An inquest has revealed new details about the diagnosis of William Chapman, who died after entering a tiger enclosure at a UK wildlife park.
William Chapman, 24, was pronounced dead after entering the tiger enclosure at Yorkshire Wildlife Park on Saturday, October 10. Emergency services were called to the park at 1:35 pm. Officials didn’t reveal his name right away, but he was identified on Tuesday, and his family has since released a statement.
“The family are utterly devastated by their loss and are struggling to come to terms with what has happened,” it read.
The park also released a statement, thanking people for their concern following the “tragic incident.” They said the incident had left staff “deeply affected” and confirmed they would be given appropriate support. The statement also clarified that Altai the tiger will not be euthanized.
“We can reassure everyone that he is safe and well and will not be euthanised as a result of this incident,” it said.
“He had a history of mental illness”
The case has drawn widespread attention, and now Chapman’s family has spoken out about the mental health struggles he faced in the lead-up to his death. Police had also described him as “vulnerable.”
Speaking at the court, an 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.
“His family have expressed a number of concerns in relation to his contact with mental health services leading up to his death.”
Tiger attack Yorkshire Wildlife Park
In a statement, the 24-year-old’s family said he had experienced “significant mental illness” over the years, but stressed that he was a ‘bright, warm and engaging young man whom his family dearly loved – and William loved them back’.
“The family are hopeful that the relevant authorities will do their upmost to get to the bottom of why our amazing son did what he did,” the family said.
At the brief inquest into his death, the coroner said: “This case relates to the death of a 24-year-old [sic] man who passed away at Yorkshire Wildlife Park on October 10.
“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.”
The officer added: “I have been led to believe the Rotherham South Yorkshire Trust have commissioned an independent patient safety investigation.”
A full inquest is due to take place on March 18, 2027.
Where to get help
On the topic of mental health, don’t be afraid to ask for help. If you, or someone you know, is struggling, you can call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org. You can also reach the Crisis Text Line by texting MHA to 741741, or contact the SAMHSA Disaster Distress Helpline at 1-800-985-5990.
If your distress feels unbearable, or if you have suicidal thoughts or plans, contact a psychiatric emergency unit immediately or call 911.
For more information about available resources, visit Mental Health America at mhanational.org.
Rest in peace, William. Our thoughts and prayers are with his loved ones.
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