Inquest into the death of man killed by a tiger in South Yorkshire set to open this morning
24-year-old William Chapman died on Saturday afternoon at Yorkshire Wildlife Park in Doncaster
Last updated 15th Oct 2026
An inquest into the death of a man who was killed by a tiger in Doncaster over the weekend is set to open this morning.
24-year-old William Chapman died on Saturday afternoon - after entering the tiger enclosure at Yorkshire Wildlife Park.
Rotherham's Labour MP - Sarah Champion - has praised the actions of staff there on the day:
"Because they're a good organisation - Yorkshire Wildlife Park had anticipated something like this happening one day.
"This is why they were able to get there so rapidly, move the crowds on, and get the emergency services in.
"I hope everyone can support Yorkshire Wildlife Park get back on their feet as soon as possible after this tragedy.
"My deepest sympathies go to the family of the young man who died in this incident.
"What has happened is absolutely awful.
"I'm glad that the tiger isn't being put down though - there's only around 500 of this particular species left in the world - they are very endangered as a species."
The inquest is due to get underway at Doncaster Coroner's Court from 10am.