WILLIAM CHAPMAN INQUEST: FAMILY RAISES CONCERNS ABOUT MENTAL HEALTH CARE BEFORE FATAL TIGER ATTACK

The 24-year-old died after entering a tiger enclosure at Yorkshire Wildlife Park in Doncaster. An inquest has heard that his family had concerns about his contact with mental health services, prompting investigations into the circumstances surrounding his death.

A TRAGIC DEATH THAT HAS LEFT A FAMILY SEEKING ANSWERS

The death of 24-year-old William Chapman has prompted difficult questions about his mental health care after an inquest heard that his family had concerns about the support he received before his death.

William died on October 10, 2026, after entering a tiger enclosure at Yorkshire Wildlife Park in Doncaster, England. The opening of the inquest on October 15 brought details of his medical history and the investigations now underway into the circumstances of the tragedy.

His family described him as “a bright, warm and engaging young man” and is facing the loss while awaiting further answers.

WHAT HAPPENED AT YORKSHIRE WILDLIFE PARK?

The inquest heard that William visited the park at around 1:30 p.m. on October 10. He climbed over two fences and entered an enclosure housing an Amur tiger named Altai.

According to evidence presented by coroner’s officer Caitlin Brookes, 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. Paramedics confirmed William had died at the scene.

An initial post-mortem examination recorded multiple traumatic injuries as the cause of death. Police and other relevant authorities continued investigating the circumstances of the incident.

FAMILY RAISES CONCERNS ABOUT MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES

At the opening of the inquest at Doncaster Coroner’s Court, the hearing was told that William had a history of mental illness, had been diagnosed with schizophrenia and had experienced previous episodes of psychosis.

He had been receiving support from adult mental health services in Doncaster. The hearing also noted that he was considered highly functioning and independent, with no care requirements recorded in the information presented.

Coroner’s officer Brookes told the hearing that William’s family had expressed a number of concerns about his contact with mental health services before his death.

Those concerns have added another important dimension to the case. However, the inquest has not established that any aspect of his care contributed to the events at the wildlife park.

NHS TRUST LAUNCHES INVESTIGATION

The Rotherham, Doncaster and South Humber NHS Foundation Trust confirmed that an investigation into William’s care had been commissioned following his death.

The trust expressed its sympathies to his family and friends and said it would continue to respect patient confidentiality while the investigation remained underway.

Separately, the City of Doncaster Council, which is responsible for licensing the wildlife park, began a health and safety investigation. South Yorkshire Police and other relevant agencies were also examining the circumstances surrounding the incident.

The findings of these investigations may provide further information about the events leading up to William’s death. At this stage, no conclusion has been announced that establishes responsibility for the tragedy.

TIGER ALTAI WILL NOT BE EUTHANIZED

Following the incident, Yorkshire Wildlife Park confirmed that Altai was safe and would not be euthanized as a result of the attack.

The park expressed sympathy for William’s loved ones and said it was cooperating with police and other relevant authorities.

The attraction reopened on October 16, six days after the incident, including the “Land of the Tiger” area. The park also said it was providing specialist trauma support to affected staff members.