Yorkshire tiger latest: Inquest to open into death of former child star after climbing into zoo enclosure

The family of William Chapman have said “deeply offensive media content is causing them severe distress” after US president Donald Trump shared a controversial AI-generated video mimicking the tragic incident.

Mr Trump posted footage of Mr Chapman being fatally attacked by a tiger at the Yorkshire Wildlife Park to 13 million followers on his Truth Social platform on Tuesday evening, before following this up with an AI-generated video of the US president grappling with a tiger.

The 23-year-old’s family posted a tribute, also on Tuesday evening, describing him as a “bright, warm and engaging young man”, criticising the online reaction to his death and questioning what part his “significant mental illness over a number of years” and prescribed strong medication played in the incident.

Mr Trump’s sharing of the two pieces of footage on social media has prompted outrage.

The official Republicans Against Trump account on X responding to the A.I. video by writing: “WTF.”

​“Someone take Grandpa’s phone away,” another post uploaded to the account read.

Inquest to open into William Chapman's death today

An inquest will open into William Chapman’s death at 10am in Doncaster Coroner’s Court, Civic Office, Waterdale.

Mr Chapman’s family said that a coroner would have to decide what part “significant mental illness” played in his death after he was killed in a tiger enclosure at Yorkshire Wildlife Park.

Bryony Gooch15 October 2026 06:00

Who is William Chapman? Former BBC and ITV child actor named as man killed in Yorkshire tiger enclosure

William Chapman has been named as the man who was killed by a tiger at Yorkshire Wildlife Park, near Doncaster, on Saturday.

Emergency services were contacted shortly after 1.30pm on October 10 when the 23-year-old, who police said was visiting the park alone, entered the enclosure of a rare Amur tiger called Altai. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Since the incident, Mr Chapman’s early stint as an actor has come to light. He previously featured on ITV’s May Contain Nuts, alongside Harry Potter star Shirley Henderson, and in the BBC’s True Stories series, according to IMDB.

Mr Chapman’s family have described him as “bright, warm and engaging”, adding that he had suffered from “significant mental illness” over a number of years.

Bryony Gooch15 October 2026 05:00

Recap: Coroner will have to decide if mental illness played a role in his death, family say

The family of William Chapman have said a coroner will have to decide if mental illness played a part in his death.

A statement released on Tuesday evening said Mr Chapman, who died in a tiger enclosure, suffered from significant mental illness.

His family said: “Sadly, William suffered from significant mental illness over a number of years and was consequently prescribed strong medication.

“It will be for the coroner to decide what part this played in his death.

“We would ask everybody to respect that process.”

Bryony Gooch15 October 2026 04:00

Bryony Gooch15 October 2026 03:00

Watch: Trump sparks outrage for posting AI video of himself wrestling Yorkshire tiger that killed a man

Bryony Gooch15 October 2026 02:00

In pictures: William Chapman, who died in a Yorkshire zoo

Bryony Gooch15 October 2026 01:00

Yorkshire Wildlife Park remains closed

It remains unclear when Yorkshire Wildlife Park will reopen as it looks likely to be closed on Thursday.

A post on the website reads: :We can confirm that a serious incident has occurred on Saturday at the tiger enclosure.

“Our emergency response procedures were immediately activated, and emergency services attended the scene.

“The park will be closed today whilst we are working closely with the authorities. The Yorkshire Hive will remain open as usual.

“The safety and wellbeing of our visitors, staff and animals remain our highest priority.”

Bryony Gooch15 October 2026 00:00

Recap: Trump shares footage of man being fatally attacked by tiger in UK wildlife park on Truth Social

Donald Trump has shared footage of the fatal tiger attack that took place over the weekend at a UK wildlife park with his 13 million followers on Truth Social.

The US president added a signed message alongside the brief clip, writing: "Don’t ever mess with nature!"

The video depicts the animal clawing and biting the victim as he sat inside the enclosure, though his death is not shown.

Mr Trump subsequently uploaded a second post featuring a video compilation appearing to show several people being mauled by lions, set to upbeat music.

Bryony Gooch14 October 2026 23:00

Bryony Gooch14 October 2026 22:00

Watch: Trump sparks outrage for posting AI video of himself wrestling Yorkshire tiger that killed a man