An eight-year-old boy has tragically died after being shot during a rabbit hunting incident on a farm near Warcop in Cumbria. The young victim, identified as Jay Cartmell, sustained fatal injuries to his head and face on Saturday and was airlifted to the hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries overnight.
Emergency services were called to the scene, located near the A66 north of Warcop, at around 2:50 p.m. on September 28. A firearm was secured at the scene, and a man in his 60s was arrested on suspicion of assault. He was later held on suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter before being bailed as police investigations continue.
Jay, from Frizington—about 45 miles from Warcop—was a young footballer for Whitehaven Miners FC. Since his death, tributes have flooded in from his community, including his football club and other local teams.
Whitehaven Miners FC paid tribute to Jay, calling him “one of our own” and sharing their condolences with his family, coaches, and teammates. In a social media post, the club said, “RIP wee man #oneofour #lanternforlife. Our thoughts are with your family, coaches, and teammates.
Whitehaven AFC also expressed their sympathy, stating, “Our heartfelt condolences to this little lad’s family, our neighbours, Whitehaven Miners Social Football Club, his friends, teammates, 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.
Local MP Josh MacAlister described the incident as a “tragic and heart-breaking loss of such a young life,” adding, “I know that our whole community will have Jay’s family in our thoughts.
Councillor Heidi Strong from Warcop Parish Council said, “People are really shaken up about it. All I can say is it was definitely an accident, but we don’t know the ins and outs of what happened.
Mrs. Strong speculated that Jay was part of a shooting party hunting rabbits when the incident occurred. Rabbit hunting is legal on private land in the UK, provided the gun owner has the appropriate firearms licence and written permission from the landowner.
Local resident Frank Chalmers, 73, recalled the scene on Saturday, saying, “I was just passing by in the car when I saw the police and an air ambulance. It is the most awful tragedy for the family and the community.
Cumbria Police are urging anyone who may have witnessed the incident or the events leading up to it to come forward. A spokesperson 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.”
Anyone with information that may assist the investigation can contact Cumbria Police online at www.cumbria.police.uk/reportit, quoting incident number 135 of September 28, 2024, or call 101. Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.
