Council investigates fatal tiger attack at Yorkshire park

William Chapman, 23, died after entering a tiger enclosure at Yorkshire Wildlife Park in Doncaster on October 10. The City of Doncaster Council has opened a health and safety investigation into the circumstances of his death, with no findings announced. South Yorkshire Police said Chapman was visiting the park alone. He was pronounced dead at the scene after the attack by Altai, an Amur tiger. The park was evacuated following the incident and remained closed as investigations continued. The council said it launched its investigation on October 12 and was working with other agencies, including police and health agencies. It has not announced when the inquiry will conclude. The available information does not establish how Chapman entered the enclosure or what led him to do so. Chapman’s family said he had experienced significant mental illness over several years and had been prescribed strong medication. The family said it was for the coroner to determine whether his health played a part in his death. No such determination has been reported. In a tribute, his family described him as a bright, warm and engaging young man whom they dearly loved.