“OUR AMAZING SON WAS DEEPLY LOVED” — WILLIAM CHAPMAN’S FAMILY SPEAKS OUT AFTER FATAL TIGER INCIDENT

The family of former child actor William Chapman has shared an emotional tribute, revealing his long struggle with mental illness while pleading with the public to stop circulating distressing footage of his final moments.

DONCASTER, ENGLAND — The family of William Chapman, the young man who died after entering a tiger enclosure at Yorkshire Wildlife Park, has spoken publicly about their devastating loss.

In a statement released through South Yorkshire Police, relatives remembered the 23-year-old as a “bright, warm and engaging young man” who was deeply loved by his family — and who loved them just as much.

But alongside their tribute, they revealed that William had experienced significant mental health difficulties for several years and had been prescribed strong medication.

“Sadly, William suffered from significant mental illness over a number of years and was consequently prescribed strong medication,” the family said.

They stressed that it would be for the coroner to determine whether his health or medication played any part in the circumstances surrounding his death.

“We would ask everybody to respect that process,” they added.

A FAMILY’S PLEA: PLEASE STOP SHARING THE FOOTAGE

One of the most emotional parts of the family’s statement was their appeal to people online.

Distressing recordings of the incident had circulated widely across social media, causing further pain to relatives already struggling to understand what had happened.

“The publication and circulation of deeply offensive media content is causing them severe distress at an exceptionally vulnerable time,” the statement said.

The family asked members of the public and media outlets to stop sharing the material.

They also requested that people respect their privacy and not approach their homes or search through their personal social media accounts.

Their message was clear: William should be remembered as a loved son, not reduced to footage of the incident.

WHAT HAPPENED AT YORKSHIRE WILDLIFE PARK?

William died on October 10, 2026, after entering the Amur tiger enclosure at Yorkshire Wildlife Park in Doncaster.

Emergency services were called shortly after 1:30 p.m.

At the opening of the inquest on October 15, the hearing was told that William had climbed over two fences before entering the enclosure.

The coroner’s officer said he was approached by the tiger and sustained multiple traumatic injuries. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Police said William had been visiting the park alone.

The tiger, named Altai, was not euthanised following the incident. The wildlife park confirmed that the animal remained safe and well.

HIS FAMILY HOPES TO UNDERSTAND WHY

William’s relatives said they were utterly devastated and struggling to come to terms with what had happened.

They expressed hope that the relevant authorities would establish why he entered the enclosure.

“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,” they said.

An investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death is ongoing.

The family has also raised concerns about his contact with mental health services before the incident. At the inquest opening, it was heard that William had a diagnosis of schizophrenia and had experienced previous episodes of psychosis.

He had been under adult mental health services in Doncaster, although the hearing described him as independent and having no care requirements.

The Rotherham, Doncaster and South Humber NHS Foundation Trust has launched an investigation.

A separate health and safety investigation was also launched by City of Doncaster Council.

A full inquest is scheduled for March 18, 2027.

REMEMBERING WILLIAM BEYOND THE HEADLINES

William had previously appeared in television productions as a child actor and attended Jackie Palmer Stage School.

The school also paid tribute to its former student, remembering the time it spent watching him grow both as a person and as a performer.

For his family, however, the most important thing is that the public remembers the person behind the headlines.

He was their son, a young man they loved dearly, and someone whose life meant far more than the tragic circumstances of his final day.

As the investigation continues, their request is simple: respect their privacy, stop sharing distressing footage and allow the coroner to establish the facts.

“Our amazing son was deeply loved.”