Parents' tribute to boy, 8, shot dead in 'hunting accident' as they reveal his last moments

Jay Cartmell's parents have paid tribute to their "perfect little boy" after the eight-year-old was shot and killed in a firearms incident while hunting rabbits with his dad.

The heartbroken parents of eight year old Jay Cartmell, who tragically lost his life in a firearms incident, have paid tribute to their "perfect little boy". The young lad suffered severe head injuries after being shot on land near the A66, north of Warcop, Cumbria around 2.50pm on September 28.

Despite the best efforts of police and paramedics at the scene, and being airlifted to hospital, Jay sadly passed away from his injuries. A man in his 60s was arrested at the scene initially on suspicion of assault, but later held on suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter, he has since been released on bail.

Jay hailed from Frizington, over 50 miles west, near the Cumbrian coast. In a heartfelt statement released by Cumbria Police, his parents Leigha and James Cartmell described their son as "loving, kind and full of mischief".

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", reports the Mirror.

"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 Erling Haaland and he had a dream to move to Brazil and to meet Lionel Messi. Jay enjoyed fishing and rabbiting with his dad and helped care for the family pets:- 4 lurchers, 5 ferrets and his own bearded dragon, Spike, which he received following a school achievement. He loved school and had a talent for maths."

"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."

At the time of the shooting, a spokesperson for Cumbria Police confirmed that the firearm "was secured at the scene". The investigation into the circumstances continues, with officers urging witnesses or anyone with information about the incident to come forward.

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