WILLIAM CHAPMAN INQUEST: FAMILY SEEKS ANSWERS OVER MENTAL HEALTH CARE BEFORE FATAL TIGER ATTACK

The death of 24-year-old William Chapman at Yorkshire Wildlife Park has raised questions about his contact with mental health services. His family has voiced concerns as investigations continue into the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.

The family of William Chapman is hoping for answers after the 24-year-old died following an encounter with a tiger at Yorkshire Wildlife Park in Doncaster, England.

An opening inquest hearing on October 15, 2026, heard that William had a history of mental illness, had been diagnosed with schizophrenia and had experienced previous episodes of psychosis. His family also raised concerns about his contact with mental health services in the period leading up to his death.

William died on October 10 after entering the tiger enclosure at the wildlife park. The circumstances of his death have prompted several investigations, including an independent review of his mental health care and a separate health and safety investigation by the local council.

For his loved ones, the proceedings offer an opportunity to establish a clearer picture of the events leading up to his death.

A FATAL INCIDENT AT YORKSHIRE WILDLIFE PARK

William was visiting Yorkshire Wildlife Park on Saturday, October 10. The opening inquest hearing at Doncaster Coroner’s Court heard that at approximately 1:30 p.m., he climbed over two fences and entered an enclosure housing an Amur tiger named Altai.

According to evidence presented by the coroner’s officer, the tiger approached William and the ensuing physical contact caused multiple traumatic injuries that rapidly led to his death.

Park staff secured the animal, and emergency services attended the scene. William was pronounced dead at the park.

An initial post-mortem examination found that he had died from multiple traumatic injuries following the encounter.

FAMILY RAISES CONCERNS ABOUT MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT

During the hearing, the court was told that William had received support from adult mental health services in Doncaster through the Rotherham, Doncaster and South Humber NHS Foundation Trust, known as RDaSH.

Despite his diagnosis and history of psychosis, he was described during the hearing as highly functioning and independent, with no care requirements.

His family expressed concerns about his contact with mental health services before his death. In a statement released after the incident, they described him as a young man who had experienced significant mental illness over a number of years and had been prescribed strong medication.

The family also emphasised that it would be for the coroner to determine what role, if any, his health circumstances played in the events leading to his death.

Their concerns have not, at this stage, established that any failure in care contributed to the tragedy.

INDEPENDENT INVESTIGATION LAUNCHED

RDaSH confirmed that an independent patient safety investigation had been commissioned following William’s death, with the involvement of other agencies.

The trust expressed its condolences to William’s family and friends but said it could not comment on his individual care because of its obligations to protect patient confidentiality. It confirmed that his family was aware of the investigation and would be supported in participating in the process. <Cite refs={[“turn228352search3”]}/>

Meanwhile, City of Doncaster Council, the authority responsible for licensing the wildlife park, launched a health and safety investigation. South Yorkshire Police are also involved in enquiries into the incident.

The coroner instructed that relevant CCTV footage be preserved and requested further information as part of the ongoing investigation.

These enquiries are expected to help establish the circumstances surrounding the incident. Their findings have not yet determined whether any aspect of William’s mental health care or the park’s safety arrangements contributed to his death.

FAMILY REMEMBERS A “BRIGHT, WARM AND ENGAGING” YOUNG MAN

Amid the investigations, William’s family has asked for privacy and respect as they cope with their loss.

In a tribute reported by several news organisations, they described him as a “bright, warm and engaging young man” who was deeply loved by his family and loved them in return.

The family has also spoken out against the circulation of distressing footage of the incident, saying that its spread had caused further pain during an already devastating time.

Their tribute has served as a reminder that behind the headlines was a young man with loved ones who are now facing life without him.

FULL INQUEST EXPECTED IN MARCH 2027

The opening hearing at Doncaster Coroner’s Court was adjourned, with a full inquest scheduled for March 18, 2027.

The hearing is expected to examine the circumstances surrounding William’s death in greater detail. The independent patient safety investigation and the council’s health and safety enquiries are also continuing.

Until the investigations and inquest have progressed, important questions about the events leading up to the tragedy remain unanswered.

For William’s family, the hope is that the process will provide a clearer understanding of what happened and whether anything could have been done differently.

As they continue to grieve, their search for answers remains at the centre of the ongoing proceedings.