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Family pays tribute to ‘warm and engaging young man’ killed in tiger attack at Yorkshire Wildlife Park

So tragic.

Clementine Hall Clementine Hall - 14th October 2026

The family of the young man who was killed in tragic tiger attack at Yorkshire Wildlife Park have now paid tribute to him.

The man has been named as William Chapman.

Emergency services rushed to the park near Doncaster at around 1.30pm on Saturday 10 October, after reports of a man climbing into the tiger enclosure.

Tragically, the man involved in the tiger attack lost his life.

Today, Wednesday 14 October, Chapman's family have paid a touching tribute to the 'warm and engaging young man' via police.

It reads: "William was a bright, warm and engaging young man whom his family dearly loved - and William loved them back.

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

"It will be for the coroner to decide what part this played in his death. We would ask everybody to respect that process."

The tribute continues: "The family are utterly devastated by their loss and are struggling to come to terms with what has happened. The publication and circulation of deeply offensive media content is causing them severe distress at an exceptionally vulnerable time. We ask people to stop doing this.

"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.

"In the meantime, please do not approach the family, their addresses, or scrape any further social media from William’s or his family’s accounts.”

Yorkshire Wildlife Park shared on Sunday 11 October that Altai, the male tiger in question, is 'safe and well' and will not be euthanised as a result of the incident.

In a statement, they said: "We would like to thank everyone who has expressed their concern following yesterday's tragic incident.

"Our thoughts and heartfelt sympathies remain with the family and loved ones of the man who sadly lost his life.

"The park will be closed today while the staff team who were deeply affected by events receive specialist support.

"Many, many people have contacted us about Altai, the tiger. We can reassure everyone that he is safe and well and will not be euthanised as a result of this incident."

Read more: Yorkshire Wildlife Park shares major update after man killed in tiger attack

Featured image - South West Yorkshire Police