Tiger attack victim's former school pays tribute to 'performer' in emotional statement
The former school of a man who died after entering the tiger enclosure at a zoo in Yorkshire has paid tribute to him.
William Chapman got into the enclosure at the Yorkshire Wildlife Park, where he was attacked by a tiger living in the enclosure, with footage of the horrifying attack circulating widely on social media.
Tragically, Mr Chapman died of his injuries, and an investigation is now underway around the incident.
Since then, Mr Chapman's former school, the Jackie Palmer Stage School & Agency, has released a statement on its Instagram page paying tribute to him.
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"We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of our former student, William Chapman," said the statement.
"Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with William’s family and friends during this incredibly difficult time."
The statement added: "We loved watching William grow, both as a person and as a performer, during his time with us.
"It was a privilege to be part of his journey, and he will be remembered with great fondness by everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him.
"William will be truly missed, and he will always hold a special place in our hearts.
"Rest in peace, William."
Mr Chapman's family have also released a statement paying tribute to him, and saying that he had 'suffered significant mental illness’ over several years.
“The family are utterly devastated by their loss and are struggling to come to terms with what has happened,” the state, released on Tuesday, said.
The statement added: “The family are hopeful that the relevant authorities will do their upmost to get to the bottom of why our amazing son did what he did.”
Paying tribute to Mr Chapman, the statement added: “William was a bright, warm and engaging young man whom his family dearly loved – and William loved them back."
The family also called out the sharing of 'deeply offensive media content' on social media in the aftermath of the incident.
“The publication and circulation of deeply offensive media content is causing them severe distress at an exceptionally vulnerable time. We ask people to stop doing this," the statement said.
South Yorkshire Police have also asked that people stop sharing footage of the tragedy on social media.
In a statement released on 10 October, South Yorkshire Police said: "At 1.35pm today (Saturday 10 October) we received reports of a man entering a tiger enclosure at Yorkshire Wildlife Park. The tiger subsequently attacked the man, resulting in serious injury."
The statement added: "Following the incident, Yorkshire Wildlife Park was evacuated and officers remain on scene carrying out enquiries. We are aware of videos circulating online and we would encourage people not to share this footage."
Mr Chapman had been a child actor, and appeared on programmes on the BBC and ITV as a child.
Yorkshire Wildlife Park has since confirmed that the tiger involved in the tragedy will not be euthanised as a result.
"We would like to thank everyone who has expressed their concern following yesterday's tragic incident," said the statement.
"Our thoughts and heartfelt sympathies remain with the family and loved ones of the man who sadly lost his life.
"The park will be closed today while the staff team who were deeply affected by events receive specialist support."
Kit Roberts