The family of William Chapman, the 24-year-old man killed by a tiger at Yorkshire Wildlife Park, has raised concerns about his mental health treatment before his death, an inquest heard today. The former child actor climbed two fences and entered the enclosure of Altai, an Amur tiger, on October 10, suffering fatal injuries.
Inquest hears details of fatal incident
At the formal opening of the inquest at South Yorkshire Coroner's Court, senior coroner Nicola Mundy stated: "He attended Yorkshire Wildlife Park where at 13.31 hours he climbed two fences and entered the tiger enclosure. He approached the tiger and, following an interaction, suffered multiple traumatic injuries." A post-mortem examination provisionally found the cause of death to be "multiple traumatic injuries".
Wildlife park staff were able to restrain the tiger, and Mr Chapman was pronounced dead at the scene. The coroner added: "I have been led to believe the Rotherham and Humber South Yorkshire Mental Health Trust have commissioned an independent patient safety investigation."
Family concerns over mental health care
Mr Chapman, who had a history of mental illness including schizophrenia and previous bouts of psychosis, was under the care of Doncaster Mental Health Services. An officer present at the hearing said: "During my communications with Mr Chapman's family they confirmed he had a history of mental illness, a diagnosis of schizophrenia and had suffered previous bouts of psychosis and was under the care of Doncaster Mental Health Services."
The officer added: "Despite his diagnosis Mr Chapman was highly functioning and independent. His family have expressed a number of concerns in relation to his contact with mental health services leading up to his death."
Inquest adjourned until March 2027
Formally opening proceedings, senior coroner Nicola Mundy declared: "It is the 15th of October 2026 and this morning I am formally opening the inquest into William Harry Bruce Chapman."
William's family were notified that the inquest would commence on Thursday but chose not to be present. The case has since been adjourned until March 18, 2027.
