A young boy, Jay Cartmell, aged eight, died following an alleged shotgun injury on a rabbit hunting trip in Warcop, near Appleby in Cumbria. An inquest into Jay’s death was formally opened at Cockermouth Coroners’ Court, though there was a suspension into the inquest while the police investigation is still ongoing. Jay Cartmell was airlifted to Newcastle’s Royal Victoria Infirmary, but sadly died from the injuries he sustained on 28 September. Following the shooting on land near the A66, a man in his 60s was arrested on suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter, and later released on bail.
Dr Nicholas Shaw, assistant coroner for Cumbria, noted that the young boy had been on a rabbit hunting expedition when he was allegedly injured by a shotgun, which suggested that he suffered a shotgun injury. The circumstances surrounding the incident have been well reported in the press. Once the police conclude their investigation, a decision will be taken on whether a full inquest will be necessary.
Jay had been following in his father’s footsteps by taking up speedway at Workington Comets and was known for being outdoors, having played for Whitehaven Miners Social Football Club. Junior and senior footballers across Cumbria paid tribute to Jay last weekend, holding a minute’s applause before matches. His heartbroken parents, Leigha and James described Jay as “loving, kind and full of mischief”.
The family has received massive support after the tragic death of Jay, and the case has stunned the community in Cumbria. BBC Cumbria encourages individuals who want to send story ideas to contact them via email at northeastandcumbria@bbc.co.uk
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