18/10/2026
Yesterday, the man who died in the tiger enclosure at Yorkshire Wildlife Park was named as William Chapman.
But naming Mr Chapman as the victim is only part of the story. The family of Mr Chapman paid him a moving tribute yesterday. They spoke of how bright, warm and engaging he was. As we all would in their position, they said how devastated they were by his death.
And it's really for them that I'm writing this post. They spoke to my office yesterday, sharing the pain and suffering it's causing them knowing that videos and pictures of his death are being shared across social media.
The President of the United States now using AI to mock that incident and the pain felt by the family of Mr Chapman, for little more than a cheap laugh on social media, should be greeted with the contempt it deserves.
So I'm asking you, please, not to add to this family's pain. If someone shares the content with you, please don't pass it on. And, better still, please consider asking whoever shared it to stop doing so.
What happened at Yorkshire Wildlife Park on Saturday was tragic, not least because it's a place so many people associate with a family day out. I know it was deeply traumatising for anyone who witnessed it. It was also hugely upsetting for the park's staff and the emergency service teams who had to deal with an incredibly challenging situation with both professionalism and compassion, as they always do. I'd like to pay tribute to them for their work on Saturday, and every day.
Finally, I know people have questions about how and why this dreadful incident happened. But I would urge people not to speculate online. That speculation adds to the pain being endured by Mr Chapman’s family. A full investigation is underway, including an inquest, and the relevant authorities need the time and space to work their way through the incident. Answers will come in time.
The family of Mr Chapman remain utmost in my thoughts. I know all decent people across South Yorkshire will be sending them their love, thoughts and empathy.
