The boy killed by a falling tree during Storm Malik is believed to have been among a pheasant shooting party at a gothic mansion.
The unnamed boy, nine, was fatally injured on the grounds of the 400-acre Heath House estate at Tean near Uttoxeter, Staffs.
A middle-aged man, who is not related to the boy, was also injured in the fall at the shoot.
They were taken to the Royal Stoke University Hospital.
Sadly, despite the best efforts of medical staff, the child passed away.
His family are being supported by specially-trained officers.
The man seriously injured in the incident is aged 72 and is currently being treated in hospital.
Heath House is a Grade II-listed Victorian gothic mansion and has featured in Channel 4's Country House Rescue TV series.
Police were called to the estate yesterday at 1pm following reports of a child and adult being hit by a tree.
A worker on the estate, who didn't want to be named, said: "They had the right to here, they weren't trespassing.
"It was just an unfortunate accident where a tree came down in a gust of wind and hit the little boy and man."
Residents also shared their shock at the death.
One said: "I didn't hear about it until not long ago, you don't expect anything like that to happen."
Another said: "I live one mile down the road, it sounded horrible. My heart goes out to them."
The death is not being treated as suspicious and a file will be prepared for the coroner.
In a statement, Staffordshire Police said: "Sadly, despite the best efforts of medical staff, a nine-year-old boy passed away.
"The boy's family are being supported by specially-trained officers. The man remains in hospital.
"A scene remains at the location, where people are asked to avoid the area. The death is not being treated as suspicious and a file will be prepared for the coroner."
The Heath House estate was recently on the market for £5m and was being sold by estate agency Savills.
Its brochure read: "The Heath House is a quintessential English estate with beautiful undulating landscape, rolling valleys and strategically planted woodland, making for a lovely traditional pheasant shoot.
"The shoot currently has four release pens which are well-positioned to make the most of the topography to present classic woodland driven pheasants to guns standing in the beautiful surrounding parkland.
"The feature drives show pheasants to test all abilities, but there is something for everyone on the estate.
"The estate currently lets the shooting to a DIY syndicate in return for rental income along with a family day.
"The shoot currently run 8 days, shooting approximately 60-80 bird-days.
"There is either the opportunity to continue with this existing agreement, or bring the shoot in hand and run a private family shoot."
