A man who was attacked by a tiger after climbing two fences to enter 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 entered the animal’s pen.
The 24-year-old was pronounced dead at the scene and 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. His family had raised concerns about his contact with Rotherham, Doncaster and South Humber NHS Trust, the hearing was told.
Chapman was under adult mental health services in Doncaster but was “highly functioning and independent with no care requirements”, the inquest heard.
The self-employed online trader was born in Chichester, West Sussex, and living in Doncaster at the time of his death.
Coroner’s officer Caitlin Brookes said his family had expressed “a number of concerns” in relation to his contact with mental health services, with the trust launching an investigation following his death.
A trust spokesperson said it would “continue to respect and protect patient confidentiality at all times and cannot comment on William’s care”, but confirmed his family were aware of the investigation.
Brookes told the hearing: “He 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.”
Park staff secured the tiger and paramedics attended but confirmed his death at the scene.
The senior coroner said her office was awaiting a more substantial report as to the extent of his injuries.
South Yorkshire Police provided a number of witness statements from the public and staff who were at the wildlife park at the time, the hearing was told.
Mundy instructed staff to contact Yorkshire Wildlife Park to ask them to keep any relevant CCTV and inform the coroner of any previous visits by Chapman to the park.
After opening the inquest, which Chapman’s family chose not to attend, on Thursday morning, Mundy adjourned proceedings until 18 March 2027.
Speaking after the hearing, a neighbour of Chapman told the BBC he was “very polite and well-spoken” and a “lovely man”.
Josh, 24, who lived in the same building as Chapman, said: “He’d always have a laugh and a joke. He was quite well kept, he’d look after himself physically. He loved his F1, he’d talk for hours about his F1 if he could.”
Discussing the online comments and speculation in the aftermath of the incident, he said: “People didn’t know him. If you don’t know him, don’t make a comment.”
