would respect this’.

"The family are utterly devastated by their loss and are struggling to come to terms with what has happened," the statement continued.

"The family are hopeful that the relevant authorities will do their utmost to get to the bottom of why our amazing son did what he did."

Addressing the online reaction to Chapman’s death, his family said.

“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 park was evacuated and closed shortly after the incident, which took place at 1.35pm.

Witnesses described Chapman as pacing around and dancing while listening to headphones shortly before the incident.

Mobile phone footage appeared to show Chapman inside the enclosure, approaching the animal before the attack.

Witnesses described Chapman as making signs to the animal before the attack, one woman shouting for Chapman to ‘play dead’ and hearing several gunshots during the incident, reports the Daily Mail.

Chapman reportedly appeared as a child actor in several roles, including a 2009 ITV two-part comedy called May Contain Nuts and a 2012 BBC history series True Stories.

Jackie Palmer Stage School in High Wycombe, which Chapman attended, said on its Facebook page, “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.”

It continued: “We loved watching William grow, both as a person and as a performer, during his time with us.”

Staff at the wildlife park said their ‘thoughts and heartfelt sympathies’ are with Chapman’s family. The park said Altai, the Amur tiger involved in the attack, would not be euthanised.