Tiger attack victim William Chapman died of “multiple injuries” after he entered a tiger enclosure at Yorkshire Wildlife Park, an inquest heard this afternoon.
Mr Chapman, 23, was attacked by the animal at Yorkshire Wildlife Park, in Doncaster, on Saturday.
An inquest opening into his death on Thursday heard that Mr Chapman had a history of mental illness and a diagnosis of schizophrenia.
He had suffered previous bouts of psychosis, the hearing at Doncaster Coroner’s Court was told.
Coroner’s officer Caitlin Brookes said his family had expressed “a number of concerns” in relation to his contact with mental health services.
Ms Brookes said the Rotherham, Doncaster and South Humber NHS Foundation trust had launched an investigation following Mr Chapman’s death.
The inquest heard Mr Chapman was a self-employed online trader who was living in Doncaster at the time of his death.
An initial post-mortem examination found that he had died from multiple traumatic injuries after his encounter with the tiger.
Read MoreTrump sparks outrage for posting AI video of himself wrestling Yorkshire tiger that killed a man
We thought Donald Trump couldn’t sink any lower. Then he weighed in on the Yorkshire tiger attack
What happened in the Yorkshire tiger attack? Family of victim issues statement
Key Points
- Victim died of 'multiple injuries' after horror tiger attack, inquest hears
- Family expressed 'a number of concerns' after William Chapman's contact with mental health services
- Trump sparks outrage for posting AI video of himself wrestling Yorkshire tiger that killed a man
- Yorkshire Wildlife Park remains closed
- Recap: Coroner will have to decide if mental illness played a role in his death, family say
Recap: An inquest opening into his death on Thursday heard that Mr Chapman had a history of mental illness and a diagnosis of schizophrenia. He had suffered previous bouts of psychosis, the hearing at Doncaster Coroner’s Court was told. Coroner’s officer Caitlin Brookes said his family had expressed “a number of concerns” in relation to his contact with mental health services. Mr Chapman was under adult mental health services in Doncaster but was “highly functioning and independent with no care requirements,” the inquest heard. Ms Brookes said the Rotherham, Doncaster and South Humber NHS Foundation trust had launched an investigation following Mr Chapman’s death.
13:58 , Joe MiddletonAn inquest opening into his death on today heard that Mr Chapman had a history of mental illness and a diagnosis of schizophrenia.
He had suffered previous bouts of psychosis, the hearing at Doncaster Coroner’s Court was told.
Coroner’s officer Caitlin Brookes said his family had expressed “a number of concerns” in relation to his contact with mental health services.
Mr Chapman was under adult mental health services in Doncaster but was “highly functioning and independent with no care requirements,” the inquest heard.
Ms Brookes said the Rotherham, Doncaster and South Humber NHS Foundation trust had launched an investigation following Mr Chapman’s death.
ICYMI: Trump sparks outrage for posting AI video of himself wrestling Yorkshire tiger that killed a man
13:43 , Joe MiddletonYorkshire Wildlife Park remains closed
13:17 , Joe MiddletonYorkshire Wildlife Park remains closed today.
A post on the website said: We can confirm that a serious incident has occurred on Saturday at the tiger enclosure.
“Our emergency response procedures were immediately activated, and emergency services attended the scene.
“The park will be closed today whilst we are working closely with the authorities. The Yorkshire Hive will remain open as usual.
“The safety and wellbeing of our visitors, staff and animals remain our highest priority.”
Comment: We thought Donald Trump couldn’t sink any lower. Then he weighed in on the Yorkshire tiger attack
12:30 , Joe Middleton
We thought Trump couldn’t sink any lower. Then he weighed in on the tiger attack
Watch: ' It's impossible that a human could have survived an attack'
12:00 , Joe MiddletonCity of Doncaster Council carrying out investigation
11:36 , Joe MiddletonCity of Doncaster Council, which is responsible for licensing the park, is carrying out a health and safety investigation and said it would share the outcome with the coroner, the hearing was told.
A full inquest will be held on March 18 next year.
In a previous statement on social media, the wildlife park said “many, many people” had contacted them about Altai, the Amur tiger involved in the incident, and it confirmed he is “safe and well” and will not be euthanised.
Family expressed 'a number of concerns' after William Chapman's contact with mental health services
10:57 , Joe MiddletonCoroner’s officer Caitlin Brookes said his family had expressed “a number of concerns” in relation to his contact with mental health services.
Mr Chapman was under adult mental health services in Doncaster but was “highly functioning and independent with no care requirements,” the inquest heard.
Ms Brookes said the Rotherham, Doncaster and South Humber NHS Foundation trust had launched an investigation following Mr Chapman’s death.
Victim died of 'multiple injuries' after horror tiger attack
10:52 , Joe MiddletonAn initial post-mortem examination found that Mr Chapman died from multiple traumatic injuries after his encounter with the tiger.
Coroner’s officer Caitlin Brookes said: “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 staff secured the tiger, and paramedics attended but confirmed Mr Chapman’s death at the scene.
Victim had a history of mental health issues, inquest hears
10:49 , Joe MiddletonAn inquest opening into his death on Thursday heard that Mr Chapman had a history of mental illness and a diagnosis of schizophrenia.
