Family of Man Killed by Tiger at Yorkshire Wildlife Park Reveal His Years-Long Mental Health Struggles

The family of William Chapman, the 23-year-old former child actor killed by a tiger at Yorkshire Wildlife Park, have revealed that he had struggled with serious mental health problems for years and was taking strong medication. In an emotional tribute, his relatives described the young man they loved while appealing for answers about the circumstances that led to his death.

Chapman died on Saturday, October 10, after entering a tiger enclosure at the wildlife park in Doncaster, South Yorkshire. Police confirmed that he had been visiting the attraction alone.

His family said they were devastated by the tragedy and struggling to understand why he had entered the enclosure.

They also urged the public to stop circulating distressing footage of the attack, explaining that the material was adding to their grief at an especially difficult time.

William Chapman, 23, died after entering a tiger enclosure at Yorkshire Wildlife Park. Photo: Family handout

Family Reveals Chapman’s Mental Health Struggles

In a statement released on Tuesday, Chapman’s relatives remembered him as a loving young man whose personality had brought happiness to those closest to him.

They described him as bright, warm and engaging, emphasising the affection he shared with his family.

However, they also disclosed that he had experienced significant mental health difficulties over several years and had consequently been prescribed strong medication.

The family acknowledged that questions remain over whether his health or treatment contributed to his actions on the day of the attack.

They stressed that any connection would need to be assessed by the coroner rather than determined through public speculation.

Their statement also expressed hope that investigators would establish why Chapman entered the enclosure, a decision that ultimately cost him his life.

The disclosure offered a more personal perspective on the tragedy, shifting attention towards Chapman’s life and the unanswered questions surrounding his final actions.

A Former Child Actor Remembered by His Drama School

Details of Chapman’s early acting career emerged following his death.

He had appeared in the 2009 ITV production May Contain Nuts, alongside actress Shirley Henderson, known for her role in the Harry Potter films.

Three years later, he also appeared in the BBC’s True Stories series.

Chapman previously attended the Jackie Palmer Stage School, where he developed his performance skills as a young student.

Following news of his death, the school published a heartfelt Instagram tribute, remembering the privilege of watching him develop both personally and professionally.

Staff expressed their sympathy to his family and friends, saying they would remember him with affection and that he would continue to hold a special place in their hearts.

The tribute highlighted a part of Chapman’s life beyond the circumstances of his death, recalling his years as a young performer and the relationships he formed during his education.

Footage Appears to Show His Final Approach to the Tiger

Attention has also focused on footage reportedly shared through Chapman’s personal social media account shortly before the fatal incident.

The recording appears to show him approaching a tiger resting on an elevated wooden platform several metres away.

Heavy breathing can be heard close to the camera, while voices in the background express alarm as the person filming moves towards the animal.

Witnesses said visitors tried to warn Chapman as the situation became increasingly dangerous.

Some reportedly called for him to play dead, although observers believed he did not understand their instructions.

During the encounter, Chapman was reportedly heard telling the tiger to stop misbehaving.

The recordings have circulated widely online, but the available footage does not establish why Chapman entered the enclosure or what he intended to do.

The Siberian tiger involved in the fatal incident was identified as Altai.

Witness Recalls Unusual Behaviour Before the Attack

One witness, Anthony Hunt, described seeing Chapman behaving unusually shortly before the incident.

Hunt, who was visiting the park with his girlfriend, Scarlet, said Chapman had been dancing while wearing headphones before entering the enclosure.

The couple were taking photographs of the tiger when they noticed the animal’s behaviour suddenly change.

Hunt recalled that the tiger turned its head and focused intently on something inside its habitat.

Initially, the couple wondered whether the animal was about to be fed. Looking through their camera, however, they realised that a person had entered the enclosure.

According to Hunt, Chapman then lowered himself onto all fours, appeared to pray and looked towards the sky.

The tiger remained on its raised platform briefly before jumping down and approaching him.

Hunt said the animal initially sniffed Chapman before the situation escalated into the fatal attack.

Those who witnessed the incident were left deeply shaken by what they had seen.

The tiger photographed by witness Anthony Hunt, who described its behaviour changing after Chapman entered the enclosure. Photo: Anthony Hunt

Family Pleads for Distressing Videos to Stop Circulating

Alongside their tribute, Chapman’s family expressed serious concern about the online response to his death.

They said disturbing material connected to the attack had been widely shared, causing further suffering while they were attempting to grieve.

Relatives appealed for the circulation of such content to stop and asked for their privacy to be respected.

They also called for patience while the authorities investigate the incident, hoping that the official process will provide a clearer understanding of the circumstances.

The family has not suggested that Chapman’s mental health difficulties definitively explain his actions, leaving that question for investigators and the coroner to examine.

Wildlife Park Remains Closed as Investigation Continues

Yorkshire Wildlife Park was evacuated following the fatal attack and remained closed for a fourth consecutive day on Tuesday, October 13.

The City of Doncaster Council confirmed that it had launched a health and safety investigation into the incident.

Authorities are examining the events that allowed Chapman to enter the tiger enclosure and the circumstances surrounding his death.

Park officials have also confirmed that Altai, the tiger involved, will not be euthanised.

Yorkshire Wildlife Park was evacuated after the incident and temporarily closed during the investigation.

For Chapman’s family, the investigation represents an important opportunity to understand a tragedy that has left them searching for answers.

As the official inquiry continues, his relatives and former teachers have sought to ensure he is remembered not solely for the circumstances of his death, but also for the warmth, affection and promise they associated with his life.