Since news broke of the young man’s death at Yorkshire Wildlife Park, I have read comments that have left me deeply saddened. Before the full facts were known, people were already passing judgement. Even after his death was announced, some were saying that he deserved what happened. He did not deserve to die. This was someone’s baby. Someone’s son, loved by his family, who should have come home. There have been reports that he had autism and learning difficulties, although his personal circumstances have not yet been officially confirmed. As an aunt to nephews with additional needs, I understand that there is no single way in which those needs present themselves. They can affect how someone communicates, processes their surroundings, recognises danger, assesses consequences or responds in an unfamiliar situation. What may appear obvious to one person may not be understood in the same way by another. We do not yet know what this young man understood, what he was experiencing or what was going through his mind. We should not pretend that we do. I have seen cruel comments from people who have “be kind” written in their biographies. Perhaps it is time we started practising what we preach. Kindness matters most when somebody is vulnerable and when a family is experiencing unimaginable grief. I do not blame the tiger. It was acting on instinct, and I am relieved that it is safe and unharmed. Nor is this post intended to blame Yorkshire Wildlife Park, which carries out important conservation, welfare and education work. The circumstances surrounding this tragedy will rightly be investigated by the appropriate authorities. That process should be based on evidence, not rumours or social-media speculation. We can recognise the work of the park, understand that the tiger was acting naturally and still show compassion for the young man who lost his life. Those things are not mutually exclusive. His family and everyone affected by what happened are in my thoughts today. My heart breaks for the people who loved him. These must have been among the most devastating 24 hours of their lives. Compassion costs nothing.