William Chapman Remembered After Death at Yorkshire Wildlife Park

William Chapman, a 23-year-old former child actor who entered a Siberian tiger pen at Yorkshire Wildlife Park over the weekend, died at the scene after emergency services were called to the Doncaster facility around 1.35pm Saturday BST.

Family Remembers Former Child Actor

In a statement released on Tuesday evening, Chapman’s family remembered him as a “bright, warm and engaging young man whom his family dearly loved – and William loved them back.” The family acknowledged that Chapman had battled “significant mental illness over a number of years” and had been prescribed “strong medication,” noting that what part those factors may have played in his death “will be for the coroner to decide.”

The family asked the public and media to respect the coroner’s process. They also expressed severe distress over the circulation of “deeply offensive media content” regarding the incident at an exceptionally vulnerable time, adding that they are “utterly devastated by their loss and are struggling to come to terms with what has happened.”

Chapman trained as a child actor at the Jackie Palmer Stage School in High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire. His screen credits included roles in the 2009 comedy-drama television movie May Contain Nuts and the 2012 BBC educational drama series True Stories.

The stage school shared a tribute on social media, stating they were “deeply saddened to hear of the passing of our former student.” The statement continued, “We loved watching William grow, both as a person and as a performer, during his time with us. 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.”

Yorkshire Wildlife Park Works with Police to Investigate Incident

Yorkshire Wildlife Park issued a statement hours after the incident expressing deep sadness over the tragic event. Park management stated that their thoughts and heartfelt sympathies were with the family and loved ones of the deceased.

The facility confirmed it is working closely with South Yorkshire Police and relevant authorities to investigate the circumstances surrounding the entry into the Siberian tiger enclosure. The wildlife park remained closed to visitors in the wake of the incident.

The family stated they are hopeful that the relevant authorities will do their utmost to determine why Chapman entered the enclosure. South Yorkshire Police and local coroners continue their ongoing inquiries into the fatality.