Crime & Justice
Inquest opens into death of man killed by tiger at Yorkshire Wildlife Park
October 15, 2026 at 11:30 AM
2 reports · over 1 hour
An inquest has opened into the death of William Chapman, 24, who was killed by a tiger after climbing two fences at Yorkshire Wildlife Park.
- Chapman died of multiple traumatic injuries after climbing two fences and entering a tiger's enclosure at the Doncaster park on 10 October.
- Senior coroner Nicola Mundy said Chapman had been diagnosed with schizophrenia and had suffered bouts of psychosis.
- His family raised concerns about his contact with Rotherham, Doncaster and South Humber NHS Trust, which has launched an investigation.
- The park was evacuated after the attack and remains closed with no reopening date confirmed.


