Family of tiger assault sufferer William Chapman pay tribute to ‘wonderful son’ in new replace
William Chapman, who died after being attacked by a tiger at Yorkshire Wildlife Park, had “suffered from significant mental illness” his family said in a statement
William Chapman’s family have paid tribute in a heartbreaking statement(Image: Sky News)
The family of a man who was killed after entering a tiger enclosure at Yorkshire Wildlife Park have paid to tribute to a “warm and engaging young man”. William Chapman, who was in his mid-20s, was pronounced dead at the scene.
In a statement from his family, they said that he had suffered from “significant mental illness” over the years and had been prescribed “strong medication”. The family also hoped the “relevant authorities will do their upmost to get to the bottom of why our amazing son did what he did.”
The statement read: “The family are utterly devastated by their loss and are struggling to come to terms with what has happened. The publication and circulation of deeply offensive media content is causing them severe distress at an exceptionally vulnerable time. We ask people to stop doing this.
Yorkshire Wildlife Park continues to remain closed following the incident(Image: Tom Maddick / SWNS)
“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.”
The family 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.
Chapman’s family called him an ‘amazing son’(Image: Not known)
“It will be for the coroner to decide what part this played in his death. We would ask everybody to respect that process.”
According to footage posted in reports, Chapman appeared to have filmed the moment he approached the animal.
A short clip, apparently posted on a now-deleted Instagram account, was filmed inside the tiger’s enclosure and the large animal can be seen lying on top of a wooden platform, a few metres in front of the camera.
Chapman starred in shows on the BBC and ITV(Image: BBC)
In the audio, the person filming can be heard breathing heavily as distant voices shout “Oh my God” and “seriously”.
The park will remain closed on Wednesday for the fifth day following the attack.
It was revealed earlier tonight that Chapman was a child actor who appeared on series broadcast on the BBC and ITV. Chapman appeared in ITV’s May Contain Nuts, alongside Harry Potter actress Shirley Henderson, and in the BBC’s True Stories series, according to IMDB.
Chapman reportedly uploaded footage of him approaching the tiger to his Instagram page(Image: Not known)
Chapman previously attended Jackie Palmer Stage School in High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire.
In a tribute shared on Facebook, the school said it was “deeply saddened” to hear of the loss of its former student, adding “we loved watching William grow, both as a person and as a performer”.
Jackie Palmer Stage School said: “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.”
