Man killed by tiger at Yorkshire Wildlife Park inquest

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 20 Oct, 12:20 · Archive

William Chapman, 24, died after entering a tiger enclosure at Yorkshire Wildlife Park in Doncaster. He jumped over two fences to get inside the enclosure, where he was attacked by Altai, a 30-stone Amur tiger. An inquest into his death heard that Chapman died of 'multiple traumatic injuries and animal interaction'.

Chapman had a history of schizophrenia and had suffered previous episodes of psychosis, though he was described as 'highly functioning'. He lived independently in a flat in Doncaster city centre. His neighbours, Kelsey Smith, 18, and Joshua Anderson, 23, who moved into the same block in July 2026, said Chapman 'didn't have many people around him' and would 'keep himself to himself'. Ms Smith, who works at a nearby bar, said Chapman would visit once a week ordering an orange juice or half a pint of beer.

Mr Anderson said he felt Chapman had come to Doncaster for a 'fresh start'. Neither neighbour saw any family visit his flat. Mr Anderson said: 'He could have potentially misunderstood what he was doing. He never said why he was in Doncaster, or if he was receiving any mental health care.' Chapman never spoke of his past life or background to his neighbours.

How it is being reported

• Tiger attack victim wanted 'fresh start' before Yorkshire Wildlife Park tragedyWilliam Chapman, who had a history of schizophrenia, jumped over two fences to get into the tiger enclosure at Yorkshire Wildlife Park where he was killed by a 30st big catThe Mirror · 20 Oct, 11:52
• Horror as neighbours of man mauled to death by tiger issue chilling updateWilliam Chapman suffered shocking injuries after entering the tiger enclosure at a UK zoo.Daily Express · 20 Oct, 08:38

In this story: William Chapman · Altai · Yorkshire Wildlife Park · Doncaster · Kelsey Smith · Joshua Anderson

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