The man who died after jumping into a tiger enclosure at Yorkshire Wildlife Park has been named and pictured for the first time. William Chapman, who was believed to be in his mid-20s, has been pictured in several Instagram images alongside footage he took himself showing the moment he walked up to the endangered animal on Saturday, October 10.
The clip had been published just seconds after jumping down into the tiger’s enclosure at the Doncaster-based attraction before he was later mauled to death by one of the park’s tigers. He approached the 200kg male Siberian tiger, named Altai, which is laid out on top of the wooden perch in the video.
Mr Chapman was alone and dancing to music when he asked a parkgoer to take his picture. He then posted a video to Instagram after descending 12ft down into the enclosure, visitors have said.
(Image: Instagram)
Yorkshire Wildlife Park will remain closed for a fourth day as local authorities undertake a health and safety investigation. City of Doncaster Council, which is responsible for licensing the park, said yesterday it had begun the health and safety investigation into the incident.
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. At this time, we won’t be commenting further on the individual or the investigation and we ask that the privacy of those involved is respected at this difficult time.”
