Family grieves for sporting teenager after gun tragedy

Police were called to Charlie Booth’s home in the village of Cobham, Kent, at 10.30pm on Friday but he was pronounced dead at the scene.

It is understood he used a gun owned lawfully by his family and his death is not being treated as suspicious.

The teenager, who leaves behind parents Nick, 52, and Julia, 48, and 12-year-old sister Harriet, was described as a “typical country boy”.

His family said in a statement: “As a son he was a very loving boy that had a very supportive family, not just his parents, but his aunts, uncles, cousins and grandparents.

“He thought the world of them and we all thought the world of him.

“He was just a typical country boy that enjoyed school life, loved outdoor pursuits and he fully embraced the country lifestyle.

“Charlie was one in a million, very popular and well-liked, and was quite simply our beautiful boy.”

Year 11 pupils at Gad’s Hill School in Higham were told about his death assembly yesterday.

As relatives paid tribute, it emerged that Kent Police had contact with Charlie’s family relating to “an incident” on the day of his death. Consequently, the matter has been referred to the Independent Police Complaints Commission.

Charlie was described as an “excellent ambassador” by his headmaster, David Craggs.

The teenager was a keen member of the cadet force and also represented the school at cross-country, rugby and hockey.