(Image: SOUTH YORKSHIRE POLICE/PA)
The family of a man who was killed by a tiger at a wildlife park have expressed concerns about his contact with mental health services leading up to his death, an inquest opening has heard.
William Chapman, 24, was mauled to death 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.
Coroner’s officer Caitlin Brookes said Chapman’s family had raised “a number of concerns” about his contact with mental health services before his death.
The hearing was told Chapman was under Doncaster’s adult mental health services but was considered “highly functioning and independent with no care requirements”.
Rotherham, Doncaster and South Humber NHS Foundation Trust has launched an investigation following his death.
Mr Chapman, a self-employed online trader, died on October 10 after entering a tiger enclosure at Yorkshire Wildlife Park.
He climbed over two fences and entered the enclosure at about 1.30pm, the court heard.
Ms 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 pronounced Chapman dead at the scene.
A post-mortem examination found that multiple traumatic injuries caused his death.
The coroner said a detailed report on the extent of his injuries was still awaited.
Chapman’s stepfather identified him at the mortuary on October 13, the hearing was told.
Coroner Nicola Mundy said the family did not attend because they were “finding things incredibly difficult”, but would be kept informed by her office.
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City of Doncaster Council, which licenses the park, is investigating health and safety and will share its findings with the coroner.
The park later said the tiger, named Altai, was safe and well and would not be euthanised.