William Chapman, a man in his 20s, died after entering the tiger enclosure at Yorkshire Wildlife Park on Saturday October 10 at around 1.30pm. Emergency services were called to the scene, and he was pronounced dead at the enclosure.
Early acting career
Chapman was a former child actor who appeared in shows on BBC and ITV. According to the BBC and IMDB, he appeared in the ITV production May Contain Nuts alongside Shirley Henderson, known for playing Moaning Myrtle in the Harry Potter films, and portrayed Edward Jenner as a young boy in the BBC series True Stories.
Final moments and witness accounts
Chapman filmed his own final moments as he approached the animal and shared them on social media. Witness Del Taylor told the Sun that Chapman approached her, requesting she take a picture of him with the tiger, named Altai, who was visible behind. She agreed to the request.
Video footage captured by Ms Taylor's partner shows Chapman chuckling as he requested another photograph, repeating: "One more, one more, one more." He then said: "Thank you, lady." Another clip appears to show Chapman asking people to take a photo of him with the tiger minutes before the incident.
Witnesses described how Chapman appeared to "bow down" to the tiger and was reportedly seen "dancing" to "hype" himself up before entering the site. Some suggested he had special needs or was deaf after he was spotted seemingly trying to use sign language to scold the beast. Some speculated he was pointing with his index finger to say "no!", while others thought he was pointing with his little finger, which in Makaton sign language means "bad!". Police confirmed the man had visited the park alone.
Social media posts
Pictures on Chapman's social media account show him holding a bible and a crossbow in what appear to be the same clothes he wore when he entered the enclosure. He also posted to Instagram moments before he was killed, with footage showing him walking slowly towards the 30-stone tiger, which was resting on a raised wooden platform, reports the Mail. 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. Chapman's account has since been removed.
Park response and investigation
Yorkshire Wildlife Park issued a statement confirming the tiger would not be put down. It added that park staff were "deeply affected" by the incident and receiving specialist support. The park stated their "thoughts and heartfelt sympathies" were with Chapman's family.
City of Doncaster Council, which licenses the wildlife park, said it has launched a health and safety investigation. Dan Swaine, executive director of place at the 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."
