Man killed by tiger climbed two fences before suffering multiple injuries, inquest hears
Quick Look
William Chapman, 24, died of multiple traumatic injuries after entering a tiger enclosure at Yorkshire Wildlife Park following a history of mental illness.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
William Chapman entered a tiger enclosure at Yorkshire Wildlife Park after climbing two fences.
A man who was attacked by a tiger after entering 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 was attacked after climbing two fences to enter the animal's pen.
The 24-year-old, who was pronounced dead at the scene, 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. He was being treated by the Rotherham, Doncaster and South Humber NHS Foundation Trust.
Mundy opened the inquest, which his family chose not to attend, on Thursday morning and adjourned proceedings until March 2027.
The incident, which took place shortly after 13:30 BST on Saturday, led to the evacuation of the wildlife park.
The park remains closed and a reopening date is yet to be confirmed.
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
Inquest proceedings will resume in March 2027.
Very likely · Within months
Open Questions
- When will Yorkshire Wildlife Park reopen?
