Man killed by tiger at Yorkshire Wildlife Park was former child actor - as stage school pays tribute
He had previously starred alongside a Harry Potter star, it is reported
The victim of a tiger attack at Yorkshire Wildlife Park was a former child actor, it has been reported.
William Chapman, who was pictured and named for the first time on Tuesday, previously worked on TV shows when he was younger.
Mr Chapman died after entering the Land of The Tigers enclosure on Saturday (October 10) before being mauled by rare Amur tiger, Altai.
The BBC report that when he was younger, he appeared in the ITV show ‘May Contain Nuts’ alongside Shirley Henderson, who played Moaning Myrtle in Harry Potter, and Darren Boyd.
He was a former pupil of the Jackie Palmer Stage School in High Wycombe, where famous actors Eddie Redmayne, James Corden and Aaron Taylor-Johnson also attended.
The school paid tribute to Mr Chapman on social media, saying: “We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of our former student, William Chapman.
“Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with William’s family and friends during this incredibly difficult time.”
‘May Contain Nuts’ aired in 2009 where Chapman played the role of Alfie Chaplin, the younger son of Shirley Henderson and Darren Boyd’s characters.
He also reportedly appeared in the BBC educational series, ‘True Stories’ in 2012, where he played Edward Jenner, who pioneered the smallpox vaccine.
Jackie Palmer Stage School went on to say: “We loved watching William grow, both as a person and as a performer, during his time with us. It was a privilege to be part of his journey, and he will be remembered with great fondness by everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him.
“William will be truly missed, and he will always hold a special place in our hearts.
“Rest in peace, William.”
Chapman was pronounced dead at the wildlife park in Doncaster after he allegedly jumped from a viewing platform into the enclosure.
Shots were fired to distract the big cat, and the park remains closed for a fourth day as police and City of Doncaster Council investigations continue.