US President Donald Trump has shared footage of a fatal tiger attack at a British wildlife park, prompting renewed attention to the death of 23-year-old William Chapman as his family appeals to the public to stop circulating distressing content.
Chapman died on Saturday, October 10, 2026, after entering a tiger enclosure at Yorkshire Wildlife Park in Doncaster, England.
According to Sky News, Trump posted a video showing Chapman and the tiger on his Truth Social platform on Tuesday evening, October 13, with the caption, “Don't ever mess with nature!”
The US president subsequently shared an AI-generated clip depicting himself chasing and wrestling the tiger.
Chapman's family has criticised the circulation of footage relating to the incident, saying the content was causing them severe distress during an exceptionally difficult period.
In a statement released on Tuesday, the family described the 23-year-old as a “bright, warm and engaging young man” who was dearly loved.
They also revealed that Chapman had experienced significant mental health difficulties over several years and had been prescribed strong medication.
The family said it would be for the coroner to determine whether his medication played any role in his death, while asking the public to respect the ongoing process.
How the fatal tiger attack happened
South Yorkshire Police said emergency services were called to Yorkshire Wildlife Park shortly after 1:30 p.m. on Saturday following reports that a man had entered a tiger enclosure.
The man sustained serious injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene despite the efforts of medical personnel.
Chapman was reportedly visiting the park alone. Footage shared on his social media appeared to show him approaching the tiger, named Altai, shortly before the attack.
Witnesses said they saw him enter the enclosure, while some visitors reportedly shouted warnings at him.
The incident prompted the evacuation and temporary closure of the wildlife park.
The park subsequently confirmed that Altai was safe and would not be euthanised following the incident.
Authorities launch investigation
The City of Doncaster Council has launched a health and safety investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident, working alongside police and other agencies.
An inquest into Chapman's death was scheduled to open in Doncaster on Thursday, October 15.
Chapman was also remembered by the Jackie Palmer Stage School in High Wycombe, where he had previously studied. The school described itself as deeply saddened by his death and paid tribute to his time as a student and performer.
The incident has also renewed discussion about wildlife park safety and the circulation of graphic footage online.
Chapman's family has urged the public to respect their grief and refrain from sharing videos of the fatal attack as investigations continue.
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