The family of a man killed by a tiger at a wildlife park in Yorkshire have said he had been prescribed "strong medication" prior to his death. William Chapman, in his mid-20s, was attacked after entering the tiger's pen at Yorkshire Wildlife Park near Doncaster on Saturday.
Family statement on mental illness
His family said he suffered mental illness over many years and that it was for the coroner to decide whether his mental illness played a part in his death. In a statement released on Tuesday, they said William had suffered from "significant mental illness" over a number of years and had been prescribed "strong medication".
"William was a bright, warm and engaging young man whom his family dearly loved - and William loved them back," the statement read. They added: "The family are utterly devastated by their loss and are struggling to come to terms with what has happened."
Footage shows moments before attack
Footage has emerged of William filming himself moments after entering the Land of the Tigers exhibit. The exhibit serves as a specially constructed, two-acre habitat for Amur tigers, which are a critically endangered subspecies with around 500 remaining in the wild.
The footage captures William approaching the animal, with heavy breathing audible - he can be seen slowly moving towards a wooden platform where one of the tigers was lying. Shortly before the tragic incident, William, who had been alone and dancing to music, had requested a parkgoer to photograph him with the 200kg male Siberian tiger, Altai, visible behind him.
Investigation and tributes
He then began climbing into the enclosure while a woman frantically attempted to restrain him, before plunging 12 feet to the ground. During the attack, William could be heard screaming "stop" repeatedly and appeared to gesture the sign for 'bad' in Makaton - a communication system typically used by those who find verbal communication challenging. He was later pronounced dead at the scene.
The family said: "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." City of Doncaster Council has launched a health and safety investigation into William's death. The park was evacuated after the incident and a three-day closure has been in place. Tributes have been left at the park entrance in memory of William Chapman.
