The family of a man killed by a tiger at a wildlife park have described him as a "bright, warm and engaging young man."
William Chapman, 23, was mauled to death after entering the tiger enclosure at Yorkshire Wildlife Park, Doncaster, on Saturday, October 10.
"The family are utterly devastated by their loss and are struggling to come to terms with what happened," they said on Tuesday.
Flowers were left at the entrance of Yorkshire Wildlife Park in Doncaster on Monday (October 12) (Image: Dave Higgens/PA Wire)
They added that Mr Chapman had suffered from "significant mental illness over a number of years" and had been on "strong medication."
The family further noted, "It will be for the coroner to decide what part this played in his death.
"We would ask everybody to respect that process."
The family also called for a halt to the circulation of what they described as "deeply offensive media content," which they said was causing them "severe distress at an exceptionally vulnerable time."
The statement added, "The family are hopeful that the relevant authorities will do their upmost to get to the bottom of why our amazing son did what he did."
Mr Chapman, a former child actor, appeared in ITV's May Contain Nuts and the BBC's True Stories series.
He had attended Jackie Palmer Stage School in High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire.
The school paid tribute to Mr Chapman on social media, stating, "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."
The school added, "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."
Reports indicate that Mr Chapman appeared to have filmed the moment he approached the tiger.
A short clip, reportedly posted on a now-deleted Instagram account, was filmed inside the tiger's enclosure, showing the animal a few metres in front of the camera.
The wildlife park remains closed following the attack, with emergency services having been contacted shortly after 1.30pm on October 10.
Mr Chapman, who was visiting the park alone, was pronounced dead at the scene.
City of Doncaster Council, responsible for licensing the park, has launched a health and safety investigation.
In a statement, 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."
The wildlife park, in a social media statement, said the Amur tiger involved in the incident is "safe and well" and will not be euthanised.