Man killed by tiger named and pictured as bible and crossbow posts emerge on Instagram
WARNING, DISTRESSING CONTENT: William Chapman has been identified as the man killed by a tiger at Yorkshire Wildlife Park on Saturday. His Instagram shows pictures shared on the day of the death
The man who was tragically mauled to death by a tiger at Yorkshire Wildlife Park has been named and pictured for the first time. Eerie photos of a bible and crossbow have also been unearthed on the fatal victim’s Instagram account.
The tragic victim has been identified as William Chapman. Pictures on his social media account reveal him holding a bible and a crossbow in what look to be the same clothes he had on when he entered the tiger enclosure at Yorkshire Wildlife Park.
The picture, which was uploaded on the day of the horror death, shows him holding a crossbow bolt between his teeth.
He holds a crossbow and bible while clenching a bolt between his teeth(Image: Not known)
He also posted to Instagram moments before he was killed. The footage showed him filming as he walked slowly towards the 30-stone tiger, named Altai, which was resting on a raised wooden platform, reports the Mail.
The man can be heard breathing heavily as witnesses scream in the background. The man, who has not been formally named, was soon set upon by the tiger and later pronounced dead at the scene.
Police confirmed the man had visited the park alone. Witnesses described how he appeared to “bow down” to the tiger and was reportedly seen “dancing” as to “hype” himself up before entering the site.
William Chapman has been identified as the man who was killed by the tiger(Image: Not known)
Some witnesses suggested it was clear the man had some kind of special needs or even deaf after he was spotted seemingly trying to use sign language to scold the beast.
While some have suggested the victim was pointing at the animal with his index finger as to scold the tiger by saying “no!”, others have speculated that he was actually pointing with his little finger.
In Makaton sign language, this means “bad!”.
Chapman uploaded to Instagram on the day of the tragic death(Image: Not known)
Yorkshire Wildlife Park remained closed as of today (Tuesday). Doncaster Council, the council responsible for licensing the Doncaster wildlife park, said it has launched a health and safety investigation into Saturday’s incident.
Dan Swaine, executive director of place at City of Doncaster Council, said: “As the relevant licensing authority for the Yorkshire Wildlife Park, I can confirm that, in line with our statutory duties, the council has launched a health and safety investigation.
“We are also working with multiple agencies, including the police and health agencies, and are supporting the Yorkshire Wildlife Park in response to the incident.
The man was set upon by Altai the Amur tiger(Image: Yorkshire Wildlife Park / SWNS)
“At this time, we won’t be commenting further on the individual or the investigation and we ask that the privacy of those involved is respected at this difficult time.”
Mr Swaine also said: “We are deeply saddened by the incident that occurred this weekend and our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with everyone involved, including the family and loved ones of the person who tragically lost their life, those that witnessed the incident and the staff involved at Yorkshire Wildlife Park, as well as the emergency services who provided a swift response.”
South Yorkshire Police will not be naming the man at the request of his family, the Press Association reported.
Yorkshire Wildlife Park remained closed as of today (Tuesday)(Image: Charley Atkins / SWNS)
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