NHS trust investigates mental health care received by man killed at wildlife park

An NHS trust has opened an investigation into the care received by a man who died after entering a tiger enclosure at Yorkshire Wildlife Park.

William Chapman, 24, died at the Doncaster attraction on 10 October after climbing over two fences and entering the enclosure. An initial post-mortem examination recorded his provisional cause of death as traumatic injuries resulting from an interaction with an animal.

Doncaster Coroner’s Court heard that Mr Chapman had been diagnosed with schizophrenia and had experienced previous episodes of psychosis. He was receiving support from adult mental health services in Doncaster but was described at the hearing as highly functioning and independent, with no formal care requirements.

His family has raised concerns about his contact with mental health services before his death. Rotherham, Doncaster and South Humber NHS Foundation Trust is investigating the circumstances, but no conclusions have been reached about the care he received or whether it contributed to what happened.

A separate health and safety investigation is being conducted by the City of Doncaster Council. The full inquest, which will consider the evidence surrounding Mr Chapman’s death, is scheduled to resume on 18 March 2027.

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