Inquest Opens Into Fatal Tiger Attack at Yorkshire Wildlife Park

An inquest has opened into the death of 24-year-old William Chapman, who was attacked by a tiger at Yorkshire Wildlife Park near Doncaster. The hearing was told the provisional cause of death was multiple traumatic injuries and animal interaction. The report also covers family concerns about mental health care and the independent investigation commissioned by an NHS trust.

■ Incident and inquest opening
- William Chapman was pronounced dead at Yorkshire Wildlife Park near Doncaster on Saturday
- The inquest heard he climbed over two fences to enter the tiger enclosure
- Provisional cause of death: multiple traumatic injuries and animal interaction

■ Mental health context
- Family had concerns about his contact with mental health services before his death
- He had been diagnosed with schizophrenia and had previous bouts of psychosis
- He was being treated by the Rotherham, Doncaster and South Humber NHS Trust
- The trust has commissioned an independent safety investigation, and the coroner's officer is writing to the trust and his GP

■ Investigation and next steps
- Police took statements from park staff, members of the public, and his mother
- A neighbor described him as a lovely man who enjoyed a joke and had a passion for Formula 1
- Relatives did not attend the hearing because they found it too difficult
- The inquest has been adjourned until March next year

Viewers seeking a factual update on the inquest and related institutional responses may find this useful. It is suitable for those following coroner proceedings, mental health service issues, or wildlife park safety matters. No products are featured.