The man who died after entering a tiger enclosure in Yorkshire, UK, over the weekend has been named.

William Chapman entered the tiger’s enclosure at Yorkshire Wildlife Park near Doncaster on Saturday afternoon and was pronounced dead at the scene just after 13:30 local time.

William Chapman named as Yorkshire Wildlife Park victim

Witnesses said that they saw Chapman behaving strangely in the park before he entered the enclosure, and one woman even reported attempting to pull him back before he could get into the tiger’s enclosure.

However, her attempts were unsuccessful.

Chapman’s behavior inside the enclosure involved making a gesture at the creature, a rare Amur tiger called Altai, before allegedly speaking to the animal.

He was then killed by the animal.

William Chapman has been identified as the man killed by a tiger at Yorkshire Wildlife Park. Credit: Instagram

Police have confirmed that he entered the park on his own, and was seen ‘pacing around’ before the incident.

They also confirmed that his family is aware and is receiving specialist support from officers.

Witnesses spoke out after the incident

Since the shocking incident, a video of the attack showing the tiger pawing at the unnamed man while witnesses from outside the enclosure tried unsuccessfully to distract the tiger by shouting at it has gone viral, but cops have urged the public not to share it.

Speaking to the press, witnesses have revealed what they saw. One person told LADbible: “People near us were saying how they'd been near the tiger enclosure when they'd seen a young man climbing the fence into the enclosure where he had provoked the tigers, which then retaliated.”

Another person who allegedly watched the fateful moment wrote on Facebook: “20 minutes before today’s tragic incident at Yorkshire Wildlife Park, this tiger was sat in the sunshine.

“The man who I saw on the bridge with his EarPods in dancing was happily enjoying seeing the tiger.

“He obviously wasn’t with anyone, and he asked a total stranger to take a picture of him with the tiger in the background. Probably the last photo on his phone.

“I’m not sure if he was with a carer or family member, but I honestly do think he just wanted to play with the tiger.”

The tiger was not harmed in the incident, but there is a lot of speculation about what will happen to him following the attack.

Cops have urged people not to share the video of the attack

South Yorkshire Police made a public statement saying: "At 1.35PM today (Saturday 10 October) we received reports of a man entering a tiger enclosure at Yorkshire Wildlife Park.

“The tiger subsequently attacked the man, resulting in serious injury.

"Emergency services attended, and sadly, despite the best efforts of medical personnel, the man was pronounced dead at the scene. The man's family is aware and is being supported by specialist officers. Our thoughts are with them at this distressing time.

An expert has shared a theory on the tiger's actions during the fatal attack.

Horrified onlookers watched as William Chapman, a 23-year-old former child actor, jumped into an enclosure housing the rare Amur tiger, Altai, at Yorkshire Wildlife Park on Saturday (October 10).

A woman reportedly tried to pull him back to safety, but he managed to leap over the safety barriers.

Emergency services rushed to the scene at around 1.35PM, but medical crews were unable to save Chapman, and he was pronounced dead at the scene.

A man was mauled to death by Altai the tiger at the Yorkshire Wildlife Park. Credit: Instagram/yorkshirewildlifepark

Onlookers who watched Chapman, who was described as vulnerable, enter the tiger's den reportedly told him to "play dead," in hopes that the animal would ignore the man. But he appeared to not understand their warnings.

The man reportedly pointed his finger at the tiger and told it to "stop being naughty," before it pounced at his neck.

An animal expert explains why the tiger may have attacked

Reece Oliver, an animal expert and licensed zookeeper, has since offered an explanation for the tiger's behavior, noting that big cats are accustomed to only certain objects entering their enclosures.

"The only thing that goes into that enclosure normally would be sort of enrichment toys or food so I think he was probably just playing, using his predatory instinct, seeing what it was, and unfortunately it ended up being a fatal attack," he said.

Oliver warned that humans can never tame a wild beast's natural instincts and emphasized that anyone entering an enclosure is stepping into a completely different world.

"It's hard to say without seeing the evidence what actually happened, but tigers are solitary animals and an apex predator," he continued. "The guy had gone into the tiger's world, and tigers don't live by our rules because at the end of the day they're a tiger."

William Chapman has been identified as the man killed by a tiger at Yorkshire Wildlife Park. Credit: Instagram

Zookeeper defends the wildlife park's safety measures

The expert also addressed concerns about whether security measures at wildlife parks should be strengthened.

"The zoo standards are out there, and they are very safe. You can only build so much to stop people. Yorkshire Wildlife Park is an amazing facility, it's one of the best in the UK," he said.

"There are safety precautions, all of the fences are all up to standards and above. There is also stand-off barriers that stop the public from touching the fences. You know, where do you draw the line?

"It's like an airport. How do you stop somebody climbing into an airport? There is fences around an airport but someone could still cut the fence or go in. It's very difficult to eliminate every situation because, at the end of the day, a human can gain access," he added.

Tiger was not euthanized after the tragedy

In a statement issued online, the wildlife park thanked those who had expressed concern and said their "thoughts and heartfelt sympathies" remained with Chapman's family.

