Tiger kills man who climbed into enclosure at wildlife park

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 15 Oct, 21:03 · Archive

William Chapman, 23, died after entering a tiger enclosure at Yorkshire Wildlife Park.

William Chapman, 23, a former child actor, was killed by a 190kg Siberian tiger at Yorkshire Wildlife Park after deliberately entering the enclosure. The inquest at Doncaster Coroner's Court heard that Chapman climbed two fences to reach the tiger's pen. He recorded himself on his phone before the tiger, named Altai, mauled him to death.

Coroner's officer Caitlin Brookes told the court that Chapman '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'. A post mortem determined his provisional cause of death as 'multiple traumatic injuries' and 'animal interaction'.

The inquest heard that Chapman had a history of mental illness and a diagnosis of schizophrenia, having suffered previous bouts of psychosis. Despite being under the care of local mental health services, he was deemed to be 'independent with no care requirements'. His family expressed concerns about his contact with mental health services in the days prior to the fatal attack. An NHS investigation has been launched.

How it is being reported

• Yorkshire Wildlife Park: Tiger attack inquest told big cat inflicted traumatic injuries on William ChapmanAn inquest has heard for the first time the harrowing sequence of events that led to William Chapman being killed by a 190kg tiger at a UK wildlife park as well the victim’s mental state.The West Australian · 15 Oct, 13:18
• Yorkshire Wildlife Park: Tiger attack inquest told big cat inflicted traumatic injuries on William ChapmanAn inquest has heard for the first time the harrowing sequence of events that led to William Chapman being killed by a 190kg tiger at a UK wildlife park as well the victim’s mental state.Perth Now · 15 Oct, 13:18

In this story: William Chapman · Altai · Yorkshire Wildlife Park · Doncaster Coroner's Court · NHS

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