Former Child Actor Dies in Tiger Enclosure at Yorkshire Wildlife Park

William Chapman, a 24-year-old former child actor with a history of mental health challenges, died Saturday afternoon after entering the tiger enclosure at Yorkshire Wildlife Park. Emergency services were called to the park at approximately 1:35 p.m. but pronounced Chapman dead at the scene. An inquest into his death is scheduled to open Thursday morning at Doncaster Coroner’s Court.

Chapman, described by his family as a "bright, warm and engaging young man," had been diagnosed with significant mental health problems and was prescribed medication. His family stated that it would be up to the coroner to determine the role his mental health played in his death.

Prior to entering the enclosure, Chapman had spent the day at a gym and posed for photographs with a crossbow at a residence in Doncaster. Social media images, since deleted, documented his activities, including posing at a gym and with a can of alcoholic beverage. One image showed him with a replica of an ancient Greek war helmet, and another featured a soldier figurine with "SAS" and the flag of Uganda.

Witnesses at the park reported that Chapman had been dancing with AirPods in and pacing on a walkway above the tiger enclosure. Some described him as appearing "not attached to reality." He approached at least one visitor to take a photograph with a tiger in the background before climbing over the walkway railing and entering the enclosure.

Video footage filmed by Chapman showed him approaching Altai, a five-year-old male Amur tiger, within the enclosure. Witnesses described the tiger pawing at him before attacking his neck. Zookeepers reportedly attempted to deter the tiger using acoustic gun blasts. The park, which remains closed, has confirmed that Altai will not be euthanized.

John Minion, a director at the park, was reportedly among the first on the scene and has been described as devastated by the incident.

The City of Doncaster Council, the park's licensing authority, has launched a health and safety investigation into the incident. The council is collaborating with police and health agencies and is supporting the wildlife park's response.

Chapman had a prior acting career, appearing in the ITV production "May Contain Nuts" and the BBC series "True Stories" as Edward Jenner.