The park also confirmed that the tiger was "safe and well and will not be euthanized" after the incident.

The late man's bereaved family revealed that he had suffered from "significant mental illness" over a number of years and had been prescribed "strong medication".

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

They have also urged people not to share the videos of the horrific attack, including the one posted by Donald Trump himself.

"The publication and circulation of deeply offensive media content is causing them severe distress at an exceptionally vulnerable time.

"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 utmost to get to the bottom of why our amazing son did what he did."

Featured image credit: Instagram

An animal keeper has given their verdict on whether the man could have survived after being mauled by a tiger at a UK zoo.

William Chapman, 23, jumped into an enclosure housing the rare Amur tiger, Altai, at Yorkshire Wildlife Park on Saturday (October 10).

The man, who witnesses said had seemed "so happy," reportedly pointed his finger at the big cat and told it to "stop being naughty," before it pounced at his neck.

Zoo keepers fired gas-powered acoustic guns into the air to frighten the wild animal. It retreated to a nearby shelter and was quickly secured, unharmed. But tragically, the victim was declared dead at the scene.

A man was mauled to death by Altai the tiger at the Yorkshire Wildlife Park. Credit: Instagram/yorkshirewildlifepark

Chapman's family speaks out

According to the 23-year-old's family, he had suffered from "significant mental illness" over a number of years and had been prescribed "strong medication".

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

The family spoke about the videos circulating online, including one recorded by Chapman himself, which showed him approaching the tiger, and said: "The publication and circulation of deeply offensive media content is causing them severe distress at an exceptionally vulnerable time.

"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."

Could the victim have survived the attack?

Onlookers who watched Chapman enter the danger zone reportedly told him to "play dead," in hopes that the animal would ignore the man. But he appeared to not understand their warnings.

Reece Oliver, an expert animal keeper, said the young man "stood no chance" of survival.

"You can't say the tiger was being malice," Oliver told Sky News. "But what we have to think is, the tiger is 200 kilos. If it really wanted to kill him, it could've probably killed him in ten seconds.

"I don't think it knew what it was going to do, because the only thing that goes into that enclosure normally, would be enrichment toys or food.

"So I think he was probably just playing, using his predatory instinct, seeing what it was - and unfortunately, it ended up being a fatal attack," he added.

William Chapman captured footage inside the tiger's enclosure. Credit: Instagram

Chapman was a former child actor

It has emerged that Chapman was a former student at the Jackie Palmer Stage School in High Wycombe, which was attended by many stars like James Corden, Eddie Redmayne, and Aaron Taylor-Johnson.

The school paid tribute to him on Instagram, writing: "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.

"Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with William's family and friends during this incredibly difficult time," they added.

As a young actor, Chapman appeared in the ITV show May Contain Nuts alongside Shirley Henderson, who was known for playing Moaning Myrtle in the Harry Potter franchise, and Darren Boyd, BBC reported.

The two-part comedy drama aired in 2009, and Chapman portrayed the role of Alfie Chaplin, the younger son of Henderson and Boyd's characters.

He is also credited with playing Edward Jenner, who pioneered the smallpox vaccine, as a young boy in the BBC series True Stories in 2012.

Our thoughts continue to be with his loved ones at this time.

Featured image credit: Colin Langford / Getty

The man mauled to death by a tiger at a UK park was a former child actor who appeared alongside a Harry Potter star.

On Saturday (October 10), a man identified as William Chapman - who was 23 years old and described as vulnerable by police - jumped an enclosure housing the rare Amur tiger, Altai, at Yorkshire Wildlife Park.

Chapman reportedly pointed his finger at the big cat and told it to "stop being naughty." Witnesses also reportedly shouted at him to play dead, but he appeared to not understand their warnings before the tiger launched its fatal attack.

It has now emerged that the late man was a former student at the Jackie Palmer Stage School in High Wycombe, which was attended by many stars like James Corden, Eddie Redmayne, and Aaron Taylor-Johnson.

William Chapman has been identified as the man killed by a tiger at Yorkshire Wildlife Park. Credit: Instagram

Chapman was a child actor

As a young actor, Chapman appeared in the ITV show May Contain Nuts alongside Shirley Henderson, who was known for playing Moaning Myrtle in the Harry Potter franchise, and Darren Boyd, BBC reported.

The two-part comedy drama aired in 2009, and Chapman portrayed the role of Alfie Chaplin, the younger son of Henderson and Boyd's characters.

He is also credited with playing Edward Jenner, who pioneered the smallpox vaccine, as a young boy in the BBC series True Stories in 2012.

Jackie Palmer Stage School, where Mr Chapman was a former student, paid tribute to him, writing: "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.

"Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with William's family and friends during this incredibly difficult time," they added.

William Chapman captured footage inside the tiger's enclosure. Credit: Instagram

Donald Trump shared footage of the tiger attack

A video of the incident has been widely shared on social media, including on Truth Social by President Donald Trump. He captioned the footage: "Dont [sic] ever mess with nature! President DJT."

