Family pays tribute to 'warm and engaging' man killed in tiger attack
The family of William Chapman, who died after entering a tiger enclosure at Yorkshire Wildlife Park, has paid tribute to him while noting his history of mental illness. Authorities have launched a health and safety investigation into the incident.
Why it matters
The tragic event has prompted a formal investigation and raised questions regarding safety protocols at wildlife facilities.
Share Save Add as preferred on Google Cachella Smith Family handout 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".
His family added: "It will be for the coroner to decide what part this played in his death. We would ask everybody to respect that process."
City of Doncaster Council has launched a health and safety investigation into Chapman's death and the park remains closed. A reopening date has not been confirmed.
Also covering this story
2 other newsrooms covered this event. We read each version separately.
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