The family of a man killed by a tiger at a Yorkshire wildlife park have disclosed he had been taking "strong medication" prior to his death. William Chapman, in his mid-20s, was attacked after climbing into the tiger enclosure at Yorkshire Wildlife Park near Doncaster on Saturday.
Family statement on mental health
His relatives said he had struggled with mental health issues for several years and that it was up to the coroner to establish whether his psychological state played a role in his death. In a statement released on Tuesday, the family said William had suffered from "significant mental illness" for several years and had been receiving "strong medication".
"William was a bright, warm and engaging young man whom his family dearly loved - and William loved them back," the statement read. "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 shortly after entering the Land of the Tigers attraction. The exhibit operates as a specially designed, two-acre habitat for Amur tigers, which are a critically endangered species with roughly 500 remaining in the wild.
The clip shows William approaching the animal, with heavy breathing clearly audible - he can be seen slowly making his way towards a wooden platform where one of the tigers was lying. Moments before the tragic incident, William, who had been alone and dancing to music, had requested a visitor photograph him with the 200kg male Siberian tiger, Altai, visible behind him.
Investigation launched
He then began climbing into the enclosure while a woman frantically attempted to restrain him, before plummeting 12 feet to the ground. Throughout the attack, William could be heard crying out "stop" repeatedly and appeared to make the gesture for 'bad' in Makaton - a communication system often used by those who find spoken communication challenging. He was later pronounced dead at the scene.
City of Doncaster Council has launched a health and safety investigation into William's death. The attraction was evacuated following the incident and stayed closed for three days.
