US President Donald Trump has shared video footage of a man being fatally mauled by a tiger at a wildlife park with his 13 million followers on his social media platform. Trump posted the short clip on Truth Social, accompanied by the signed message: "Don't ever mess with nature!".
Footage and follow-up post
The footage showed the animal biting and clawing the victim as he sat inside the enclosure, though it did not capture the moment of his death. Shortly afterwards, Trump followed this up with a further post featuring a video montage that appeared to show several other individuals being attacked by lions, set to an upbeat soundtrack.
Investigation launched
A health and safety investigation has been launched into the incident at Yorkshire Wildlife Park in Doncaster, where a man identified in reports as William Chapman lost his life after entering the tiger enclosure on Saturday, reports the Irish Mirror.
Emergency services were alerted shortly after 1.30pm on October 10 when Mr Chapman, who police confirmed had been visiting the park alone, entered the enclosure. Trump's post comes the same day William's family have paid tribute to the 'bright, warm and engaging young man'.
Family tribute and park response
A statement from his family said William suffered from "significant mental illness" over a number of years and was given "strong medication". The statement continued: "William was a bright, warm and engaging young man whom his family dearly loved - and William loved them back.
"The family are utterly devastated by their loss and are struggling to come to terms with what has happened.
"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 Chapman's death and the park remains closed. Yorkshire Wildlife Park have confirmed that the tiger will not be euthanised and was safe and well. The coroner will decide whether William's mental illness played a part in his death.
