Stuart Pearce’s son dies aged 21 in tragic tractor crash | Football | Sport
Stuart Pearce’s son Harley has been tragically killed at the age of 21 in a tractor crash. The England football legend’s son lost control of the vehicle on a country road near his family home in Wiltshire last Thursday. Gloucestershire Police have confirmed he sadly died at the scene in Witcombe.
At around 2.30pm, emergency services were called to a collision involving a tractor on the A417 Old Birdlip Hill. The police confirmed Harley’s parents, Stuart and his ex-wife Liz, were informed and are receiving support from specialist officers. Investigating officers have appealed to anyone who witnessed the crash or has any relevant dashcam footage to come forward.
The force are investigating a possible tyre blow-out which may have caused Harley to veer off the road.
A statement from the Pearce family read: “Our family is truly shocked and utterly heartbroken at the loss of our cherished son and devoted brother, Harley. 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.
“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 was the youngest of two children Stuart had with Liz. The pair also had an older daughter, Chelsea, during their 20-year marriage before they separated in 2013.
Harley ran his own company, Harley Pearce Agricultural Service, which saw him work on farms around the Wiltshire and Gloucestershire border.
His father Stuart was a popular footballer in the 1980s and 90s and earned 78 caps for England while playing for the likes of Nottingham Forest, West Ham, Manchester City and Newcastle United in England’s top flight. He is now a regular on punditry and commentary for England and Premier League matches.
In March this year, Stuart had a health scare on a flight from Las Vegas to London and said his heart had to be “restarted” by hospital staff after the plane was diverted to St. John’s, Canada.
