Family release photo and tribute to man who died at Yorkshire Wildlife Park
He passed away after going into the Tiger enclosure.
Last updated 14th Oct 2026
The family of a man who died after going into the tiger enclosure at Yorkshire Wildlife Park on Saturday (10/10/26) say he was a 'bright, warm and engaging young man.
They have released a new photo, asking that people stop sharing things from social media.
South Yorkshire Police posted this statement from William Chapman's family:
“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.
"It will be for the coroner to decide what part this played in his death. We would ask everybody to respect that process.
"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.
"The family are hopeful that the relevant authorities will do their utmost to get to the bottom of why our amazing son did what he did.
"In the meantime, please do not approach the family, their addresses, or scrape any further social media from William’s or his family’s accounts.”
Meanwhile Downing Street said people should respect the views of William Chapman's family, over the sharing of footage of the incident but would not directly comment on Donald Trump posting the video online.
The Prime Minister’s official spokesman said: “I think obviously the family have made their position clear. Of course, we respect that position.”
But he added: “I’m not going to comment on the president’s social media channels, he’s got a press secretary who can speak to that.”