Family of UK tiger attack victim urges end to video sharing after Trump posts footage

On October 10, 2026, William Chapman, a 23-year-old visitor, entered the tiger enclosure at Yorkshire Wildlife Park near Doncaster and was fatally mauled by an Amur tiger named Altai. The park immediately activated its emergency response procedures, and South Yorkshire Police confirmed that medical personnel responded but could not save Chapman, who died at the scene.

The wildlife park closed for the weekend following the incident, which occurred around 1:35 PM local time. Emergency services, including an air ambulance, were deployed to attend the scene. Videos shared online show Altai circling and attacking Chapman on the grass within seconds of his entry into the enclosure.

Chapman's family described him as a "bright, warm and engaging young man" who had struggled with significant mental illness for several years, raising questions about the role it may have played in the incident. They criticized US President Donald Trump for sharing footage of the attack on social media, which they said caused them severe distress.

The City of Doncaster Council launched a health and safety investigation into the park's licensing compliance following the fatal event. Chapman had been a former student at Jackie Palmer Stage School, where he was remembered fondly as someone who grew both personally and professionally over time.