Ella Ford, a 24-year-old from Moreton, Wirral, has shared her experience of the tragic event at Yorkshire Wildlife Park on October 10, where William Chapman lost his life. In an interview with a British outlet on October 14, she stated that the memory of Chapman being attacked by a tiger after entering its enclosure is something she cannot forget. Ford described Chapman as being in a “happy” mood just before the incident occurred. Her comments followed a statement released by Chapman’s family regarding his mental health.
Ford was at the wildlife park with her boyfriend when she first noticed Chapman pacing on an elevated walkway that overlooked the tigers. She mentioned that he was wearing headphones and seemed content, even though he was by himself. Ford thought he might be waiting for family members further down the bridge. However, she soon observed him climbing over a wooden barrier toward a tiger that was later named Altai. She touched her boyfriend to ask what was happening.
In a short time, Ford’s boyfriend saw Chapman take out his phone and approach the tiger. She recounted that it was only moments later that the tiger attacked Chapman, leaving people outside the enclosure scrambling for help. Ford remembered one man trying to scare the tiger away by banging on the fence, but it seemed unfazed.
It was a confusing and distressing scene for Ford, who noted it felt like a blur. She mentioned hearing others exclaiming in shock and parents trying to move their children away from the area as they realized the gravity of the situation. Soon after, park staff began to clear the walkway.
Ford expressed that the experience is something she can’t stop thinking about, calling it heartbreaking. Details from her account were supported by information from Chapman’s social media, which showed him filming Altai shortly before the tragedy. In the video, he was seen getting closer to the tiger while viewers in the background reacted with alarm.
Other videos shared online depicted the tiger pulling at Chapman’s shirt. Another visitor, Anthony Hunt, mentioned that a woman had attempted to intervene to stop Chapman from going into the enclosure. He said that she appeared frightened as she tried to prevent him from jumping in.
Chapman’s family addressed rumors about his mental health, indicating he had severe issues and was taking strong medication. They expressed hope that authorities would find answers regarding his actions. They described him as a bright and warm young man who was loved by many.
Yorkshire Wildlife Park provided an update about the tiger, noting that animal rangers fired shots into the ground to try to deter Altai from Chapman.
What are your thoughts on this tragic incident?
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Source: Bored Panda, by Lei RV