Family of William Chapman Urges Public to Stop Sharing Distressing Tiger Attack Footage

The family of William Chapman, the young man who died after entering a tiger enclosure at Yorkshire Wildlife Park in England, is asking the public to respect their privacy and stop circulating distressing footage of the tragedy.

Chapman, 24, died on October 10, 2026, after entering the enclosure at the wildlife park in Doncaster. His family described him as a “bright, warm and engaging young man” who was deeply loved by those closest to him.

In a statement, his relatives revealed that he had experienced significant mental health difficulties over several years. They said they hoped the circumstances surrounding his death would be carefully examined and left it to the coroner to determine whether his condition or prescribed medication played any role.

The family also expressed deep distress over the online circulation of footage showing the incident, asking people to stop sharing material they described as deeply offensive during an exceptionally painful time.

An inquest has heard that Chapman had previously been diagnosed with schizophrenia and experienced episodes of psychosis. His family also raised concerns about his contact with mental health services before his death. Investigations into the circumstances remain ongoing, with a full inquest scheduled for March 18, 2027.

Beyond the headlines and viral footage, a grieving family is asking for compassion, dignity and space to mourn. Their message is a reminder that behind every widely shared tragedy are real people whose lives have been changed forever.

Sources:

Original article — Mental Health Matters: Honoring a Family’s Request
BBC News — Family pays tribute to man killed in tiger attack
Sky News — Family raises concerns about mental health services