Emily Johnson and Grace Wood, Yorkshire
A man who was attacked by a tiger after climbing two fences to enter its enclosure at a wildlife park died of “multiple traumatic injuries”, an inquest has heard.
William Chapman visited Yorkshire Wildlife Park near Doncaster on Saturday and entered the animal’s pen.
The 24-year-old was pronounced dead at the scene and died of “multiple traumatic injuries and animal interaction”, the opening of his inquest at Doncaster Coroner’s Court heard.
Senior coroner Nicola Mundy said he had a history of mental illness, a diagnosis of schizophrenia and had suffered previous bouts of psychosis. His family had raised concerns about his contact with Rotherham, Doncaster and South Humber NHS Trust, the hearing was told.
Chapman was under adult mental health services in Doncaster but was “highly functioning and independent with no care requirements”, the inquest heard.
The self-employed online trader was born in Chichester, West Sussex, and living in Doncaster at the time of his death.
Coroner’s officer Caitlin Brookes said his family had expressed “a number of concerns” in relation to his contact with mental health services, with the trust launching an investigation following his death.
A trust spokesperson said it would “continue to respect and protect patient confidentiality at all times and cannot comment on William’s care”, but confirmed his family were aware of the investigation.
Brookes told the hearing: “He was approached by the tiger and the ensuing physical contact between the tiger and Mr Chapman led to him sustaining multiple traumatic injuries which rapidly led to his death.”
Park staff secured the tiger and paramedics attended but confirmed his death at the scene.
The senior coroner said her office was awaiting a more substantial report as to the extent of his injuries.
South Yorkshire Police provided a number of witness statements from the public and staff who were at the wildlife park at the time, the hearing was told.
Mundy instructed staff to contact Yorkshire Wildlife Park to ask them to keep any relevant CCTV and inform the coroner of any previous visits by Chapman to the park.
After opening the inquest, which Chapman’s family chose not to attend, on Thursday morning, Mundy adjourned proceedings until 18 March 2027.
Speaking after the hearing, a neighbour of Chapman told the BBC he was “very polite and well-spoken” and a “lovely man”.
Josh, 24, who lived in the same building as Chapman, said: “He’d always have a laugh and a joke. He was quite well kept, he’d look after himself physically. He loved his F1, he’d talk for hours about his F1 if he could.”
Discussing the online comments and speculation in the aftermath of the incident, he said: “People didn’t know him. If you don’t know him, don’t make a comment.”
Park to reopen
The incident, which took place shortly after 13:30 BST on Saturday, led to the evacuation of the Yorkshire Wildlife Park.
An eyewitness described seeing Chapman wearing headphones and “pacing around” near the enclosure before he went in.
Mobile phone footage, believed to be from Chapman, appears to show the inside of the enclosure as he approaches the tiger across a patch of grass.
The park would reopen on Friday for the first time since the fatal incident, a spokesperson confirmed.
In a statement, they said that staff members’ “heartfelt sympathies” remained with Chapman’s family and loved ones.
“The safety and wellbeing of our visitors, staff team and animals remain our highest priority,” they added.
“As we welcome visitors back, we would ask everyone to be understanding and respectful towards our staff team, who have shown tremendous professionalism and dedication during an exceptionally difficult time.
“We are providing specialist trauma support and ongoing care for those affected.
“We continue to assist South Yorkshire Police and other relevant agencies with their ongoing inquiries into the circumstances of this tragic incident.”
A park spokesperson previously said the rare Amur tiger involved, called Altai, remained safely in the enclosure and would not be euthanised.
A health and safety investigation has also been launched by City of Doncaster Council.
Source: bbc.com