A 24-year-old man died from "multiple traumatic injuries" after climbing two fences to enter a tiger enclosure at Yorkshire Wildlife Park, an inquest has heard. William Chapman visited the park near Doncaster on Saturday and entered the pen of a rare Amur tiger.

The opening of his inquest at Doncaster Coroner's Court on Thursday heard that Mr. Chapman was pronounced dead at the scene. Senior coroner Nicola Mundy stated that the cause of death was multiple traumatic injuries and animal interaction.

Coroner's officer Caitlin Brookes told the hearing that Mr. Chapman was approached by the tiger, and the subsequent physical contact led to his fatal injuries. Park staff secured the animal, and paramedics confirmed Mr. Chapman's death at the scene. The coroner's office is awaiting a detailed report on the extent of his injuries.

The incident, which occurred shortly after 1:30 PM BST on Saturday, prompted the evacuation of the wildlife park. The park remains closed, and a reopening date has not yet been confirmed. A health and safety investigation has been launched by City of Doncaster Council.

The inquest also heard that Mr. Chapman had a history of mental illness, including a diagnosis of schizophrenia and previous episodes of psychosis. His family had reportedly raised concerns about his contact with mental health services, and the Rotherham, Doncaster and South Humber NHS Trust has launched an investigation into his care. A trust spokesperson stated that they do not comment on whether individuals use their services.

Mr. Chapman was described as a self-employed online trader who was living in Doncaster at the time of his death. He was born in Chichester, West Sussex. Despite his mental health history, he was considered highly functioning and independent with no care requirements, according to the inquest findings.

Eyewitnesses reported seeing Mr. Chapman wearing headphones and pacing near the enclosure before entering it. Mobile phone footage, believed to be captured by Mr. Chapman, appears to show the inside of the enclosure as he approaches the tiger. The rare Amur tiger involved in the incident, named Altai, remains safely in its enclosure and will not be euthanized, according to a park spokesperson.

South Yorkshire Police have collected witness statements from the public and staff present at the park. The senior coroner has instructed staff to secure relevant CCTV footage from the Yorkshire Wildlife Park and to inform the coroner of any previous visits Mr. Chapman may have made to the park. The inquest proceedings have been adjourned until March 18, 2027.