Parents of boy, eight, killed in shooting tragedy say he was 'perfect'

Parents of an eight-year-old boy killed in a shooting tragedy today paid tribute to their 'perfect little boy' who was 'loving, kind and full of mischief'.

Jay Cartmell suffered injuries to his head and face in an apparent rabbit hunting accident on land near the A66, north of Warcop in Cumbria eight days ago, with emergency services called at about 2.50pm.

A firearm was secured at the scene by police and the youngster from Frizington, 45 miles away, was taken by air ambulance to hospital where he died overnight.

A man in his 60s was arrested at the scene on suspicion of assault, and taken to police custody before later being held on suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter. The man was then bailed as police continued their investigations.

In their first comments since the tragedy, Jay's mother and father, Leigha and James Cartmell, told of their son's enthusiasm for the outdoors and sports including football and Speedway - but added that he also had a talent for maths.

In a statement issued via Cumbria Police, they said: 'We are heartbroken at the passing of our perfect little boy - Jay Cartmell, 8 years.

'He was loving, kind and full of mischief, the best boy that anyone could wish for and the third corner of our beautiful family 'triangle'.

'Jay loved being outdoors, the muddier he could get the better and was starting to follow in the footsteps of his Dad with his obsession for Speedway at Workington, where he first attended aged 1 years.

'He always went to the Pit to fist bump his heroes, local racers Harry and Sam McGurk. Jay was a talented rider himself and was showing real promise for the sport.

'Jay was a defender at Whitehaven Miners Football Club. He would occasionally score a goal, albeit an own goal, but that didn't dampen his enthusiasm. His favourite player was (Manchester City striker) Erling Haaland and he had a dream to move to Brazil and to meet Lionel Messi.

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Pictured: Boy, eight, shot dead on farm while rabbit hunting - as tributes flood in

'Jay enjoyed fishing and rabbiting with his Dad and helped care for the family pets:- four lurchers, five ferrets and Spike, his own bearded dragon (a type of lizard), which he received following a school achievement. He loved school and had a talent for maths.'

Mr and Mrs Cartmell added: 'Jay was extremely loved, not only by us, but by all who met him. He had fantastic friends and always had a smile on his face. We will miss him every day, but his love surrounds us and his memory will never fade.

'We would like to express our sincere gratitude to all who have looked after Jay:- The Air Ambulance Service; PICU, Ward 12 RVI and the Snowdrop Suite at Alder Hey Children's Hospital.

'Also special thanks to the Workington Speedway Supporters Club for their amazing donations; JD Autos and Fellview Surgery for their ongoing support; the Workington Comets, especially Andrew Bain, for a special gift which we will treasure forever and to Whitehaven Miners for all that they have done and continue to do in Jay's honour.'

In earlier tributes, Jay's junior football club, Whitehaven Miners Social FC, paid tribute to the 'wee man'.

Posting on social media, the club said: 'RIP wee man #oneofour #lanternforlife. Our thoughts are with your family, coaches and team mates.'

A neighbour of the family said: 'He was a right outdoorsy, sporty lad. He seemed to love life. It's a dreadful thing to happen to a young lad.'

In a Facebook post, Workington Comets speedway club said: 'Workington Speedway are saddened to hear of the passing of young Comets fan Jay Cartmell, aged 8.

'We send our deepest condolences to his family at this time.'

Jay's mother Leigha, 31, a doctor's receptionist, updated her social media to repost the tribute picture from Whitehaven Miners Social FC.

And a statement from Whitehaven AFC read: 'Our heartfelt condolences to this little lad's family, our neighbours, Whitehaven Miners Social Football Club, his friends, team mates and all that knew him.

'Truly devastating news, any support we can offer please let us know.'

Nicola Stephenson, secretary for Bransty Rangers JFC, added: 'On behalf of everyone at Bransty Rangers JFC we send our sincere condolences to all at Whitehaven Miners and Jay's family and friends.'

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Josh MacAlister, MP for Whitehaven and Workington, said: 'This is an absolutely tragic and heart-breaking loss of such a young life. I know that our whole community will have Jay's family in our thoughts.'

Councillor Heidi Strong from Warcop Parish Council said it was 'a horrible, horrible tragedy', adding: 'People are really shook up about it.'

Mrs Strong said she thought the boy was not local to Warcop and speculated that he had been with a shooting party out 'shooting rabbits'.

Rabbiting is legal on private land in the UK, provided the gun owner has the correct firearms licence and written permission from the landowner.

The village of Warcop is home to around 500 people, with two churches and a small primary school.

Local Frank Chalmers, 73, said he saw five police cars and an air ambulance as he drove to his home in nearby Brough.

'I was just passing by in the car when I saw the police and an air ambulance,' he said. 'It is the most awful tragedy for the family and the community.'

Cumbria Police have urged any witnesses to get in touch.

A spokesman said: 'As officers continue with their inquiries into this incident, they are encouraging anyone who may have witnessed the incident or the moments leading up to it to come forward.'

Cumbria Coroner's Office said a date has not yet been set for the opening of an inquest into the schoolboy's death.

Anyone with information which may assist the investigation can report it to Cumbria Police online at www.cumbria.police.uk/reportit quoting incident number 135 of September 28 2024. You can also phone on 101. Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111