Jay Cartmell: First picture of 'talented' boy, 8, shot dead on farm as club pays tribute

Following a tragic turn of events, the first image of the "talented little guy" who was tragically killed on a farm this Saturday has been released.

Eight-year-old Jay Cartmell sustained fatal head and facial injuries in an incident on farmland adjacent to the A66 in Warcop, Cumbria, over the weekend. It's understood that Jay was allegedly rabbit hunting when he received a fatal gunshot wound and succumbed to his injuries overnight after being airlifted to hospital.

Police confirmed they've found a firearm at the scene and detained a man in his 60s on suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter, reports the Mirror.

The local footballing community in west Cumbria is mourning the loss, with Jay having been a member of Whitehaven Miners FC's youth team. The club expressed its sorrow on social media, posting: "RIP wee man #oneofour #lanternforlife Our thoughts are with your family, coaches and teammates."

Fellow club Whitehaven AFC shared their grief with a statement saying: "Our heartfelt condolences to this little lad's family, our neighbours, Whitehaven Miners Social Football Club, his friends, team mates and all that knew him. Truly devastating news, any support we can offer please let us know."

Tributes poured in for the young boy, with one particularly poignant message reading: "RIP little man. You were a talented little guy, and full of character. Pleasure to coach, and a pleasure to call my son's friend. In our hearts forever."

Adding to the outpouring of sympathy was Nicola Stephenson, secretary for Bransty Rangers JFC, who extended condolences from the club: "On behalf of everyone at Bransty Rangers JFC we send our sincere condolences to all at Whitehaven Miners and Jay's family and friends."

Josh MacAlister, the representative for Whitehaven and Workington, expressed his profound sorrow over the tragic event saying: "This is an absolutely tragic and heart-breaking loss of such a young life. I know that our whole community will have Jay's family in our thoughts."

Investigations are ongoing as local law enforcement urges eyewitnesses to step up and provide valuable information regarding the incident.

Cumbria Police made the boys identity public yesterday, revealing that he had suffered critical head injuries during the calamity, which saw paramedics and police officers responding at the site.

The police have stated that a man in his 60s from West Cumbria has been released on bail following his arrest on suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter.

Following an emergency call received at 2.50pm on Saturday, Jay tragically passed away overnight on Sunday after being airlifted from the location, according to a statement by Cumbria Police.

In Warcop, Cumbria, bereaved families and schoolchildren congregated at St Columba's Church to honour the young boy. Reverend Andrew Burrell, who organised the memorial service a short distance from where the fatal incident occurred, reported: "A lot of people have been shocked by it and they have struggled with that."

The local priest, who also serves as a school governor, expressed his deep concern: "As well as being the local priest, I am governor for the school and when I went there this morning I spoke to some of the kids. Even people in the town of Appleby were also shocked about what happened so it was apparent we had to do something. It's a local community and we wanted to do something. We had some candles, quiet music playing, and people came as they pleased."

He further clarified the victim's background, saying, "I know the boy is not from here and he's not part of the gypsy traveller community."

In light of the incident, Cumbria Police have urged witnesses to come forward, either by calling 101 or providing information anonymously through Crimestoppers at 0800 555 111.