Man killed by tiger in Yorkshire Wildlife Park after jumping into enclosure has been named
The man who sustained fatal injuries after entering a tiger enclosure at Yorkshire Wildlife Park has now been identified.
William Chapman was sadly pronounced dead at the scene on Saturday (10 October) shortly after his horror encounter with the animal at Yorkshire Wildlife Park.
Chaos erupted at the attraction in Doncaster last weekend as stunned visitors watched the deadly incident unfold in front of them, before staff promptly evacuated the park.
The victim's family have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers, South Yorkshire Police confirmed.
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A major investigation update was also issued on Monday (12 October) with new details emerging about the next steps in enquiries following the fatal incident.
Emergency services rushed to the scene after receiving reports that a man had entered the 'Land of the Tigers' enclosure shortly after 1.30pm on Saturday.
Police have urged people not to share the 'distressing footage' of the brutal attack that has been circulating on social media.
One onlooker told The Mail on Sunday they had seen Chapman 'dancing' with his earphones in and claimed he even 'asked a total stranger to take a picture of him with the tiger in the background' moments before entering the enclosure.
The park was closed as emergency crews raced to the scene on Saturday afternoon and cleared the area. South Yorkshire Police meanwhile confirmed to LADbible on Monday that the man was believed to have been visiting the park alone.
Eyewitnesses had also shared their accounts of what happened at the park, which welcomes hundreds of thousands of visitors each year.
One woman, who was visiting the animal park with her friends and their young children, told LADbible they saw 'staff running around' frantically shortly after shots rang out.
The zookeepers who were present have been praised for springing into action and 'doing everything they could' after the man entered the tiger enclosure.
It has been reported that they fired several gunshots in the air in a bid to distract the big cat, causing it to subsequently flee and hide nearby.
What will happen to the tiger?
On Sunday (11 October), Yorkshire Wildlife Park told LADbible in a statement that the park is currently closed in wake of the 'tragic incident'.
It also confirmed the fate of the Amur tiger involved, Altai, after 'many, many people' contacted the park out of concern that it may be euthanised.
The statement said: "Our thoughts and heartfelt sympathies remain with the family and loved ones of the man who tragically lost his life.
"The park will be closed today and the staff team who were deeply affected by events will receive specialist support.
"Many, many people have contacted us about Altai, the tiger. We can reassure everyone that he is safe and well and will not be euthanised as a result of this incident."
South Yorkshire Police also confirmed that the tiger was 'uninjured and remained in the enclosure' in wake of the attack by the City of Doncaster Council. The park remains closed for the foreseeable.
The Land of the Tigers attraction made its debut in 2011, two years after Yorkshire Wildlife Park first opened its doors.
It is on a purpose-built two-acre reserve, so the animals can 'freely roam their woodlands and grasslands or play in their very own waterfall pool', its website explains.
It is home to Amur tigers, which are an endangered subspecies. There are only around 500 are left in the wild.
Latest update on investigation
It has now been confirmed that a health and safety investigation has been launched into the death.
This was confirmed by the licensing authority the City of Doncaster Council said.
Dan Swaine, Executive Director of Place at City of Doncaster Council, said: “We are deeply saddened by the incident that occurred this weekend.
"Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with everyone involved, including the family and loved ones of the person who tragically lost their life, those that witnessed the incident and the staff involved at Yorkshire Wildlife Park, as well as the emergency services who provided a swift response.
“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.”
Olivia Burke