The key facts

  • William Chapman, 24, died on 10 October (Saturday, around 13:30 BST) in the enclosure of tiger Altai at Yorkshire Wildlife Park; cause of death — 'multiple traumatic injuries and interaction with an animal'
  • The coroner reported a diagnosis of schizophrenia and a history of psychotic episodes; the family raised concerns about contact with an NHS trust, which has launched an investigation
  • The tiger will not be put down; the park reopened on Friday after consultations with authorities, and the coroner's hearing was adjourned until 18 March 2027

What happened

On Saturday, at around 13:30 BST, 24-year-old William Chapman visited Yorkshire Wildlife Park near Doncaster and, according to the investigation, climbed over two fences, entering the enclosure of an Amur tiger named Altai. According to coroner's officer Caitlin Brooks, the tiger approached him, and physical contact led to 'multiple traumatic injuries', from which he died quickly. Chapman was pronounced dead at the scene; park visitors were evacuated and the park was closed. A witness said she had seen Chapman wearing headphones, 'pacing' near the enclosure before the incident. A mobile phone recording, believed to have been filmed by Chapman himself, shows him walking towards the tiger across an area of grass.

Coroner's hearing

At the opening of the coroner's inquest at Doncaster Coroner's Court on 15 October, senior coroner Nicola Mundy stated that Chapman had a history of mental illness, a diagnosis of schizophrenia, and had experienced previous episodes of psychosis. He was under the care of Doncaster adult mental health services but, as noted at the hearing, was 'high-functioning and independent, with no need for care'. Chapman was a self-employed online trader, born in Chichester (West Sussex), living in Doncaster. The family expressed 'a number of concerns' about his contact with the Rotherham, Doncaster and South Humber NHS trust, which launched its own investigation after the death. A trust spokesperson said they could not comment on patient care due to confidentiality, but confirmed that the family was aware of the investigation. The hearing, which the family chose not to attend, was adjourned until 18 March 2027.

Family and reactions

In a statement, the family described Chapman as a 'bright, warm and open' young man, noting that he had suffered from 'significant mental illness' for years and took 'strong medication', and that 'what role this played in his death will be decided by the coroner'. The family asked for privacy, saying that the spread of 'deeply offensive media material' was causing them great distress. Footage of the incident spread widely on social media, including being posted by US President Donald Trump on Tuesday. Downing Street said the family's position should be respected but declined to comment on Trump's post. South Yorkshire Mayor Oliver Coppard urged people not to speculate about the incident online. As a child, Chapman appeared in television programmes, including the ITV project May Contain Nuts and an episode of BBC True Stories, and studied at the Jackie Palmer Stage School in High Wycombe, which also expressed its condolences.

The tiger's fate and the park's reopening

Park staff confirmed that the rare Amur tiger Altai remains in the enclosure and will not be put down; the park noted that many people had been asking about the animal. After 'engagement with the relevant authorities', the park reopened on Friday for the first time since the incident, including the 'Land of the Tiger' zone where it occurred. On Friday morning there were several hundred cars in the car park; visitors, including regular guests of the park, spoke of wanting to support the attraction and noted an increased staff presence at the enclosure. The park said it is providing specialist trauma support to those affected and continues to assist South Yorkshire Police and other agencies in the investigation.

Investigations

Doncaster City Council, responsible for licensing the park, has launched a health and safety investigation and, as reported at the coroner's hearing, will share its findings with the coroner. South Yorkshire Police have taken witness statements from visitors and staff; the coroner has ordered that relevant CCTV footage be preserved and has asked to establish whether Chapman had visited the park before. Chapman's neighbour Josh told the BBC that he was 'very polite and well-mannered' and loved talking about 'Formula 1', adding: 'If you didn't know him, don't comment.'

A general view of the entrance to Yorkshire Wildlife Park.Image source, Phil Bodmer/BBC
Image caption,

Yorkshire Wildlife Park has reopened to visitors

A tiger lounges on a wooden platform.Image source, Ella Ford
Image caption,

An eyewitness took this photograph of the tiger minutes before the incident

A young man with short brown hair and brown eyes smiling as he stands in front of a waterfall.Image source, Supplied
Image caption,

William Chapman's family described him as "bright, warm and engaging"

A selfie of William Chapman outdoors, with rolling hills, woodland and patchwork fields stretching across the landscape behind him. He is wearing wireless earbuds and is standing in front of a panoramic countryside view under a bright, cloudy sky.