Inquest Opens into Death at Yorkshire Wildlife Park
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Post By
Emmie
- October 15, 2026
An inquest has officially opened at Doncaster Coroner's Court into the death of William Chapman, a 24-year-old online trader who died after entering a tiger enclosure at the Yorkshire Wildlife Park near Doncaster.
Emergency services and park staff responded to the incident shortly after 1:30 p.m. on Saturday following reports that Chapman had scaled two fences to access the pen. Eyewitnesses reported seeing him pacing near the exhibit wearing headphones before entering. According to coroner's officer Caitlin Brookes, Chapman was approached by the animal, and "the ensuing physical contact between the tiger and Mr Chapman led to him sustaining multiple traumatic injuries which rapidly led to his death."
Paramedics confirmed his death at the scene. The Amur tiger involved, named Altai, was safely secured and park officials confirmed the animal will not be euthanized.
During the opening of the inquest, Senior Coroner Nicola Mundy noted that Chapman had a history of mental illness, a diagnosis of schizophrenia, and had experienced previous bouts of psychosis. While he was under adult mental health services in Doncaster, he was described as "highly functioning and independent with no care requirements".
His family raised significant concerns regarding his interactions with the Rotherham, Doncaster and South Humber NHS Foundation Trust, which has initiated an internal investigation.
In a statement released earlier through legal representatives, Chapman's family shared:
"It will be for the coroner to decide what part this played in his death. We would ask everybody to respect that process."
The family also expressed severe distress over online circulation of media regarding the tragedy, requesting that the public stop sharing the footage.
The Yorkshire Wildlife Park remains closed to the public as local authorities carry out comprehensive reviews. The City of Doncaster Council launched a statutory health and safety investigation, while South Yorkshire Police gathered witness testimony and CCTV footage from visitors and staff present at the time.
Coroner Mundy adjourned the proceedings until March 18th, 2027, pending a more detailed medical and investigative report.
