UNITED KINGDOM: Man who met his end after entering tiger enclosure is named and pictured
The man who was tragically mauled by a tiger at Yorkshire Wildlife Park has been named and pictured for the first time.
The victim has been identified as William Chapman.
Pictures on his social media account show him holding a bible and a crossbow in what appears to be the same clothes he had on when he entered the tiger enclosure at Yorkshire Wildlife Park.
The picture, which was uploaded on the day of the horror demise, shows him holding a crossbow bolt between his teeth.
He also posted to Instagram moments before he passed on. The footage showed him filming as he walked slowly towards the 30-stone tiger, named Altai, which was resting on a raised wooden platform.
The man can be heard breathing heavily as witnesses scream in the background. The http://man.was soon set upon by the tiger and later pronounced deceased at the scene.
Police confirmed the man had visited the park alone.
Witnesses described how he appeared to “bow down” to the tiger and was reportedly seen “dancing” as to “hype” himself up before entering the site.
Yorkshire Wildlife Park remained closed as of today, Tuesday, October 13.
Doncaster Council, the council responsible for licensing the Doncaster wildlife park, said it has launched a health and safety investigation into Saturday’s incident.
Dan Swaine, executive director of place at City of Doncaster Council, said: “As the relevant licensing authority for the Yorkshire Wildlife Park, I can confirm that, in line with our statutory duties, the council has launched a health and safety investigation.
“We are also working with multiple agencies, including the police and health agencies, and are supporting the Yorkshire Wildlife Park in response to the incident.
“At this time, we won’t be commenting further on the individual or the investigation and we ask that the privacy of those involved is respected at this difficult time.”
Mr Swaine also said: “We are deeply saddened by the incident that occurred this weekend and our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with everyone involved, including the family and loved ones of the person who tragically lost their life, those that witnessed the incident and the staff involved at Yorkshire Wildlife Park, as well as the emergency services who provided a swift response.”