Man killed by tiger climbed two fences before suffering multiple injuries, inquest hears
William Chapman climbed two fences to enter a tiger's pen at Yorkshire Wildlife Park, an inquest hears.
William Chapman, a 24-year-old self-employed online trader, died after a tiger attacked him following an incident at Yorkshire Wildlife Park near Doncaster. According to the inquest at Doncaster Coroner's Court, Chapman had climbed over two fences to enter the tiger's enclosure. The coroner, Nicola Mundy, noted that Chapman had a history of mental illness, including schizophrenia, and had experienced previous episodes of psychosis.
Despite this, he was deemed highly functioning and independent by mental health services. His family had previously raised concerns about his interactions with the Rotherham, Doncaster, and South Humber NHS Trust, which launched an investigation after his death. The park staff secured the tiger, and paramedics confirmed Chapman's death on the scene.
The coroner's office is awaiting a more detailed report on the extent of Chapman's injuries. The wildlife park, which was evacuated shortly after 13:30 BST on Saturday, remains closed, with a reopening date yet to be announced.
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