The man who died after entering a tiger enclosure at Yorkshire Wildlife Park has been identified as William Chapman, a former child actor whose death has prompted tributes from his former stage school and calls for an urgent safety review.
Chapman, who was in his mid-20s, visited the wildlife park near Doncaster alone on Saturday. According to South Yorkshire Police, he entered the enclosure shortly after 13:30 BST and was pronounced dead at the scene.
Witnesses reported seeing Chapman wearing headphones and pacing near the enclosure before climbing over the barriers and entering the tiger’s space. Several visitors attempted to distract the animal, but their efforts were unsuccessful.
The incident led to the evacuation of the park, which remains closed while investigations continue. Chapman’s family has been informed and is receiving support from specialist officers.
Former Child Actor Remembered by Stage School
Chapman previously attended Jackie Palmer Stage School in High Wycombe, where he developed his performing skills as a young actor.
His television credits included the ITV production May Contain Nuts, in which he appeared alongside Shirley Henderson, known for playing Moaning Myrtle in the Harry Potter films, and Darren Boyd. He also portrayed Edward Jenner in the BBC series True Stories.
Following news of his death, the stage school shared an emotional tribute on social media, remembering the opportunity to watch him develop both personally and professionally.
The school said Chapman would be deeply missed and would always hold a special place in its heart. It also extended its condolences to his family and friends.
Eyewitnesses Describe the Moments Before the Attack
Ella Ford, 24, from Moreton in Wirral, was visiting the park with her boyfriend and filmed the tiger shortly before the incident.
Ford recalled seeing Chapman pacing near the enclosure with his headphones in. A few minutes later, she noticed him climbing onto the barriers. According to her account, a woman was nearby speaking to him before he entered the enclosure, crawled toward the tiger and lay down near the animal’s wooden platform.
Ford said she then witnessed the tiger seize Chapman as he shouted for help.
She estimated that approximately 15 to 20 people were on the raised visitor walkway at the time. Staff quickly evacuated the immediate area before clearing the wider park.
Another visitor, Karmelle Pelham, 39, from Worksop, said she had been enjoying a family day out when staff announced the evacuation. She recalled hearing sounds resembling gunshots and seeing an air ambulance circling overhead. She also noticed a large black tarpaulin covering the enclosure.
Pelham praised the staff’s response, describing the evacuation as well organised.
Questions Raised Over Enclosure Security
The City of Doncaster Council has launched a health and safety investigation into Chapman’s death, saying the inquiry is being conducted in accordance with its statutory responsibilities.
The Born Free Foundation, which campaigns to phase out zoos, has called for an urgent review of how Chapman gained access to the enclosure and what happened afterward.
However, Dr Campbell Murn, a former member of the government’s zoo expert committee and a lecturer at the University of Reading, cautioned that even extensive security measures cannot guarantee that determined individuals will never gain access to restricted areas.
The fatal incident has also drawn attention to the response from witnesses who tried to intervene when they saw the tiger approaching Chapman.
What Will Happen to the Tiger?
The Amur tiger involved in the attack is named Altai. Yorkshire Wildlife Park confirmed that the animal remains in its enclosure and will not be euthanised.
The park expressed its sympathy for Chapman’s family as authorities continue examining the circumstances surrounding his death.
Floral tributes have since been left near the park entrance, as investigations continue into how Chapman entered the enclosure and the events that followed.
Source: Compiled from various sources.
