Inquest opens into man killed by tiger at wildlife park

Summarised from 3 outlets · 5 reports · Updated 15 Oct, 10:58 · Archive

An inquest has opened into the death of William Chapman, 24, who was killed by a tiger at Yorkshire Wildlife Park near Doncaster on Saturday. Chapman entered the animal's pen by climbing two fences to gain access to the enclosure.

The inquest at Doncaster Coroner's Court heard that Chapman died of 'multiple traumatic injuries and animal interaction'. Senior coroner Nicola Mundy opened the proceedings on Thursday morning.

The court heard that Chapman had a history of mental illness, including a diagnosis of schizophrenia and previous episodes of psychosis. His family had raised concerns about his treatment by Rotherham, Doncaster and South Humber NHS Trust, the hearing was told. Chapman's family chose not to attend the inquest opening.

The incident occurred shortly after 13:30 BST on Saturday and led to the evacuation of the wildlife park. Chapman was pronounced dead at the scene.

Mundy adjourned the inquest until March 2027 for further proceedings. Yorkshire Wildlife Park remains closed, and a reopening date has not yet been confirmed.

How it is being reported

• Man killed by tiger climbed two fences before suffering multiple injuries, inquest hearsWilliam Chapman climbed two fences to enter a tiger's pen at Yorkshire Wildlife Park, an inquest hears.BBC South Yorkshire · 15 Oct, 10:50
• Family of William Chapman speak out as inquest into Yorkshire Wildlife Park tiger tragedy beginsThe Doncaster Coroner has opened the inquest into Mr Chapman’s deathDoncaster Free Press · 15 Oct, 10:26
• Family of William Chapman speak out as inquest into Yorkshire Wildlife Park tiger tragedy beginsThe Doncaster Coroner has opened the inquest into Mr Chapman’s deathSheffield Star · 15 Oct, 10:25
• Yorkshire Wildlife Park makes new announcement as inquest into tiger attack fatality is set to openHi family has paid tribute to WilliamSheffield Star · 15 Oct, 09:48
• Inquest into death of William Chapman to open today after Yorkshire Wildlife Park tiger tragedyThe hearing is planned for todaySheffield Star · 15 Oct, 08:42

In this story: William Chapman · Yorkshire Wildlife Park · Doncaster · Rotherham, Doncaster and South Humber NHS Trust · Nicola Mundy

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