Family of 23-year-old killed by tiger at Yorkshire Wildlife Park pays tribute as council investigates, with coroner to decide if illness played a part

The family of William Chapman, 23, has paid tribute to him after he was killed by a tiger at Yorkshire Wildlife Park. Chapman visited the park near Doncaster on Saturday and was attacked after entering the animal’s enclosure; he was pronounced dead at the scene. The City of Doncaster Council has launched a health and safety investigation into his death.

In a statement released Tuesday, his family described him as bright, warm and engaging. They said he had experienced significant mental illness for years and had been prescribed strong medication, adding that it was for the coroner to decide whether his illness played a part.

The incident happened shortly after 13:30 BST and led to the park’s evacuation. The park remains closed. Staff said the rare Amur tiger, named Altai, remained in its enclosure and would not be euthanised.

A former stage school Chapman attended also issued a tribute.