William Chapman tragically lost his life after he ventured into a tiger enclosure. From an early career acting in BBC and ITV shows to his final moments – here is all we known know about Chapman
The identity of the man who tragically lost his life in a tiger attack at Yorkshire Wildlife Park has been revealed.
William Chapman died after he entered the tiger enclosure on Saturday October 10 at around 1.30pm. The man, understood to be in his 20s, was pronounced dead at the scene of the incident after emergency services were called to the tiger enclosure.
From appearing on BBC and ITV show during his career as a child actor and his final words after climbing into the tiger enclosure – here is everything we know about the victim of the Yorkshire Wildlife Park tiger attack William Chapman.
Early career in acting
It has now emerged that Chapman was a former child actor, who appeared in shows on BBC and ITV. As reported by the BBC and backed up from IMDB, Chapman appeared in the ITV production May Contain Nuts alongside Shirley Henderson, best known for playing Moaning Myrtle in the Harry Potter films, and he portrayed Edward Jenner as a young boy in the BBC series True Stories.
Final moments
Chapman filmed his own final moments as he approached the animal and shared them on social media.
Witnesses also described the man’s last moments as he was heard in one clip politely asking a fellow visitor to the park for a photo.
Del Taylor claims the man approached her, requesting she snap a picture of him with the tiger, named Altai, who was visible behind. Speaking to the Sun, she told the publication she agreed to the request.
Video footage captured by Ms Taylor’s partner shows the man chuckling as he requested another photograph, repeating: “One more, one more, one more.” He then expressed his gratitude, saying: “Thank you, lady.”
In another clip, it appears to show the voice of Chapman asking people to take a photo of him with the tiger just minutes before the incident took place.
Dancing just before the attack
Witnesses described how Chapman appeared to “bow down” to the tiger. And was reportedly seen “dancing” as to “hype” himself up before entering the site.
Some witnesses suggested it was clear the man had some kind of special needs or was 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!”
Police confirmed the man had visited the park alone.
Social media
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.
He also posted to Instagram moments before he was killed. The footage showed him filming as he walked slowly towards the 30-stone tiger, which was resting on a raised wooden platform, reports the Mail.
The short clip 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.
In the audio Chapman can be heard breathing heavily as distant voices shout “Oh my God” and “seriously”.
Videos began circulating online showing Chapman being pawed at and grappled by Altai in the tiger’s enclosure at the park.
Chapman’s account has now been removed.
The zoo’s response to Chapman’s death and Altai’s future
Yorkshire Wildlife Park penned a statement confirming the tiger would not be put down. It added that members of park staff were “deeply affected” by the incident and receiving specialist support.
The park have stated their “thoughts and heartfelt sympathies” were with Chapman’s family following his death.
Investigation launched into Chapman’s death
City of Doncaster Council, which is responsible for licensing the wildlife park, said it has launched a health and safety investigation into the 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.
“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.”