William Chapman, 24, died after suffering multiple traumatic injuries when he entered a tiger enclosure at Yorkshire Wildlife Park last weekend, an inquest opening into his death has heard. He was pronounced dead at the scene on Saturday, October 10, after emergency services were contacted shortly after 1.30pm.
Post-mortem findings
A post-mortem examination was carried out by Dr Karzai, who gave a provisional cause of death as 1A multiple traumatic injuries and 1B animal interaction. A fuller report will be provided.
The details were confirmed as an inquest into Mr Chapman's death opened at Doncaster Coroners' Court on Thursday, October 15. The coroner's officer told the court: "This case relates to the death of a 24-year-old man who passed away at Yorkshire Wildlife Park on the 10th of October.
Incident details
"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."
Staff at the wildlife park managed to detain the tiger, and Mr Chapman was declared dead at the scene. Police said Mr Chapman, who had an occupation as a trader, was visiting the park alone.
Family concerns
The inquest heard that Mr Chapman's family expressed concerns about his contact with mental health services leading up to his death. The coroner's officer 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. Despite his diagnosis Mr Chapman was highly functioning and independent."
The family have expressed a number of concerns in relation to his contact with mental health services leading up to his death.
Investigation and next steps
City of Doncaster Council, which is responsible for licensing the park, said on Monday, October 12, it had started a health and safety investigation. Dan Swaine, executive director of place at City of Doncaster Council, said: "As the relevant licensing authority for the Yorkshire Wildlife Park, I can confirm that, in line with our statutory duties, the council has launched a health and safety investigation."
The coroner's officer has been asked to contact Yorkshire Wildlife Park to ensure any CCTV is obtained and to find out if Mr Chapman attended the park previously. An inquest date has been set for March 18 next year.
