Ex-England footballer Stuart Pearce's son Harley dies in tractor crash

The son of former England footballer Stuart Pearce has died in a crash, his family has said.

Harley Pearce, from Marlborough in Wiltshire, was driving a tractor near Witcombe, Gloucestershire, on Thursday, when he was involved in a collision, police said.

The 21-year-old farm worker died at the scene, on the A417 Old Birdlip Hill in Witcombe, around five miles from Gloucester.

No other vehicles were involved, Gloucestershire Constabulary said. Emergency services were called to the scene of the incident at about 2.30pm on October 16.

Harley Pearce was 21 and worked in farming, according to reports.

'Our shining star'

In a tribute posted on Facebook, Harley's sister, Chelsea Pearce, said the family was "truly shocked and utterly heartbroken at the loss of our cherished son and devoted brother, Harley".

He was, the family said, was a soul "who left an unforgettable imprint on all who knew him".

"He was a golden boy with an infectious smile, and this shocking tragedy will leave a huge hole in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to have known him."

He had "a quiet, understated strength and deep kindness".

The family said they were "so proud of the young man he had become, exhibiting a wonderful work ethic and entrepreneurial spirit in the farming industry.

"He will always be our shining star. Rest in Peace, our beautiful son and brother. You will never, ever be forgotten."

What have police said?

Harley ran his own company, Harley Pearce Agricultural Service, talkSPORT said.

Gloucestershire Constabulary said on Thursday: "The driver of the tractor, a man in his 20s and from Wiltshire, was pronounced dead at the scene.

"His next of kin are aware and being supported by specially trained officers."

The force is appealing for any witnesses or anyone with dashcam footage to contact them.

'Tragic news'

Harley's father, Stuart Pearce, played 78 times for England and was part of the Three Lions squads which reached the semi-finals of the 1990 World Cup and Euro 96, the FA said on its website.

He was later the head coach of the England Under-21s.

During a long club career, he made more than 400 appearances for Nottingham Forest, many of them as captain, during a 12-year spell at the City Ground.

He later managed the club, as well as another former club, Manchester City.

Pearce currently works as a pundit on talkSPORT, which said on its website that Harley and Chelsea were the two children he had with his ex-wife Liz.

Presenter Jim White said during a broadcast on Monday that "everybody here on this show and at talkSPORT sends our heartfelt condolences to the family of Stuart Pearce after that tragic news we've just heard".

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Several of the clubs he played for posted tributes on X, including Forest, who said they were "deeply saddened".

The club said: "The thoughts of everyone connected with Nottingham Forest are with Stuart and his family at this truly difficult time."

West Ham United said: "We are saddened to hear of Harley Pearce's passing.

"Everyone at the Club sends their deepest condolences to Stuart and his family at this tragic time."

Manchester City said: "Everyone at Manchester City sends their love and thoughts to Stuart and his family at this very difficult time."

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