Man killed by tiger at Yorkshire wildlife park had mental health issues

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 15 Oct, 11:32 · Archive

William Harry Bruce Chapman, 24, died after entering a tiger enclosure at Yorkshire Wildlife Park in Doncaster on October 10.

William Harry Bruce Chapman, 24, from Doncaster, died after entering a tiger enclosure at Yorkshire Wildlife Park around 1.30pm on October 10. A coroner's officer told Doncaster Coroner's Court that the tiger approached him and the ensuing physical contact led to multiple traumatic injuries that rapidly caused his death.

Mr Chapman's family had raised "a number of concerns" about his interactions with mental health services before his death. He had been diagnosed with schizophrenia and experienced previous episodes of psychosis, yet was described as "highly functioning and independent with no care requirements". He was receiving support from adult mental health services in Doncaster at the time of the incident.

The Rotherham, Doncaster and South Humber NHS Foundation Trust has launched an internal investigation following his death. City of Doncaster Council, which licenses the wildlife park, is conducting a health and safety investigation and will share its findings with the coroner. A full inquest hearing is scheduled for March 18 next year.

How it is being reported

• Family of man killed in tiger attack shared 'concerns' prior to his deathThe family of a man who was killed by a tiger whilst visiting a Yorkshire wildlife park had reportedly expressed concerns about his mental health in the period leading up to his death.The Press (York) · 15 Oct, 11:10
• Family of man killed in tiger attack shared 'concerns' prior to his deathThe family of a man who was killed by a tiger whilst visiting a Yorkshire wildlife park had reportedly expressed concerns about his mental health in the period leading up to his death.Gazette & Herald (Malton) · 15 Oct, 11:10

In this story: William Harry Bruce Chapman · Yorkshire Wildlife Park · Doncaster · Rotherham, Doncaster and South Humber NHS Foundation Trust · City of Doncaster Council

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