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Coroner Rules Chapman Killed by Tiger Injuries, Not Euthanasia

By Drooid · Oct 16, 2026, 2:27 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

William Chapman Killed

William Chapman, 24, entered a tiger enclosure and was killed.
The attack occurred at 13:13 BST on 10 October 2026 after Chapman scaled two fences.
Altai, a five-year-old 420-pound Amur tiger, was unharmed and will not be euthanised.
Coroner Nicola Mundy recorded multiple traumatic injuries as cause of death and noted Chapman’s schizophrenia.
Yorkshire Wildlife Park reopened on 16 October 2026 with staff trauma support and continued adoption sales.

Summary

Doncaster Council Investigates

Doncaster Council launched a statutory health-and-safety investigation into the wildlife park after the fatal tiger incident.
Rotherham, Doncaster and South Humber NHS Foundation Trust opened an independent patient-safety review of the victim’s mental-health care.
Senior coroner Nicola Mundy adjourned the inquest, scheduling a full hearing for 18 March 2027.
Chapman’s family condemned the circulation of deeply offensive media content, saying it caused severe distress.

History

Historical Context

On December 25 2007 a Siberian tiger named Tatiana escaped the San Francisco Zoo’s grotto, killing 17-year-old Carlos Sousa and injuring two brothers. The incident was the first visitor death from an escaped animal at an AZA-accredited zoo since the organization’s 1924 founding and led Cal/OSHA to fine the zoo $18,000 and mandate enclosure upgrades. The tragedy spurred nationwide reviews of zoo barrier standards.

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William Chapman Killed

William Chapman, 24, entered a tiger enclosure and was killed.
The attack occurred at 13:13 BST on 10 October 2026 after Chapman scaled two fences.
Altai, a five-year-old 420-pound Amur tiger, was unharmed and will not be euthanised.
Coroner Nicola Mundy recorded multiple traumatic injuries as cause of death and noted Chapman’s schizophrenia.
Yorkshire Wildlife Park reopened on 16 October 2026 with staff trauma support and continued adoption sales.

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