Man mauled to death by tiger named as chilling image he posted on day of attack emerges

0William Chapman was seen holding a crossbow and bible in an image posted to social media on the day of his death -Credit:Not known (Not known)The man who was tragically mauled to death by a tiger at Yorkshire Wildlife Park has been named and pictured for the first time as a photo he posted on the day of his death emergesThe man tragically killed by a tiger at Yorkshire Wildlife Park has been named and pictured for the first time, as unsettling images of a bible and crossbow have emerged on the victim's Instagram account.

The victim has been identified as William Chapman. Images on his social media profile show him clutching a bible and a crossbow, appearing to wear the same clothing he had on when he entered the tiger enclosure at Yorkshire Wildlife Park.

The photo, uploaded on the day of the fatal incident, shows him holding a crossbow bolt between his teeth. Chapman also posted to Instagram just moments before his death.

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The footage captured him slowly walking toward the 30-stone tiger, named Altai, which was resting on a raised wooden platform, according to the Daily Mail.

The sound of heavy breathing can be heard in the footage as witnesses scream in the background. Chapman was shortly after set upon by the tiger and was later pronounced dead at the scene, reports the Daily Star.

Police confirmed that he had visited the park alone. Witnesses described him appearing to "bow down" to the tiger, and he was reportedly seen "dancing" as if to "hype" himself up before entering the enclosure.

Some witnesses suggested the man may have had special needs or could have been deaf, after he was spotted seemingly attempting to use sign language to communicate with the animal. While some observers believe the victim was gesturing at the animal with his index finger in a scolding manner as if to say "no!", others have put forward the theory that he was actually using his little finger.

In Makaton sign language, this gesture signifies "bad!" Yorkshire Wildlife Park remained closed on Tuesday. Doncaster Council, the licensing authority for the Doncaster wildlife park, confirmed it has initiated a health and safety investigation into Saturday's tragic incident.

Dan Swaine, executive director of place at City of Doncaster Council, stated: "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.

"We are also working with multiple agencies, including the police and health agencies, and are supporting the Yorkshire Wildlife Park in response to the incident. At this time, we won't be commenting further on the individual or the investigation and we ask that the privacy of those involved is respected at this difficult time."

Swaine also expressed: "We are deeply saddened by the incident that occurred this weekend and our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with everyone involved, including the family and loved ones of the person who tragically lost their life, those that witnessed the incident and the staff involved at Yorkshire Wildlife Park, as well as the emergency services who provided a swift response."