Former Child Actor Mauled to Death by Tiger After Entering Enclosure
William Chapman, who starred alongside a "Harry Potter" actress, was killed at Yorkshire Wildlife Park after reportedly taunting a Siberian tiger.
A former child actor who appeared in a comedy-drama alongside a "Harry Potter" actress has died after entering a tiger enclosure at Yorkshire Wildlife Park, according to reports.
William Chapman, in his 20s, was killed on Saturday by a Siberian tiger after he reportedly taunted the animal and filmed himself climbing into its cage. Friends described Chapman as emotionally distraught in the period leading up to the incident.
Chapman had previously starred as Alfie Chaplin in the 2009 ITV series "May Contain Nuts." In the show, he played the younger son of characters portrayed by Shirley Henderson, who is known for her role as Moaning Myrtle in the "Harry Potter" films, and Darren Boyd. Chapman also appeared as Edward Jenner in the 2012 BBC series "True Stories."
His early training took place at the Jackie Palmer Stage School, an institution that has also produced actors such as James Corden, Eddie Redmayne, and Aaron Taylor-Johnson.
Witnesses reported that around 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, Chapman was seen pacing and dancing while wearing headphones. He then asked other visitors to take a photo of him with the tiger visible in the background. After taking several photos, he vaulted over the fence into the enclosure.
Once inside, witnesses stated Chapman dropped to his knees and began taunting the tiger, which was identified as Altai. According to Anthony Hunt, who was present during the incident, Chapman appeared to be praying and bowing to the tiger, with his arms open as if inviting an attack. The tiger then reportedly clamped down on his neck and dragged him away.
Another witness described Chapman yelling "No" at the tiger and waving his finger. Zoo staff responded by firing two shots to scare the animal away. A black screen was raised around the exhibit, and the park was closed for the remainder of the weekend.
Yorkshire Wildlife Park issued a statement saying they are cooperating with authorities to determine the exact circumstances of the incident, emphasizing that the safety of visitors, staff, and animals remains their top priority.
Carole Baskin, known from "Tiger King," commented that the tiger "was not doing anything wrong by being a tiger" and expressed relief that the animal was unharmed. She cautioned against speculation, noting that a tiger is a wild predator whose nature cannot be changed by captivity.