The family of a man who was killed by a tiger after he entered its enclosure at a wildlife park has paid tribute, describing him as “bright, warm and engaging”.
William Chapman, 23, visited Yorkshire Wildlife Park near Doncaster on Saturday and was attacked after going into the animal’s pen. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
In a statement, his family said that he had suffered from “significant mental illness” over a number of years and had been prescribed “strong medication”.
City of Doncaster Council has launched a health and safety investigation into Chapman’s death and the park remains closed.
“William was a bright, warm and engaging young man whom his family dearly loved – and William loved them back,” a statement released on Tuesday evening said.
It said it was for the coroner to decide whether his mental illness played a part in his death.
“The family are utterly devastated by their loss and are struggling to come to terms with what has happened,” the statement continued.
“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.”
The incident, which took place shortly after 13:30 BST on Saturday, led to the evacuation and ongoing closure of the park.
An eyewitness described seeing Chapman wearing headphones and “pacing around” near the enclosure before he went in.
Mobile phone footage, believed to be from Chapman, appears to show the inside of the enclosure as he approaches the tiger across a patch of grass.
A stage school where Chapman had been a former pupil also posted a tribute on Tuesday.
“We loved watching William grow, both as a person and as a performer, during his time with us,” the Jackie Palmer Stage School in High Wycombe said.
“It was a privilege to be part of his journey, and he will be remembered with great fondness by everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him.”
Staff at Yorkshire Wildlife Park have separately said their “thoughts and heartfelt sympathies” are with Chapman’s family and confirmed the rare Amur tiger, called Altai, remained in the enclosure and would not be euthanised.
