William Chapman, the former child actor who was fatally mauled by a tiger at a UK wildlife park, had climbed over two fences and entered the animal’s enclosure before suffering “multiple traumatic injuries,” a coroner said Thursday.
Chapman, 24, had been diagnosed with “schizophrenia” and experienced “previous bouts of psychosis” before the attack at Yorkshire Wildlife Park in northern England. He was killed in front of other visitors on Saturday.
“[Chapman] climbed two fences and entered the tiger enclosure,” the coroner said during an inquest hearing into the shocking death, which was captured on camera, according to Yorkshire Live.
“He approached the tiger and following an interaction suffered multiple traumatic injuries.”
The provisional cause of death was recorded as multiple traumatic injuries and animal interaction.
Chapman, a trader, was pronounced dead at the scene. The five-year-old Siberian tiger, Altai, was secured by staff at the wildlife park.
Chapman’s family did not attend the opening of his inquest at Doncaster Coroners Court. The proceedings have since been adjourned until March 18 next year.
Before the hearing, his family told coroners that Chapman “had a history of mental illness, a diagnosis of schizophrenia” and had been receiving care from mental health services.
CHECK THIS OUT: Prince Harry Says He Slipped Into Depression After Megxit
“His family have expressed a number of concerns in relation to his contact with mental health services leading up to his death,” the coroner said.
Loved ones described Chapman as “a bright, warm and engaging young man whom his family dearly loved – and William loved them back.”
The reason Chapman entered the tiger enclosure remains unknown. Before the fatal mauling, he filmed video from inside the predator’s habitat.
Witnesses said he was seen “pacing around with his headphones in” and “happily dancing.” He later asked other visitors to take a photograph of him with the tiger visible in the background.
According to reports, Chapman told Altai to “stop being naughty” before the tiger pounced. The animal then dragged him into a wooded section of the enclosure, where he was killed.
Wildlife park officials confirmed that Altai would not be euthanized following the tragedy.
Chapman previously appeared in “May Contain Nuts,” a two-part British television miniseries released in 2009.
The show featured Harry Potter actress Shirley Henderson, who played Moaning Myrtle, among its stars.
Chapman also attended the Jackie Palmer Stage School, whose alumni include actors Eddie Redmayne and James Corden.
