William Chapman has been named as the man who died after entering a tiger enclosure at Yorkshire Wildlife Park in Doncaster, England, prompting a health and safety investigation into the fatal incident.
Chapman was killed on Saturday, October 10, 2026, after entering an enclosure housing a tiger at the wildlife attraction. Emergency services were called shortly after 1:30PM, but he was pronounced dead at the scene despite efforts by medical personnel.
According to reports, Chapman was visiting the park alone when the incident occurred. Witness accounts indicated that people nearby saw him approaching the enclosure before he entered the restricted area and was attacked by the animal.
South Yorkshire Police confirmed that the tiger attacked the man, causing fatal injuries. The force said the animal remained inside the enclosure after the incident and was not injured.
The wildlife park was evacuated as police officers began investigations to establish the circumstances surrounding the death. Authorities also appealed to members of the public not to share distressing videos of the incident online, citing the impact such footage could have on those affected.
Doncaster council launches safety investigation
The City of Doncaster Council has launched a health and safety investigation into the incident in its capacity as the authority responsible for licensing the wildlife park.
Dan Swaine, the council’s Executive Director of Place, said the authority was deeply saddened by the death and extended condolences to Chapman’s family, witnesses, park employees and emergency services personnel who responded to the incident.
The council said it was working with police and health agencies while supporting the wildlife park following the tragedy. It declined to comment further while the investigation continues and appealed for the privacy of those affected to be respected.
Yorkshire Wildlife Park, which opened in 2009, features a dedicated attraction known as Land of the Tigers. The exhibit opened in 2011 and houses endangered Amur tigers, also known as Siberian tigers, in a purpose-built reserve designed to allow visitors to observe the animals from a raised walkway.
Authorities have not indicated that the tiger was injured during the incident, and police said there was no wider risk to the public after the animal remained inside its enclosure.
