A man who died after being attacked by a tiger when he entered its enclosure at a wildlife park in northern England over the weekend has been remembered by his family as a "bright, warm and engaging young man".
William Chapman, 23, was seen entering the Siberian tiger pen at Yorkshire Wildlife Park near Doncaster around 1.35pm Saturday BST. Emergency services were called but he was pronounced dead at the scene.
In a statement released by his family on Tuesday evening, Chapman was remembered as a "bright, warm and engaging young man whom his family dearly loved – and William loved them back".
It noted that Chapman battled "significant mental illness over a number of years" and had been prescribed "strong medication" – but what part it may have played in his death "will be for the coroner to decide"
"We would ask everybody to respect that process."
Man killed after entering tiger enclosure named as William Chapman - Watch on TVNZ+
His family asked for privacy, adding that the circulation of "deeply offensive media content" of Chapman’s death was "causing them severe distress at an exceptionally vulnerable time".
"The family are utterly devastated by their loss and are struggling to come to terms with what has happened.
It 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."
In a statement hours after the incident unfolded, Yorkshire Wildlife Park said it was "deeply saddened by today's tragic incident".
"Our thoughts and heartfelt sympathies are with the family and loved ones of the person who has lost their life.
"We are working closely with the police and relevant authorities and would ask that the privacy of those affected is respected at this extremely difficult time."
The wildlife park remained closed following the incident.
'Truly missed'
Chapman, a former child actor, had studied at the Jackie Palmer Stage School in High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire.
"We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of our former student, William Chapman," the school said today on social media.
"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."
The school said Chapman would be "truly missed", adding that he would "always hold a special place in our hearts".
"Rest in peace, William."
Chapman’s credits included 2009 comedy-drama TV movie May Contain Nuts and 2012 BBC educational drama series True Stories.
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