Man killed by tiger at Yorkshire zoo had bouts of psychosis, inquest hears

Family express concerns about William Chapman’s contact with mental health services before his death

Man killed by tiger at Yorkshire zoo had bouts of psychosis, inquest hears

TL;DR

  • William Chapman, 24, died after climbing into a tiger enclosure at Yorkshire Wildlife Park.
  • Chapman had been diagnosed with schizophrenia but was considered highly functioning.
  • His family has raised concerns about his contact with local mental health services.
  • An inquest heard Chapman entered the enclosure housing a Siberian tiger named Altai.
  • Park staff secured the tiger, and paramedics confirmed Chapman's death at the scene.
  • City of Doncaster council is conducting a health and safety investigation.
  • The family has called footage of the attack shared online 'deeply offensive'.
  • Chapman had previous acting roles as a child.