Many users were outraged by the post and called out the 80-year-old for being insensitive.

One person wrote: "Posting about a man being killed Trump has no compassion whatsoever.”

Another said: "So instead of saying that this is a horrible situation and should have been avoided or prevented, you condone this, even gloat. No one is surprised. Our only hope that your end will be similar."

A third said: "This is utterly outrageous and just so incredibly low. This is real person who passed away and has a family."

Witness reveals what Chapman did after climbing into the enclosure

South Yorkshire Police confirmed that Chapman was visiting the park alone.

One witness said they had seen the 23-year-old "dancing with headphones on" shortly before he jumped into the enclosure.

Anthony Hunt, who had been at the wildlife park with his girlfriend, told Sky News that they had been taking photos of the tiger when they saw its composure change and its head turn.

"Its eyes locked on to something in the enclosure. We thought maybe he's getting fed. When Scarlett was taking photos - we suddenly saw in the camera lens that a guy had entered the enclosure," Anthony said.

The man "bowed down, on all fours, started praying, and looking up at the sky," he said.

"The tiger was still on the landing at this point" but then "leapt off the landing, and sniffed the guy".

The wildlife park in Doncaster, England, remains closed today. Credit: Google Maps

Chapman's family speaks out

In a statement, Chapman's family said that he had suffered from "significant mental illness" over a number of years and had been prescribed "strong medication".

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

On the videos circulating - including the one which was shared by Trump - they said: "The publication and circulation of deeply offensive media content is causing them severe distress at an exceptionally vulnerable time.

"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."

City of Doncaster Council has launched a health and safety investigation into Chapman's death, and the park remains closed.

Featured image credit: Instagram

Haunting new details have revealed why a man who was mauled by a tiger pointed at the wild animal before the fatal attack.

On Saturday (October 10), a man identified as William Chapman jumped an enclosure housing the rare Amur tiger, Altai, at Yorkshire Wildlife Park.

According to witnesses, the man, believed to be in his 20s, reportedly pointed at the tiger and told it to "stop being naughty," per The Mirror.

Onlookers also reportedly shouted at Chapman to play dead, but he appeared to not understand their warnings before the tiger launched its fatal attack.

Zoo keepers eventually intervened by firing gas-powered acoustic guns into the air to frighten the beast. It retreated to a nearby shelter and was quickly secured, and was unharmed.

But tragically, the victim was declared dead at the scene.

William Chapman has been identified as the man killed by a tiger at Yorkshire Wildlife Park. Credit: Instagram

The man filmed himself approaching the tiger

Chapman recorded himself approaching the 420-pound animal while shocked visitors watched from above shortly before the ordeal.

Footage showed him walking toward Altai, appearing out of breath, before he was pinned down by the animal.

Separate video captured by witnesses also showed Chapman shouting "no, no, no," and "stop, stop, stop, stop, stop" as Altai circled and lunged at him.

William Chapman captured footage inside the tiger's enclosure. Credit: Instagram

Witness reveals she took the final photo of Chapman

A parkgoer has since revealed that she had unknowingly taken what may have been some of the man's final pictures.

Taylor, who was with her boyfriend, said she was app­r­oached by Chapman while watching Altai from a viewing platform.

He reportedly asked: "Can you grab a shot of myself with the tiger?" so she took his phone, and he posed with the tiger in the background.

A video taken by her boyfriend showed the man laughing and enthusiastically requesting more pictures: "One more, one more, one more."

"He was completely alone," Taylor told the outlet. "At first, he was dancing on the bridge overlooking the enclosure. He ended up standing next to me."

Another visitor, Anthony Hunt, who was with his girlfriend Scarlet when the horror unfolded, told Sky News: "We noticed the tiger’s behavior change. Its eyes locked onto something in the enclosure.

"We thought maybe he's getting fed. When Scarlett was taking photos, we suddenly saw in the camera lens that a guy had entered the enclosure," he added.

One witness spoke about seeing the man enjoying himself shortly before his death.

"20 minutes before today’s tragic incident at Yorkshire Wildlife Park, this tiger was sat in the sunshine," they said. "The man who I saw on the bridge with his EarPods in dancing was happily enjoying seeing the tiger."

A man was mauled to death by Altai the tiger at the Yorkshire Wildlife Park. Credit: Instagram/yorkshirewildlifepark

City of Doncaster Council has launched a health and safety investigation into the death.

Dan Swaine, Executive Director of Place at City of Doncaster Council, said: "As the relevant licensing authority for the Yorkshire Wildlife Park, I can confirm that, in line with our statutory duties, the council has launched a health and safety investigation.

"We are also working with multiple agencies, including the police and health agencies, and are supporting the Yorkshire Wildlife Park in response to the incident."

Yorkshire Wildlife Park said their "thoughts and heartfelt sympathies" were with the man's family and confirmed the tiger remained in the enclosure and would not be euthanized.

Featured image credit: Peter Bischoff / Getty