Council investigates death after man enters tiger enclosure

William Chapman, 23, died after entering the tiger enclosure at Yorkshire Wildlife Park in Doncaster on Saturday, October 10, and the City of Doncaster Council has opened a health and safety investigation into his death. Chapman was pronounced dead at the scene. South Yorkshire Police said he had been visiting the park alone. The park was evacuated after the incident and remained closed on Tuesday, October 13, while the investigation was under way. Chapman’s family said he had experienced significant mental illness for several years and had been prescribed strong medication. It said the coroner should determine whether his health played a part in his death. No finding on that question has been reported. The family described Chapman as bright, warm and engaging, and said it was devastated by his loss. His former school, Jackie Palmer Stage School, also paid tribute, recalling his time as a student and performer. Chapman appeared as a child in the ITV production May Contain Nuts in 2009 and in the BBC series True Stories in 2012, according to reports. The stage school said it would remember him with great fondness.