Man killed by tiger at English wildlife park climbed two fences, inquest hears
An inquest has heard that a 24-year-old man killed by a tiger at Yorkshire Wildlife Park climbed two fences to reach its enclosure. His death was attributed to multiple traumatic injuries.
An inquest opened at Doncaster Coroner's Court in England on Thursday into the death of William Chapman, 24, who was attacked by a tiger at Yorkshire Wildlife Park, near Doncaster. He visited the park on Saturday, climbed two fences and entered the animal's enclosure. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
The hearing was told the cause of death was "multiple traumatic injuries and animal interaction". Senior coroner Nicola Mundy said he had a history of mental illness, a diagnosis of schizophrenia and previous episodes of psychosis.
Family concerns
The court heard that his family had raised concerns about his treatment by Rotherham, Doncaster and South Humber NHS Trust, a public health service provider. The family chose not to attend the hearing.
Mundy opened the inquest on Thursday morning and adjourned it until March 2027.
Park closure
The incident happened shortly after 13:30 BST on Saturday and led to the evacuation of the park. It remains closed, and a reopening date has not yet been confirmed.
