Understand
Family pays tribute to 'bright, warm and engaging' man killed in tiger attack at Yorkshire Wildlife Park
Overview
The family of 23-year-old William Chapman, who was killed by a tiger after entering its enclosure at Yorkshire Wildlife Park near Doncaster, has paid tribute to him as a 'bright, warm and engaging' young man. Chapman had suffered from significant mental illness, and his family has asked the coroner to determine what role this played in the incident. City of Doncaster Council has launched a health and safety investigation, and the park remains temporarily closed. The tiger, an Amur named Altai, will not be euthanised.
Key points
- William Chapman, 23, died after entering a tiger enclosure at Yorkshire Wildlife Park near Doncaster.
- His family described him as a 'bright, warm and engaging' young man and noted he had suffered from significant mental illness.
- City of Doncaster Council has launched a health and safety investigation into the incident.
- The wildlife park remains closed following the tragedy, and an inquest is due to open at Doncaster Coroner's Court.
- The park confirmed that the tiger involved, an Amur named Altai, will not be euthanised.
- Chapman was a former child actor who appeared in television productions including May Contain Nuts and True Stories.