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A tragic incident occurred at Yorkshire Wildlife Park near Doncaster when a 24-year-old man, William Chapman, climbed over two fences to enter a tiger’s enclosure. Following the attack, Chapman died on the scene due to multiple traumatic injuries sustained from his interaction with the animal. This was revealed during the opening of his inquest at Doncaster Coroner’s Court.
The senior coroner, Nicola Mundy, provided insight into Chapman’s background, noting his diagnosis of schizophrenia and a history of mental illness, including past episodes of psychosis. Although Chapman was involved with adult mental health services in Doncaster, he was described as highly functioning and largely independent without current care needs. His family had expressed concerns regarding his contact with the Rotherham, Doncaster and South Humber NHS Trust, which has since launched an investigation in response to those concerns after his death.
Testifying at the hearing, coroner’s officer Caitlin Brookes explained that Chapman was confronted by the tiger, and the physical interaction led to the fatal injuries he sustained. Despite efforts by park staff to secure the tiger and paramedics attending promptly, Chapman was pronounced dead at the scene. The senior coroner is awaiting a more detailed report regarding the full extent of his injuries. The inquest was opened on Thursday and adjourned until 18 March 2027, with Chapman’s family opting not to attend the proceedings.
The incident occurred shortly after 1:30 PM BST on Saturday, prompting an evacuation of the entire wildlife park. Witnesses reported seeing Chapman wearing headphones and pacing near the enclosure moments before entering it. Footage, believed to have been filmed by Chapman, shows him approaching the tiger inside its pen. Following the attack, the park remains closed with no announced reopening date. Officials confirmed that the Amur tiger involved, named Altai, remains safely confined and will not be euthanised. Meanwhile, City of Doncaster Council has launched a health and safety investigation, and police gathered multiple witness statements. Coroner Mundy has requested that the park preserve all relevant CCTV footage and provide information on any previous visits Chapman may have made to the site
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