Tragic Hunting Accident: Eight-Year-Old Boy Dies on Cumbrian Farm
An eight-year-old boy has died after being accidentally shot during a rabbit hunting trip on a farm near Warcop, Cumbria. Jay Cartmell suffered fatal head and facial injuries on Saturday afternoon and was airlifted to hospital, where he later died.
Man Arrested as Police Investigate Horrific Incident
Emergency services rushed to the scene near the A66 north of Warcop at around 2:50pm on September 28. A firearm was secured by police, and a man in his 60s was arrested on suspicion of assault. He is now held on suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter but has since been bailed while investigations continue.
Jay, a Talented Young Footballer, Mourned by His Community
Jay, from Frizington, around 45 miles from Warcop, was a keen footballer for Whitehaven Miners FC. Tributes have flooded in from local clubs and friends. Whitehaven Miners FC called him “one of our own” and shared their condolences on social media: “RIP wee man #oneofour #lanternforlife. Our thoughts are with your family, coaches, and teammates.”
Whitehaven AFC also expressed sympathy: “Our heartfelt condolences to Jay’s family, Whitehaven Miners, friends, and teammates. Truly devastating news. We are here to support.”
Bransty Rangers JFC secretary Nicola Stephenson added: “We send our sincere condolences to Jay’s family, friends, and all at Whitehaven Miners.”
Local MP Josh MacAlister described the tragedy as a “heart-breaking loss of such a young life” and said the whole community was holding Jay’s family in their thoughts.
Community Stunned as Investigation Continues
Warcop Parish Councillor Heidi Strong said: “People are really shaken up. It was definitely an accident, but we don’t know the full details yet.” She speculated Jay was part of a shooting party hunting rabbits. Rabbit hunting is legal on private land in the UK with a firearm licence and landowner permission.
Local resident Frank Chalmers, 73, witnessed the emergency response: “I saw police and an air ambulance. It’s the most awful tragedy for the family and the community.”
Cumbria Police have urged anyone who saw the incident or events leading up to it to come forward. Witnesses can report online at www.cumbria.police.uk/reportit quoting incident number 135 of September 28, 2024, call 101, or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
