An inquest into the death of an eight-year old boy from Frizington who was killed during a shooting expedition in Warcop has been suspended pending police investigations.

Jay Cartmell died on September 28, 2024 at the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle.

He was airlifted to the hospital after sustaining a suspected shotgun injury during a rabbit shooting expedition near Warcop.

Assistant Coroner for Cumbria, Dr Nicholas Shaw, said that police are investigating the death as a possible case of gross negligence manslaughter.

Jay's parent's, Leigha and James Cartmell, released a statement paying tribute to their son.

It said: "We are heartbroken at the passing of our perfect little boy - Jay Cartmell, eight years. 

(Image: Cumbria Police)  

"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 one.  

"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:- 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. 

"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.”

The coroner's office will now await the outcome of the police investigation to see if charges are brought and a court case is concluded before coming to a decision as to whether or not to open the case.