He had suffered previous bouts of psychosis, the hearing at Doncaster Coroner’s Court was told.
Coroner’s officer Caitlin Brookes said his family had expressed “a number of concerns” in relation to his contact with mental health services.
Mr Chapman was under adult mental health services in Doncaster but was “highly functioning and independent with no care requirements,” the inquest heard.
Ms Brookes said the Rotherham, Doncaster and South Humber NHS Foundation trust had launched an investigation following Mr Chapman’s death.
BREAKING NEWS
10:21 , Joe MiddletonThe family of Yorkshire Wildlife Park tiger attack victim William Chapman, 24, has expressed concerns about his contact with mental health services leading up to his death, an inquest opening has heard.
What happened in the Yorkshire tiger attack? Family of victim issues statement
09:52 , Joe MiddletonWhat happened in the Yorkshire tiger attack?
Yorkshire Wildlife Park remains closed
09:19 , Joe MiddletonYorkshire Wildlife Park remains closed today.
A post on the website said: We can confirm that a serious incident has occurred on Saturday at the tiger enclosure.
“Our emergency response procedures were immediately activated, and emergency services attended the scene.
“The park will be closed today whilst we are working closely with the authorities. The Yorkshire Hive will remain open as usual.
“The safety and wellbeing of our visitors, staff and animals remain our highest priority.”
ICYMI: Trump sparks outrage for posting AI video of himself wrestling Yorkshire tiger that killed a man
08:40 , Joe MiddletonComment: We thought Donald Trump couldn’t sink any lower. Then he weighed in on the Yorkshire tiger attack
07:41 , Joe MiddletonWe thought Trump couldn’t sink any lower. Then he weighed in on the tiger attack
Watch: ' It's impossible that a human could have survived an attack'
07:00 , Bryony GoochInquest to open into William Chapman's death today
06:00 , Bryony GoochAn inquest will open into William Chapman’s death at 10am in Doncaster Coroner’s Court, Civic Office, Waterdale.
Mr Chapman’s family said that a coroner would have to decide what part “significant mental illness” played in his death after he was killed in a tiger enclosure at Yorkshire Wildlife Park.
Who is William Chapman? Former BBC and ITV child actor named as man killed in Yorkshire tiger enclosure
05:00 , Bryony GoochWilliam Chapman has been named as the man who was killed by a tiger at Yorkshire Wildlife Park, near Doncaster, on Saturday.
Emergency services were contacted shortly after 1.30pm on October 10 when the 23-year-old, who police said was visiting the park alone, entered the enclosure of a rare Amur tiger called Altai. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Since the incident, Mr Chapman’s early stint as an actor has come to light. He previously featured on ITV’s May Contain Nuts, alongside Harry Potter star Shirley Henderson, and in the BBC’s True Stories series, according to IMDB.
Mr Chapman’s family have described him as “bright, warm and engaging”, adding that he had suffered from “significant mental illness” over a number of years.
Recap: Coroner will have to decide if mental illness played a role in his death, family say
04:00 , Bryony GoochThe family of William Chapman have said a coroner will have to decide if mental illness played a part in his death.
A statement released on Tuesday evening said Mr Chapman, who died in a tiger enclosure, suffered from significant mental illness.
His family said: “Sadly, William suffered from significant mental illness over a number of years and was consequently prescribed strong medication.
“It will be for the coroner to decide what part this played in his death.
“We would ask everybody to respect that process.”
Just when we thought Donald Trump couldn’t sink any lower
03:00 , Bryony GoochWe thought Trump couldn’t sink any lower. Then he weighed in on the tiger attack
Watch: Trump sparks outrage for posting AI video of himself wrestling Yorkshire tiger that killed a man
02:00 , Bryony GoochIn pictures: William Chapman, who died in a Yorkshire zoo
01:00 , Bryony Gooch
Yorkshire Wildlife Park remains closed
Thursday 15 October 2026 00:00 , Bryony GoochIt remains unclear when Yorkshire Wildlife Park will reopen as it looks likely to be closed on Thursday.
A post on the website reads: :We can confirm that a serious incident has occurred on Saturday at the tiger enclosure.
“Our emergency response procedures were immediately activated, and emergency services attended the scene.
“The park will be closed today whilst we are working closely with the authorities. The Yorkshire Hive will remain open as usual.
“The safety and wellbeing of our visitors, staff and animals remain our highest priority.”
Recap: Trump shares footage of man being fatally attacked by tiger in UK wildlife park on Truth Social
Wednesday 14 October 2026 23:00 , Bryony GoochDonald Trump has shared footage of the fatal tiger attack that took place over the weekend at a UK wildlife park with his 13 million followers on Truth Social.
The US president added a signed message alongside the brief clip, writing: "Don’t ever mess with nature!"
The video depicts the animal clawing and biting the victim as he sat inside the enclosure, though his death is not shown.
Mr Trump subsequently uploaded a second post featuring a video compilation appearing to show several people being mauled by lions, set to upbeat music.
