Family pays tribute to 'warm and engaging' man killed in tiger attack

The family of a man who was killed by a tiger after he entered its enclosure at a wildlife park have paid tribute, describing him as "bright, warm and engaging".

William Chapman, who was in his mid-20s, visited Yorkshire Wildlife Park near Doncaster on Saturday and was attacked after going into the animal's pen. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

In a statement, his family said that he had suffered from "significant mental illness" over a number of years and had been prescribed "strong medication".

City of Doncaster Council has launched a health and safety investigation into Chapman's death and the park remains closed.

"William was a bright, warm and engaging young man whom his family dearly loved - and William loved them back," a statement released on Tuesday evening said.

It said it was for the coroner to decide whether his mental illness played a part in his death.

"The family are utterly devastated by their loss and are struggling to come to terms with what has happened," the statement continued.

"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."

The incident, which took place shortly after 13:30 BST on Saturday, led to the evacuation and three-day closure of the park.

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