President Donald Trump has caused "severe distress" to the family of a man killed by a tiger at a UK wildlife park after reposting "deeply offensive" footage of the incident.

William Chapman, 23, was mauled to death by Altai, an Amur (Siberian) tiger, after he entered the animal enclosure at Yorkshire Wildlife Park on October 10.

Footage showing the beast biting and clawing the former child actor, who suffered from "significant mental illness", as he sat in the pen quickly circulated online, and President Trump, 80, decided to share it on his Truth Social platform on Tuesday (13.10.26).

Captioning the video - which did not show the May Contain Nuts star being killed - he penned: "Don't ever mess with nature! President DJT (sic)."

The Commander-in-Chief even posted an AI-generated clip, set to The Lion Sleeps Tonight by The Tokens, of himself wrestling, then hugging Altai.

William's family criticised him and others for their actions, and urged people to stop sharing the footage of the tragic incident.

On Tuesday night, they released a statement, which read: "The family are utterly devastated by their loss and are struggling to come to terms with what has happened.

"The publication and circulation of deeply offensive media content is causing them severe distress at an exceptionally vulnerable time. We ask people to stop doing this.

"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."

The statement went on to say how William was a "bright, warm and engaging young man whom his family dearly loved - and William loved them back".

It continued: "Sadly, William suffered from significant mental illness over a number of years and was consequently prescribed strong medication.

"It will be for the coroner to decide what part this played in his death.

"We would ask everybody to respect that process."

An inquest into the death is scheduled to open at Doncaster coroner's court on Thursday morning (15.10.26).

On October 11, Yorkshire Wildlife Park, which remains closed, shared a statement on social media, which confirmed that Altai will not be euthanised.

It read: "We would like to thank everyone who has expressed their concern following yesterday's tragic incident.

"Our thoughts and heartfelt sympathies remain with the family and loved ones of the man who sadly lost his life.

"The park will be closed today while the staff team who were deeply affected by the events receive specialist support.

"Many, many people have contacted us about Altai, the tiger. We can reassure everyone that he is safe and well and will not be euthanised as a result of this incident."

Doncaster City Council, which is in charge of licensing the park, has launched a health and safety investigation.