Inquest hears man killed by tiger died at wildlife park from multiple traumatic injuries

What the inquest heard

The hearing was told Chapman climbed two fences to get into the tiger’s enclosure. Coroner’s officer Caitlin Brookes said the tiger approached him and physical contact followed. Brookes said the injuries rapidly led to his death. The inquest heard he was pronounced dead at the scene, with the cause recorded as multiple traumatic injuries and animal interaction.

Further injury report awaited

The senior coroner said her office was waiting for a fuller report describing the extent of Chapman’s injuries. No further detail from that report was available at the opening hearing.

South Yorkshire Police supplied witness statements from members of the public and wildlife park staff who were present at the time. An eyewitness photograph showed the tiger shortly before the incident.

Mental health services concerns

Chapman, 24, was under the care of adult mental health services in Doncaster. The inquest heard he was highly functioning and independent, with no care requirements. Brookes said Chapman’s family had raised a number of concerns about his contact with mental health services. The trust has launched an investigation following his death.