The family of Yorkshire Wildlife Park tiger attack victim William Chapman has expressed concerns about his contact with mental health services leading up to his death, an inquest opening has heard.
Mr Chapman, 23, was attacked by the animal at Yorkshire Wildlife Park, in Doncaster, on Saturday.
An inquest opening into his death on Thursday heard that Mr Chapman had a history of mental illness and a diagnosis of schizophrenia.
He had suffered previous bouts of psychosis, the hearing at Doncaster Coroner’s Court was told.
Coroner’s officer Caitlin Brookes said his family had expressed “a number of concerns” in relation to his contact with mental health services.
Ms Brookes said the Rotherham, Doncaster and South Humber NHS Foundation trust had launched an investigation following Mr Chapman’s death.
The inquest heard Mr Chapman was a self-employed online trader who was living in Doncaster at the time of his death.
An initial post-mortem examination found that he had died from multiple traumatic injuries after his encounter with the tiger.
Watch: ' It's impossible that a human could have survived an attack'
City of Doncaster Council carrying out investigation
City of Doncaster Council, which is responsible for licensing the park, is carrying out a health and safety investigation and said it would share the outcome with the coroner, the hearing was told.
A full inquest will be held on March 18 next year.
In a previous statement on social media, the wildlife park said “many, many people” had contacted them about Altai, the Amur tiger involved in the incident, and it confirmed he is “safe and well” and will not be euthanised.
Family expressed 'a number of concerns' after William Chapman's contact with mental health services
Coroner’s officer Caitlin Brookes said his family had expressed “a number of concerns” in relation to his contact with mental health services.
Mr Chapman was under adult mental health services in Doncaster but was “highly functioning and independent with no care requirements,” the inquest heard.
Ms Brookes said the Rotherham, Doncaster and South Humber NHS Foundation trust had launched an investigation following Mr Chapman’s death.
Victim died of 'multiple injuries' after horror tiger attack
An initial post-mortem examination found that Mr Chapman died from multiple traumatic injuries after his encounter with the tiger.
Coroner’s officer Caitlin Brookes said: “He was approached by the tiger and the ensuing physical contact between the tiger and Mr Chapman led to him sustaining multiple traumatic injuries which rapidly led to his death.”
Park staff secured the tiger, and paramedics attended but confirmed Mr Chapman’s death at the scene.
Victim had a history of mental health issues, inquest hears
An inquest opening into his death on Thursday heard that Mr Chapman had a history of mental illness and a diagnosis of schizophrenia.
He had suffered previous bouts of psychosis, the hearing at Doncaster Coroner’s Court was told.
Coroner’s officer Caitlin Brookes said his family had expressed “a number of concerns” in relation to his contact with mental health services.
Mr Chapman was under adult mental health services in Doncaster but was “highly functioning and independent with no care requirements,” the inquest heard.
Ms Brookes said the Rotherham, Doncaster and South Humber NHS Foundation trust had launched an investigation following Mr Chapman’s death.
BREAKING NEWS
The family of Yorkshire Wildlife Park tiger attack victim William Chapman, 24, has expressed concerns about his contact with mental health services leading up to his death, an inquest opening has heard.
What happened in the Yorkshire tiger attack? Family of victim issues statement
Yorkshire Wildlife Park remains closed
Yorkshire Wildlife Park remains closed today.
A post on the website said: We can confirm that a serious incident has occurred on Saturday at the tiger enclosure.
“Our emergency response procedures were immediately activated, and emergency services attended the scene.
“The park will be closed today whilst we are working closely with the authorities. The Yorkshire Hive will remain open as usual**.**
“The safety and wellbeing of our visitors, staff and animals remain our highest priority.”
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