An inquest into the death of a man killed by a tiger at Yorkshire Wildlife Park has confirmed his cause of death. William Chapman, 23, was fatally injured by Siberian tiger Altai after entering its enclosure on Saturday in front of other visitors.
An inquest opening at Doncaster Coroner's Court heard that Mr Chapman had been diagnosed with schizophrenia and had a history of mental illness. The coroner stated that his death was caused by 'multiple traumatic injuries' following physical contact between the tiger and Mr Chapman.
Family statement on mental health
Mr Chapman's family revealed yesterday that he suffered from 'significant mental illness over a number of years' and was 'prescribed strong medication.' They added that it will be for the coroner to decide 'what part this played in his death.'
Mr Chapman is said to have suffered bouts of psychosis and was under adult mental health services in Doncaster. Coroner's officer Caitlin Brookes said the family raised concerns about his contact with mental health services before his death. Despite his struggles, the coroner noted he was 'highly functioning and independent with no care requirements.'
Incident details and aftermath
The full inquest is scheduled to be held on March 18 next year. The former child actor filmed his final moments as he approached the pen, with the 400lbs cat sitting on its platform before it pounced.
The family were left outraged after US president Donald Trump reposted a widely circulated video of the incident, describing it as 'deeply offensive media content is causing them severe distress.' They described Mr Chapman as 'bright, warm and engaging.'
In a statement, the family said: 'The family are utterly devastated by their loss and are struggling to come to terms with what has happened. The publication and circulation of deeply offensive media content is causing them severe distress at an exceptionally vulnerable time. We ask people to stop doing this. The family are hopeful that the relevant authorities will do their utmost to get to the bottom of why our amazing son did what he did.'
Background and investigation
Mr Chapman, who attended Jackie Palmer Stage School in High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, appeared on multiple TV series as a schoolboy, according to IMDB. His credits include ITV's May Contain Nuts with Harry Potter star Shirley Henderson and BBC's True Stories programme.
Emergency services were alerted to the Doncaster park shortly after 1.30pm on Saturday. Mr Chapman, who had been visiting the park alone, was pronounced dead at the scene. Park rangers shot into the air to usher Altai away.
The wildlife park, which remains closed, has confirmed that the tiger is 'safe and well' and will not be euthanised. Doncaster City Council has started a health and safety investigation as the licensing authority for the attraction.
