A man who was mauled to death by a tiger at a wildlife park suffered from a “significant mental illness”, his family have said, as they paid tribute to him.

The family of 23-year-old William Chapman, who was killed after entering the tiger enclosure at Yorkshire Wildlife Park in Doncaster on Saturday, described him as a “bright, warm and engaging young man”.

In a statement, they said: “The family are utterly devastated by their loss and are struggling to come to terms with what has happened.”

They added: “William was a bright, warm and engaging young man whom his family dearly loved – and William loved them back.

“Sadly, William suffered from significant mental illness over a number of years and was consequently prescribed strong medication.

“It will be for the coroner to decide what part this played in his death.

“We would ask everybody to respect that process.”

It emerged on Tuesday that Mr Chapman was a child actor who had appeared in ITV’s May Contain Nuts in 2009, alongside Harry Potter star Shirley Henderson, and in the BBC’s True Stories series in 2012.

The Jackie Palmer Stage School, where Mr Chapman was a former student, paid tribute to him on Instagram, saying he “will be remembered with great fondness”.

Mr Chapman appears to have filmed himself approaching the animal in the moments before the attack, according to footage posted on his personal social media.

The footage shows him apparently approaching the tiger as it lay on top of a wooden platform, a few metres in front of the camera.

The person filming can be heard breathing heavily as distant voices shout “Oh my God” and “seriously”.

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Earlier this week, South Yorkshire Police confirmed that he was visiting the park alone on Saturday.

Eyewitnesses nearby the enclosure said people were frantically telling Mr Chapman to “play dead”, but it appeared he did not understand. He was heard telling the tiger to “stop being naughty”.

The family statement also expressed concern over what they called “deeply offensive media content” which is “causing them severe distress at an exceptionally vulnerable time”.

They said: “We ask people to stop doing this”, adding, “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”.

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The park remained closed for a fourth day on Tuesday after it was evacuated on Saturday.

City of Doncaster Council has said it has launched a health and safety investigation into the incident.

Witnesses ‘shaken up’

One witness said they had seen Mr Chapman “dancing with headphones on” shortly before he climbed into the enclosure.

Anthony Hunt, who had been at the wildlife park with his girlfriend, Scarlet, said they had been taking pictures of the tiger when they saw its composure change and its head turn.

“Its eyes locked on to something in the enclosure. We thought maybe he’s getting fed. When Scarlett was taking photos – we suddenly saw in the camera lens that a guy had entered the enclosure,” said Anthony.

The victim “bowed down, on all fours, started praying, and looking up at the sky,” he said.

“The tiger was still on the landing at this point” but then “leapt off the landing, and sniffed the guy”.

Tribute from drama school

Jackie Palmer Stage School said on Instagram: “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.

“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.

“William will be truly missed, and he will always hold a special place in our hearts.

“Rest in peace, William.”