Crimeupdated 59m ago2 min read
William Chapman Dies After Entering Tiger Enclosure at Yorkshire Wildlife Park Near Doncaster
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William Chapman, 23, died after entering tiger enclosure at Yorkshire Wildlife Park near Doncaster. The attack occurred Saturday Oct 10, 2026; he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Tiger attack in Doncaster
William Chapman died after entering a tiger enclosure at Yorkshire Wildlife Park near Doncaster, and South Yorkshire Police said emergency medical personnel responded after the incident was reported at about 1:35 p.m. on Saturday and the man was pronounced dead at the scene. South Yorkshire Police said the tiger was not injured and remained inside the enclosure during the incident, and the wildlife park was evacuated after the attack.
“Emergency medical personnel responded to the Yorkshire Wildlife Park near the city of Doncaster after the incident was reported at about 1:35 p.m.”
CBS News reported that witness Ella Ford said, "We've seen the tiger get down and come over to him and, obviously, grab onto him and then he was shouting for help." A family statement released on Tuesday evening described Chapman as a "bright, warm and engaging young man" and said it was for the coroner to decide what part his "significant mental illness" played in his death.
Tributes and investigations
City of Doncaster Council launched a health and safety investigation into Chapman's death, and Yorkshire Wildlife Park remained closed after the incident. The family asked the public to respect the coroner process and said, "We ask people to stop doing this" about the "publication and circulation of deeply offensive media content".
BBC reported that an eyewitness described Chapman wearing headphones and "pacing around" near the enclosure before he went in, and the BBC said mobile phone footage appears to show him approaching the tiger. Sky News said eyewitnesses heard Chapman tell the tiger to "stop being naughty" and City of Doncaster Council launched a health and safety investigation into the incident.
Altai not euthanised
Yorkshire Wildlife Park confirmed that the Amur tiger involved, Altai, remained in the enclosure and would not be euthanised after the attack. DW said the park confirmed on Sunday that the tiger is "safe and sound" and will not be sacrificed as a result of the incident.
“The park was evacuated in the wake of the incident and has since remained closed for three days.”
South Yorkshire Police said the family was aware and being supported by specialist officers, and the force said the tiger was uninjured and remained in the enclosure following the incident. The park said it asked the public not to share videos of the attack circulating online, and it said its workers were "deeply affected" and receiving specialized support.