Man Killed by Tiger at UK Wildlife Park Named as William Chapman

**Updated 17:12 UTC, October 15, 2026**

An inquest into the death of William Chapman opened at Doncaster Coroner's Court on Thursday, October 15. The hearing was told that Chapman, 24, died from multiple traumatic injuries after climbing two fences and entering the tiger enclosure at Yorkshire Wildlife Park on October 10, at about 1:30 p.m.

Coroner's officer Caitlin Brookes told the court the tiger approached Chapman and the contact that followed caused injuries that led quickly to his death. Park staff secured the tiger and paramedics confirmed his death at the scene. A first post-mortem examination gave the provisional cause as multiple traumatic injuries linked to the animal encounter. Senior coroner Nicola Mundy said her office is still waiting for a fuller report on the extent of his injuries.

The court heard his full name was William Harry Bruce Chapman. He was born in Chichester in 2002, worked as a self-employed online trader and was living in Doncaster. His stepfather identified him at the mortuary on October 13. His family did not attend the hearing. The coroner said they were finding things incredibly difficult and would be kept informed.

Brookes said Chapman had a diagnosis of schizophrenia and had had previous bouts of psychosis. He was under adult mental health services in Doncaster, but was described as highly functioning and independent, with no care requirements. His family has raised a number of concerns about his contact with mental health services before his death. The Rotherham, Doncaster and South Humber NHS Foundation Trust has opened an investigation.

City of Doncaster Council is carrying out a health and safety investigation and will share its findings with the coroner. A full inquest is set for March 18, 2027.

The park, closed since October 10, said it will reopen on Friday, October 16, including the Land of the Tiger area. It said Altai, the Amur tiger involved, is safe and well and will not be euthanised, and that trauma support is being provided for staff.

Earlier reporting

The man who died inside a tiger enclosure at Yorkshire Wildlife Park on Saturday has been named as William Chapman, a former child actor in his 20s.

Chapman entered the enclosure of Altai, an Amur tiger, shortly after 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, climbing down from a visitor walkway, according to South Yorkshire Police. He was pronounced dead at the scene. He had been visiting the park near Doncaster on his own.

A child actor

As a child, Chapman appeared in May Contain Nuts, an ITV show broadcast in 2009 that starred Shirley Henderson. In 2012 he played the young Edward Jenner, the doctor who pioneered vaccination, in a BBC learning film, the BBC reported. His acting credits end there.

What witnesses saw

Visitors on the raised walkway said Chapman was wearing headphones and pacing near the enclosure before he went in. A couple on the tiger bridge said he had been dancing and asked them to take his photograph. Another witness told Sky News he saw Chapman bow down on all fours inside the enclosure before the tiger came down from its platform.

Other visitors banged on the fence to try to distract the animal. It did not work.

Chapman had filmed himself inside the enclosure as he walked toward the tiger, and the footage was shared online shortly before the attack, according to reports. The account has since been removed. His final posts have been shared widely this week. Police have asked the public not to share footage of the attack itself.

Park closed, and the tiger will not be put down

The park was evacuated on Saturday and remains closed while police and Doncaster Council investigate. The council has opened a health and safety investigation into the death. Chapman's family has been told and is being supported by specialist officers, police said.

Yorkshire Wildlife Park said its thoughts and heartfelt sympathies were with Chapman's family. The park confirmed Altai was not hurt in the incident and will not be euthanised.