“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-standing mental health struggles while pleading with the public to stop sharing footage of his final moments.

The family of William Chapman has spoken publicly following the 24-year-old’s death at Yorkshire Wildlife Park, remembering him as a deeply loved son whose loss has left them devastated.

Chapman died on October 10 after entering the tiger enclosure at the wildlife park in Doncaster, South Yorkshire.

In a statement released through South Yorkshire Police, his relatives described him as “a bright, warm and engaging young man” who was loved by his family — and loved them in return.

But alongside their tribute, the family revealed that William had experienced significant mental health difficulties over a number of years.

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

They stressed that it would be for the coroner to determine what role, if any, his condition and treatment played in the circumstances surrounding his death.

A FAMILY ASKING FOR PRIVACY

The family also addressed the disturbing footage of the incident that circulated online after his death.

They said the publication and sharing of the material was causing them severe distress during an already devastating time.

“The family are utterly devastated by their loss and are struggling to come to terms with what has happened,” the statement said.

They pleaded with social media users and media outlets to stop circulating the footage and asked people not to approach the family or search through their personal social media accounts.

Their message was clear: William should be remembered as a person, a son and a loved one — not reduced to the circumstances of his death.

WHAT HAPPENED AT YORKSHIRE WILDLIFE PARK?

An inquest opening at Doncaster Coroner’s Court on October 15 heard that Chapman entered the tiger enclosure at approximately 1:30 p.m. on October 10 after climbing over two fences.

The court was told that he was approached by an Amur tiger named Altai.

An initial post-mortem examination found that Chapman died from multiple traumatic injuries.

The wildlife park confirmed that Altai was safe and would not be euthanised following the incident.

QUESTIONS REMAIN ABOUT HIS MENTAL HEALTH CARE

At the inquest opening, the court heard that Chapman had previously been diagnosed with schizophrenia and had experienced episodes of psychosis.

He had been under the care of adult mental health services in Doncaster. Despite his medical history, he was described during the hearing as highly functioning and independent, with no care requirements.

His family had raised concerns about his contact with mental health services before his death.

The Rotherham, Doncaster and South Humber NHS Foundation Trust launched an investigation into his care.

A full inquest is scheduled for March 18, 2027. The coroner will examine the circumstances of his death, including the questions raised by his family.

REMEMBERING WILLIAM BEYOND THE TRAGEDY

Before his death, Chapman had appeared as a child in television productions, including ITV’s May Contain Nuts and the BBC’s True Stories series.

His former stage school, Jackie Palmer Stage School, also paid tribute, remembering him as a former student they had enjoyed watching grow as both a person and performer.

For his family, however, the loss is far more personal than the headlines and online footage can convey.

They are mourning a son they loved deeply and are asking for the space to grieve while the authorities work to establish the full facts.

“William was a bright, warm and engaging young man whom his family dearly loved — and William loved them back.”

He was more than the tragedy that took his life.