Inquest reveals victim of Yorkshire Wildlife Park tiger attack had prior psychosis
Coroner Caitlin Brookes said Chapman's family raised concerns about his mental‑health support before he entered the enclosure on Oct 10.
By Felo News Desk · Published
An inquest opened on Thursday at Doncaster Coroner’s Court heard that William Chapman, the man killed by a tiger at Yorkshire Wildlife Park, had a documented history of schizophrenia and recent bouts of psychosis.
What happened
Chapman attended the park on 10 October 2026. At about 1:30 pm he climbed over two fences and entered the enclosure of a male Amur tiger. The tiger approached him, and the ensuing physical contact caused multiple traumatic injuries that led to his death, according to the coroner’s officer.
What the reports add
Both Standard articles report the same timeline and injuries. The first article notes that Chapman was a self‑employed online trader living in Doncaster and that he was under adult mental‑health services but was described as “highly functioning and independent with no care requirements.” The second article adds that the tiger involved was an Amur tiger and repeats the 1:30 pm timing. Both pieces state that the Rotherham, Doncaster and South Humber NHS Foundation Trust has launched an investigation following the death.
What was said
Coroner’s officer Caitlin Brookes told the court that Chapman’s family had expressed “a number of concerns” about his contact with mental‑health services. She said, “He was approached by the tiger and the ensuing physical contact between the tiger and Mr Chapman led to him sustaining multiple traumatic injuries which rapidly led to his death.” Both Standard reports attribute these remarks to Brookes.
How it came about
Earlier coverage by Felo News reported the initial incident on 10 October, noting the time of entry (about 1:35 pm) and that the park was evacuated (Yorkshire Wildlife Park tiger death). A follow‑up article on 13 October detailed the health‑and‑safety investigation launched by Doncaster Council (Man killed after entering tiger enclosure). The current inquest adds the dimension of Chapman’s mental‑health history and the NHS trust’s probe.
Key facts
- William Chapman died after entering a tiger enclosure at Yorkshire Wildlife Park on 10 Oct 2026. (standard.co.uk)
- Chapman had a diagnosis of schizophrenia and recent bouts of psychosis. (standard.co.uk)
- Coroner Caitlin Brookes said Chapman's family raised concerns about his mental‑health support. (standard.co.uk)
- The Rotherham, Doncaster and South Humber NHS Foundation Trust launched an investigation after the death. (standard.co.uk)
- A full inquest is scheduled for 18 Mar 2027. (standard.co.uk)
Timeline
- 2026-10-10 — William Chapman entered tiger enclosure and died; park evacuated.
- 2026-10-13 — Health‑and‑safety investigation launched by Doncaster Council.
- 2026-10-15 — Inquest opened at Doncaster Coroner’s Court; mental‑health concerns raised.
What happens next
A full inquest is set for 18 March 2027 to examine the circumstances of the death and the mental‑health service concerns.
Sources
- [1] standard.co.uk
- [2] standard.co.uk
