Man Killed by Tiger Suffered 'Multiple Traumatic Injuries', Inquest Hears
William Chapman climbed two fences to enter a tiger's enclosure at Yorkshire Wildlife Park before being attacked, an inquest has been told.
A man who died after entering a tiger's enclosure at Yorkshire Wildlife Park sustained "multiple traumatic injuries," an inquest has heard. William Chapman, 24, climbed two fences to enter the animal's pen on Saturday afternoon and was pronounced dead at the scene.
The opening of his inquest at Doncaster Coroner's Court on Thursday was told that Chapman died from "multiple traumatic injuries and animal interaction." Senior coroner Nicola Mundy stated that Chapman had a history of mental illness, including a diagnosis of schizophrenia and previous episodes of psychosis. He was receiving treatment from the Rotherham, Doncaster and South Humber NHS Foundation Trust.
Chapman's family did not attend the inquest. Proceedings have been adjourned until March 2027.
The incident occurred shortly after 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, leading to the temporary closure of the wildlife park. A reopening date has not yet been confirmed.