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Yorkshire Wildlife Park tiger attack inquest findings

Updated 18 times since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

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2026-10-17 16:11 UTC → 2026-10-18 08:13 UTC · added ~~removed~~

An inquest at Doncaster Coroner’s Court into the death of 24-year-old William Chapman has provided further details regarding the fatal encounter with Altai, a male Amur tiger. Senior coroner Nicola Mundy stated that Chapman was approached by the tiger, and the resulting physical contact caused multiple traumatic injuries that led to his rapid death. During the proceedings, it was disclosed that Chapman, a former child actor, had a history of schizophrenia and previous psychotic episodes. While his family has expressed dissatisfaction with his psychiatric care, the court heard that he was considered “highly functioning and independent with no care requirements”. Witnesses previously reported that Chapman, wearing headphones, climbed two security fences to enter the enclosure. One eyewitness described Chapman as approaching the animal with open arms, noting he had even asked a visitor to photograph him near the enclosure before the breach. Yorkshire Wildlife Park has announced it will reopen to the ~~public this Saturday,~~ public, including the ‘Land of the Tiger’ attraction, following engagement with authorities. The park reaffirmed that Altai will not be euthanized and stated that the safety of visitors, staff, and animals remains their highest priority. The City of Doncaster Council continues its health and safety investigation into the circumstances of the breach. Following the incident, the Yorkshire Ambulance Service launched an investigation into a potential data breach involving Chapman’s medical records. Officials reported two instances where staff members allegedly accessed or attempted to access his sensitive health information without a “legitimate reason”. The Yorkshire Ambulance Trust has notified Chapman’s family and the UK’s Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) regarding the matter.

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