Heartbroken parents of an 8-year-old boy, who tragically passed away after being shot on a farm, have paid a heartfelt tribute to their “perfect little boy”. Jay Cartmell sustained fatal head injuries in the incident that took place near the A66, north of Warcop, Cumbria, around 2.50 pm on September 28. Despite the efforts of emergency services and being airlifted to the hospital, Jay succumbed to his injuries.
A man in his 60s was arrested at the scene on suspicion of assault, and later, on suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter. He was subsequently released on bail. The grieving parents, Leigha and James Cartmell, described Jay as a “loving, kind, and full of mischief” child. In a statement released by Cumbria Police, they expressed their devastation at the loss of their son, who they described as the best boy anyone could wish for and an integral part of their family.
Jay was an outdoor enthusiast who loved getting dirty, enjoyed Speedway like his Dad, and played football as a defender at Whitehaven Miners Football Club. He had dreams of meeting his favourite player, Erling Haaland, moving to Brazil, and excelled in activities like fishing and caring for the family pets. His parents expressed their gratitude to all those who supported and cared for Jay, including the medical teams who tried to save him.
The Cumbria police confirmed that the firearm involved in the incident was secured at the scene, and investigations are ongoing. They urged anyone with information about the incident to come forward. The community has rallied around the Cartmell family, offering support and donations in Jay’s memory. The heartfelt tribute from his parents paints a picture of a vibrant, beloved young boy whose memory will live on forever.