Football legend Stuart Pearce ‘heartbroken’ at tragic death of son, 21, after tractor crash
Former England footballer Stuart Pearce has been left 'heartbroken' after the death of his son, Harley Pearce.
The 21-year-old was involved in a fatal tractor collision in Witcombe, Gloucester, on Thursday (16 October), and was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.
His grieving family have issued a heartbreaking statement on social media, saying they were 'truly shocked and utterly heartbroken' over Harley's death.
“A soul who left an unforgettable imprint on all who knew him,” they said.
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“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.
“With a quiet, understated strength and deep kindness, we are 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.”
Harley is the younger of two children shared between football legend Pearce and his ex wife Liz. He ran his own business, Harley Pearce Agricultural Services, and worked on farms in Wiltshire, Berkshire, Hampshire and the surrounding areas.
According to reports in the Daily Mail, it's believed he may have experienced a tyre blowout which caused him to veer off the road.
"From what we've been told is Harley's tractor had a blow out and he lost control," a source told the publication.
Emergency services were called around 2.30pm on Thursday afternoon, with reports a tractor had been involved in a collision on the A417 Old Birdlip Hill in Witcombe.
Police are now appealing for anyone who may have witnessed the accident, or who has any dashcam footage from around that time, to come forward. Anyone with information should contact Gloucestershire Police quoting incident number 284.
Tributes left at the scene of the accident include a touching message written by the 21-year-old's girlfriend Holly Watts.
"To my hunny, the man I'll love forever! I'm so proud of you, and of what we've become," she wrote.
"You know you have my heart, and I know I have yours. I'll cherish us forever. Forever in your arms, forever in our heart. I love you! Love, Your Holly."
The devastating news comes after 63-year-old Pearce experienced a medical emergency on a flight from the Las Vegas back to London Heathrow in March, forcing the flight to be diverted to Canada, where medics fought to restart his heart. He spent five days recovering in hospital before returning to the UK.
Emma Rosemurgey