THE devastated parents of an eight-year-old boy who was shot and killed while hunting have shared a tribute to their “loving and kind” son.
Schoolboy Jay Cartmell was shot in the head and face on an isolated hillside near Warcop in Cumbria on Saturday last week.
A man in his 60s was arrested at the scene close to Wheatsheaf Farm, initially on suspicion of assault GBH.
He was later arrested on suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter and has since been bailed.
In a statement, Jay’s parents Leigha and James Cartmell said: “We are heartbroken at the passing of our perfect little boy.
“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’.”
They added: “Jay loved being outdoors, the muddier he could get the better.”
“He was starting to follow in the footsteps of his Dad with his obsession for Speedway at Workington.
“He first attended aged 1 years. 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.”
Leigha and James said Jay was a defender at Whitehaven Miners Football Club.
They said: “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.
“He had four lurchers, five 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.”
Leigha and James added: “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.”
The family shared their “sincere gratitude” to paramedics and Alder Hey hospital staff.
They also thanked a number of kind locals including Whitehaven Miners FC and Workington Speedway Supporters Club.
