The family of William Chapman, 23, who died after entering a tiger enclosure at Yorkshire Wildlife Park, has paid tribute to their beloved son while asking the public to respect their privacy as they navigate an unimaginable loss.

In a statement released on Tuesday evening, the family described Chapman as a “bright, warm and engaging” young man who was deeply loved by his relatives and returned that love wholeheartedly.

The family also revealed that Chapman had experienced significant mental illness over several years and had been prescribed strong medication. They stressed that it would be for the coroner to determine whether his health had played a role in his death.

“We would ask everybody to respect that process,” the family said, urging people not to draw conclusions before the official investigation is complete.

Family Pleads for Privacy Amid Online Footage

Chapman died on Saturday after entering an enclosure at Yorkshire Wildlife Park, near Doncaster, where he was attacked by an Amur tiger named Altai. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

His family said they were devastated and struggling to comprehend what had happened. They expressed hope that the relevant authorities would establish why their son entered the enclosure.

They also made an urgent appeal over the circulation of footage and other distressing material relating to the incident, saying its publication was causing them severe distress during an exceptionally vulnerable time.

The footage has spread widely across social media, with US President Donald Trump also sharing it on Tuesday evening.

South Yorkshire Police confirmed that specialist officers were supporting Chapman’s family. An inquest into his death is scheduled to open at Doncaster Coroner’s Court on Thursday.

Former Stage School Remembers a Talented Young Performer

Before his death, Chapman had attended Jackie Palmer Stage School in High Wycombe, where he developed his skills as a performer.

The school shared its own tribute on Tuesday, remembering how it had watched him grow both personally and professionally. It described being part of his journey as a privilege and said he would be remembered fondly by those who knew him.

As a child actor, Chapman appeared in the ITV production May Contain Nuts, alongside Shirley Henderson, who played Moaning Myrtle in the Harry Potter films, and Darren Boyd. He also portrayed Edward Jenner in the BBC series True Stories.

The stage school extended its condolences to his family and friends, adding to the tributes following the news of his death.

Investigation Continues as Park Remains Closed

The incident occurred shortly after 13:30 BST on Saturday and prompted the evacuation of Yorkshire Wildlife Park. The park remains closed, with no reopening date confirmed.

The City of Doncaster Council has launched a health and safety investigation into the circumstances surrounding Chapman’s death. Dan Swaine, the council’s executive director of place, said the authority was deeply saddened by the incident and offered its sympathies to the family and those who witnessed what happened.

Witnesses previously described seeing Chapman wearing headphones and pacing near the enclosure before entering it. Footage believed to have been recorded on his mobile phone appears to show him approaching the tiger across a patch of grass.

Meanwhile, Yorkshire Wildlife Park has confirmed that Altai remains in the enclosure and will not be euthanised.

As the family grieves, the forthcoming inquest and ongoing investigations are expected to examine the circumstances leading to the tragedy, including the role, if any, that Chapman’s health may have played.

Source: Compiled from various sources.