INQUEST INTO FORMER CHILD ACTOR WILLIAM CHAPMAN’S DEATH AT YORKSHIRE WILDLIFE PARK TO CONTINUE IN 2027

The 24-year-old died after entering an Amur tiger enclosure in October. His family has raised concerns about the mental health support he received and appealed for people to stop circulating distressing footage.

An official investigation is continuing into the death of former child actor William Harry Bruce Chapman, who died after entering a tiger enclosure at Yorkshire Wildlife Park in Doncaster, England.

William, 24, died on October 10, 2026, after entering the enclosure housing an Amur tiger named Altai. Emergency services were called shortly after 1:30 p.m., but he was pronounced dead at the scene.

An inquest into his death was opened at Doncaster Coroner’s Court on October 15. A full hearing is scheduled for March 18, 2027, as authorities continue gathering evidence about the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.

WHAT THE FIRST INQUEST HEARING REVEALED

The opening hearing heard that William had climbed over two fences to enter the tiger enclosure.

According to the coroner’s officer, the tiger approached him and the physical encounter resulted in multiple traumatic injuries that rapidly led to his death.

An initial post-mortem examination recorded multiple traumatic injuries as the cause of death.

The hearing also established that William was living in Doncaster and working as a self-employed online trader at the time.

FAMILY RAISES CONCERNS ABOUT MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT

In a statement shared after his death, William’s family described him as a “bright, warm and engaging young man” who was deeply loved.

They also revealed that he had experienced significant mental health difficulties over a number of years and had been prescribed medication.

At the opening inquest, the court heard that William had been diagnosed with schizophrenia and had experienced previous episodes of psychosis.

He had been under the care of adult mental health services in Doncaster. The hearing was told that he was considered highly functioning and independent, with no care requirements.

Coroner’s officer Caitlin Brookes said the family had raised a number of concerns about his contact with mental health services.

The Rotherham, Doncaster and South Humber NHS Foundation Trust has launched an investigation following his death.

HIS FAMILY MAKES AN EMOTIONAL APPEAL

William’s family has also asked the public to stop sharing footage of the incident.

They said the publication and circulation of distressing video content was causing them severe pain during an already devastating time.

Their appeal came after footage of the incident was circulated widely online, attracting international attention.

The family said they hoped the relevant authorities would establish what happened and understand the circumstances leading up to William’s death.

They also asked people to respect the ongoing investigation and allow them space to grieve.

A FORMER CHILD ACTOR REMEMBERED

Before his death, William had appeared in the ITV comedy drama May Contain Nuts and the BBC’s True Stories series.

He had also attended Jackie Palmer Stage School in High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire.

The school paid tribute to its former student, saying it was deeply saddened by his death and had loved watching him grow as both a person and a performer. <Cite refs={[“turn469535search0″,”turn469535search10”]}/>

THE FULL INQUEST IS EXPECTED IN MARCH 2027

Several investigations are now examining different aspects of the tragedy.

The NHS trust is reviewing William’s mental health care, while City of Doncaster Council, the authority responsible for licensing the wildlife park, has launched a health and safety investigation.

The findings are expected to be shared with the coroner as part of the wider inquiry.

Meanwhile, Yorkshire Wildlife Park has confirmed that Altai, the tiger involved, is safe and will not be euthanised as a result of the incident.

The full inquest is scheduled for March 18, 2027. It is expected to examine the evidence in greater detail and consider the circumstances surrounding William’s death.

For his family, the loss remains deeply painful. They are now waiting for answers while asking the public to remember William as the young man they loved, rather than through the distressing footage being circulated online.