Harley Pearce has been described as a ‘golden boy with an infectious smile’ by his heartbroken family following the news of the 21-year-old’s tragic death on Thursday. And now his girlfriend has paid tribute
The son of England legend Stuart Pearce has been killed in a tragic accident, with his grieving family paying tribute.
Harley Pearce, 21, who worked in farming, lost control of the tractor he was driving down a country lane in the Cotswolds. It’s thought the vehicle suffered a possible tyre blow-out, which caused him to veer off the road.
Sadly Harley, 21, died at the scene in Witcombe, Gloucestershire Police confirmed. Emergency services were called at around 2.30pm on Thursday to a report of a collision involving a tractor on the A417 Old Birdlip Hill in Witcombe.
A source told the Daily Mail: “From what we’ve been told is Harley’s tractor had a blow out and he lost control.”
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Investigating officers are now appealing for anyone who witnessed the crash or who has any relevant dashcam footage to get in touch. Harley’s parents are also receiving support from specialist officers.
Harley – who lived near Marlborough in Wiltshire – ran his own company, Harley Pearce Agricultural Service, and worked on farms on the Wiltshire and Gloucestershire border.
His devastated family are now trying to come to terms with their loss. They said in tribute: “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’s girlfriend has also paid a moving tribute to the man ‘I’ll love forever’. A letter left at the scene alongside flowers read: “To my Hunny. The man I’ll love forever.
“I’m so proud of you, and of what we’ve become. “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 xxx.”
Harley was the youngest of two children Pearce shared with his former wife Liz. The couple, who divorced in 2013 after two decades of marriage, also have an older daughter, Chelsea, an equestrian rider who has competed at three European Championships for Great Britain.
Stuart – who won 78 international caps – previously shared a touching story about how he helped Harley win his school’s Fantasy Football league when his son was eight-years-old.
Pretending to want information for the England U21 team, Stuart rang former Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson to ask whether he was planning to play Phil Jones or Chris Smalling on the final day.
The Scot gave him the answer – and Stuart’s son promptly added that player to his team and ultimately won the league.
In March, Pearce had a health scare on a flight after experiencing chest pains. The Las Vegas to Heathrow flight was diverted to St John’s in Canada and he spent five days in hospital recovering.
The ex footballer currently works as a pundit on talkSPORT. Presenter Jim White said today 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”.