The family of a man fatally attacked by a tiger at a wildlife park have voiced concerns about his dealings with mental health services prior to his death, according to an inquest opening.
William Chapman, 24, was killed by the beast at Yorkshire Wildlife Park, in Doncaster, on Saturday. An initial inquest into his death on Thursday revealed that Mr Chapman had a history of mental illness and had been diagnosed with schizophrenia.
History of psychosis
He had experienced previous episodes of psychosis, the hearing at Doncaster Coroner's Court was informed. Coroner's officer Caitlin Brookes stated that his family had raised "a number of concerns" regarding his interactions with mental health services.
Mr Chapman was under the care of adult mental health services in Doncaster but was described as "highly functioning and independent with no care requirements," the inquest heard.
Investigation launched
Ms Brookes revealed that the Rotherham, Doncaster and South Humber NHS Foundation trust had initiated an investigation following Mr Chapman's death. The inquest learned that Mr Chapman was a self-employed online trader residing in Doncaster at the time of his death.
A preliminary post-mortem examination determined that he had succumbed to multiple traumatic injuries following his encounter with the tiger. The inquest was told that he visited Yorkshire Wildlife Park on October 10, and around 1.30pm, scaled two fences and entered the tiger enclosure.
Incident details
Ms Brookes stated: "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."
Park personnel secured the tiger, and despite paramedics attending the scene, they confirmed Mr Chapman's death on site. Ms Mundy revealed that her office is awaiting a more comprehensive report detailing the extent of Mr Chapman's injuries.
The inquest heard that Mr Chapman's stepfather had made the journey to the mortuary to identify him on October 13. The inquest also learned that his full name was William Harry Bruce Chapman, and he was born in Chichester in 2002.
Family tribute and next steps
Ms Mundy shared that Mr Chapman's family "were finding things incredibly difficult" and had chosen not to attend the hearing, but would be updated afterwards by her team. They previously said they wanted to get to the "bottom of why our amazing son did what he did".
City of Doncaster Council, which holds responsibility for licensing the park, is conducting a health and safety investigation and has committed to sharing the findings with the coroner, the hearing was informed.
A full inquest has been scheduled for March 18 next year. In an earlier statement posted on social media, the wildlife park acknowledged that "many, many people" had reached out to them about Altai, the Amur tiger involved in the incident, and it confirmed that he is "safe and well" and will not be put down.
