The family of William Harry Bruce Chapman is asking the public for compᴀssion and privacy after the 24-year-old died in an incident at Yorkshire Wildlife Park in Doncaster, England, on October 10, 2026.

Chapman, who had appeared in television productions as a child, was found inside an Amur tiger enclosure and pronounced ᴅᴇᴀᴅ at the scene. An inquest has since opened, while authorities continue examining the circumstances surrounding the incident.

But amid the investigation, his family has made an emotional appeal that goes beyond the headlines.

In a statement shared through South Yorkshire Police, his relatives described William as a “bright, warm and engaging young man” who was deeply loved by his family. They also expressed distress over the circulation of footage and other online content connected to the incident, saying it was causing them severe emotional pain during an already devastating period.

Their request was direct: stop sharing the material, respect their privacy, and allow the official process to continue without further intrusion.

The family also disclosed that William had experienced significant mental health difficulties over several years and had been prescribed medication. They stressed that it would be for the coroner to determine whether those circumstances played any part in his death.

Meanwhile, City of Doncaster Council has launched a health and safety investigation, working alongside relevant agencies. The inquest is expected to consider the circumstances surrounding the incident, while the family has raised concerns about the support William received before his death.

The case has also drawn attention to the responsibilities people have when sharing sensitive material online. For William’s loved ones, every repost can bring renewed distress at a time when they are trying to grieve.

For now, the family is asking for something simple but important: respect, privacy, and the chance to remember William as a person rather than as the subject of disturbing online footage.

SOURCE: https://www.southyorkshire.police.uk/news/south-yorkshire/news/news/october-2026/family-of-man-who-died-in-tragic-incident-at-yorkshire-wildlife-park-share-tribute/