We thought Donald Trump couldn’t sink any lower. Then he weighed in on the Yorkshire tiger attack
Wednesday 14 October 2026 22:00 , Bryony GoochWe thought Trump couldn’t sink any lower. Then he weighed in on the tiger attack
Watch: Trump sparks outrage for posting AI video of himself wrestling Yorkshire tiger that killed a man
Wednesday 14 October 2026 21:00 , Bryony GoochFull Statement: William Chapman's family pay tribute
Wednesday 14 October 2026 20:00 , Bryony GoochThe family of William Chapman, who died following an incident at Yorkshire Wildlife Park on Saturday shared the below statement on Tuesday night.
“William was a bright, warm and engaging young man whom his family dearly loved - and William loved them back.
"Sadly, William suffered from significant mental illness over a number of years and was consequently prescribed strong medication.
"It will be for the coroner to decide what part this played in his death. We would ask everybody to respect that process.
"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.
"In the meantime, please do not approach the family, their addresses, or scrape any further social media from William’s or his family’s accounts.”
Mr Chapman's family have asked for privacy at this difficult time.
What happened in the Yorkshire tiger attack? Police issue update on man killed in enclosure
Wednesday 14 October 2026 19:00 , Bryony GoochWhat happened in the Yorkshire tiger attack?
Inquest to open into William Chapman's death on Thursday
Wednesday 14 October 2026 17:55 , Bryony GoochAn inquest has been scheduled to open for William Chapman on Thursday after he died in a tiger enclosure at Yorkshire Wildlife Park on Saturday.
The inquest will open at Doncaster Coroner’s Court, Civic Office, Waterdale, at 10am tomorrow.
Pictured: Photo released of William Chapman
Wednesday 14 October 2026 16:53 , Bryony Gooch
Downing Street call on people to respect the views of William Chapman's family
Wednesday 14 October 2026 15:55 , Bryony GoochDowning Street said people should respect the views of the family of William Chapman, who was killed by a tiger at a wildlife park, over the sharing of footage of the incident but would not directly comment on Donald Trump posting the video online.
The prime minister’s official spokesman said: “I think obviously the family have made their position clear. Of course, we respect that position.”
But he added: “I’m not going to comment on the president’s social media channels, he’s got a press secretary who can speak to that.”
Victim's family hits out at 'deeply offensive' online content after Trump posts controversial AI video
Wednesday 14 October 2026 13:55 , Joe MiddletonThe family of William Chapman, who was killed by a tiger at a wildlife park, have said “deeply offensive media content is causing them severe distress” after US president Donald Trump reposted a widely shared video of the incident.
Mr Trump posted footage of Mr Chapman being fatally attacked by a tiger at the Yorkshire Wildlife Park to 13 million followers on his Truth Social platform on Tuesday evening.
The 23-year-old’s family posted a tribute, also on Tuesday evening, describing him as a “bright, warm and engaging young man”, criticising the online reaction to his death and questioning what part his “significant mental illness over a number of years” and prescribed strong medication played in the incident.
The US president accompanied the short clip – which showed the animal biting and clawing Mr Chapman as he sat in the enclosure, but not him being killed – with the signed message: “Don’t ever mess with nature!”
On Wednesday morning Mr Trump followed this up with another post – this time an AI-generated video of him grappling with a tiger, which appears to mimic the original.
The clip, which is accompanied by the Tight Fit song The Lion Sleeps Tonight, features the president copying the pointing gesture made by Mr Chapman, and ends with him hugging the animal.
No 10 refuse to comment on Trump's AI social media post
Wednesday 14 October 2026 13:29 , Joe MiddletonA spokesperson for No 10 said: “I’m not going to comment on the president’s social media channels, he’s got a press secretary who can speak to that.”
Trump slammed over AI clip of himself wrestling Yorkshire tiger that killed a man
Trump sparks outrage for posting AI video of himself wrestling Yorkshire tiger that killed a man
Wednesday 14 October 2026 13:15 , Joe MiddletonPresident Trump has been shredded on social media after posting an A.I. video of himself wrestling a tiger that mauled a man to death.
Trump initially shared the real-life footage of William Chapman being attacked by an Amur tiger to his 13 million followers on Truth Social on Tuesday night. It was recorded at the Yorkshire Wildlife Park in the UK, with the attack having taken place on October 10.
The president captioned his post: “Don’t ever mess with nature! President DJT”.
Trump slammed over AI clip of himself wrestling Yorkshire tiger that killed a man
Watch: Tributes left at Yorkshire Wildlife Park after fatal tiger attack
Wednesday 14 October 2026 12:40 , Joe MiddletonICYMI: Full statement from William Chapman's family
Wednesday 14 October 2026 12:11 , Joe MiddletonIn a statement, the family of William Chapman said: “William was a bright, warm and engaging young man whom his family dearly loved – and William loved them back.
“Sadly, William suffered from significant mental illness over a number of years and was consequently prescribed strong medication.
“It will be for the coroner to decide what part this played in his death.
“We would ask everybody to respect that process.
“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 upmost to get to the bottom of why our amazing son did what he did.
“In the meantime, please do not approach the family, their addresses, or scrape any further social media from William’s or his family’s accounts.”
