A coroner ruled on 14 October that Connor Bell, 17, from Tadley, died by accident after an air rifle shot at a Chineham gathering. His family urge safe storage.
A coroner has ruled that the death of Connor Bell, a 17-year-old from Tadley who was shot with an air rifle in Chineham last November, was an accident. His family have paid tribute to a “much-loved sporty boy” and asked people who own air rifles to store them safely.
The inquest was held in Winchester on Wednesday 14 October. Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary published the outcome and the family’s statement the same afternoon (force statement).
What happened
According to the force, Connor was accidentally shot with an air rifle at a gathering at an address on Cowslad Drive, Chineham, on Saturday 8 November 2025. He suffered life-threatening injuries.
He was taken to Southampton General Hospital and died on Monday 10 November. The coroner’s conclusion was accidental death.
A 17-year-old boy from Tadley, now 18, was arrested during the first enquiries on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm with intent. The force said he has since been released and will face no further action. That decision followed discussions with the Crown Prosecution Service and Connor’s family.
His family’s tribute
Connor’s family said: “Connor was a much-loved boy, who was very sporty and had a large circle of friends.
“This was a tragic accident which led to the loss of Connor. His friends conducted CPR at the scene, which allowed our son to be an organ donor and save lives. He has since been awarded an Order of St John in recognition of his donation.
“This incident was a tragedy for all the families involved and we are all supporting each other at this incredibly difficult time.”
They added a warning for other families: “We would like to remind the public about the potential dangers of air rifles and the care needed to ensure they are safely stored. They should only be used by people with the necessary skills and weapon-handling training.”
What it means for you
The law on young people and air weapons in England and Wales is set out in the Firearms Act 1968:
- under-18s cannot buy or hire an air weapon (section 22)
- under-18s may only have one with them in limited cases, such as under the supervision of someone aged 21 or over, at an approved club or shooting gallery, or, from age 14, on private land with the occupier’s consent (section 23)
- anyone who has an air weapon must take reasonable precautions to stop under-18s getting hold of it when the law does not allow them to have it (section 24ZA)
If there is an air rifle in your home, the family’s message is simple: keep it securely stored, where young people and visitors cannot reach it.
Connor’s family said his friends’ CPR at the scene is what made his organ donation possible. You can record your own decision on the NHS Organ Donor Register, and tell your family what you have chosen.
Chineham is on the north-east side of Basingstoke. Tadley is about seven miles north of the town.
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