TIGER ATTACK INQUEST TAKES A PAINFUL TURN — WILLIAM CHAPMAN’S FAMILY RAISES CONCERNS ABOUT MENTAL HEALTH CARE

The family of 24-year-old William Chapman is seeking answers after his death at Yorkshire Wildlife Park. At the opening of the inquest, the hearing heard that he had a history of serious mental illness and that his family had concerns about his contact with mental health services.

William died on October 10, 2026, after entering the enclosure of a Siberian tiger named Altai at the wildlife park in Doncaster, South Yorkshire.

At the opening of the inquest at Doncaster Coroner’s Court on October 15, the hearing was told that William had previously been diagnosed with schizophrenia and had experienced episodes of psychosis.

His family had expressed concerns about his contact with mental health services before his death. The coroner’s officer also confirmed that the local NHS mental health trust had launched an investigation into the care he received.

Concerns about the support he received

William had been under the care of adult mental health services in Doncaster. The inquest heard that he had been considered highly functioning and independent, with no formal care requirements.

His family said he had experienced significant mental illness over a number of years and had been prescribed strong medication. They stressed that it would be for the coroner to consider what role, if any, his mental health played in the circumstances surrounding his death.

Their concerns have added another difficult dimension to an already devastating loss. However, the investigation into his care is ongoing, and no conclusion has been reached about whether any shortcomings contributed to the tragedy.

What happened at Yorkshire Wildlife Park?

The inquest heard that William visited the park on October 10 and, at around 1:30 p.m., climbed over two fences and entered the tiger enclosure.

He was approached by Altai, and the ensuing physical contact resulted in multiple traumatic injuries. Paramedics attended, but William was pronounced dead at the scene.

An initial post-mortem examination recorded multiple traumatic injuries as the cause of death. The full inquest is scheduled for March 18, 2027.

The park has confirmed that Altai remains safe and will not be euthanised. Separate investigations are examining the circumstances of the incident, including health and safety matters.

A young man remembered by his family

William’s family described him as a bright, warm and engaging young man. They have also asked the public to respect their privacy and avoid sharing distressing footage or offensive material connected with his death.

Their grief has been compounded by the circumstances in which he died and by concerns about how his story has been portrayed online.

For his loved ones, the inquest is an opportunity to establish the facts and understand the events leading up to the tragedy.

What happens next?

The full inquest in March 2027 is expected to examine the circumstances of William’s death in greater detail. The separate investigation into his contact with mental health services may also help clarify the concerns raised by his family.

For now, no final conclusions have been reached about whether his care could have been different or whether it would have changed the outcome.

Behind the headlines was a 24-year-old man whose family loved him and is now searching for answers. Their concerns deserve careful examination, compassion and a thorough investigation.