Stable lad killed himself: Inquest
A YOUNG huntsman shot himself at the Grafton Hunt kennels in Northamptonshire after writing a suicide note to his parents, an inquest heard today
Jack Burgess, aged just 16, was described by his mother Margaret Connolly as "a wonderful son" who had a love of the countryside and a promising future with the hunt before his death in October last year.
The former Kingsbrook College student killed himself with a .32 pistol - normally used to destroy animals at the Paulerspury kennels - after being told by huntsman Mick Wills that he would not be allowed to go hunting that morning.
In a statement, Ms Connolly said Jack was "happy, always smiling and a grinner". She added: "He had a happy life and lived it the way he wanted to.
"He had no enemies and we all still miss him very much."
In a suicide note found near his body, Jack said "Mum and Dad I love you", before asking for his dog Jet to be given to one of his best friends.
The inquest, held at Northampton General Hospital heard how Jack started working for the hunt on his 16th birthday in July last year, and was aiming to complete an NVQ in animal husbandry.
He had been involved with the kennels since he was just eight, when Mr Wills arranged for him to look after a pony and learn to ride.
On the morning of his death, he had been left crying after Mr Wills told him he would not be going hunting as punishment for failing to clean his horse properly the previous weekend.
Mr Wills said he was tough on Jack because he showed so much promise as a huntsman, and he "wanted the best for him".
He said: "I wanted to teach him to do things properly and to a high standard, and I wanted him to learn that it was important.
"Jack was very gifted and remarkable, he had a natural body language with the hounds. He had a rare talent."
Ms Connolly said the family "in no way blamed" Mr Wills for their son's death. She added: "Mick always had Jack's interests at heart. He was trying to do the best for him because he wanted to bring on Jack's talent."
Coroner Anne Pember recorded a verdict of suicide.
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Weather for Northampton
Saturday 26 May 2012
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