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Harley Pearce died at the scene in Witcombe, Gloucestershire, last Thursday after reportedly losing control of the farm vehicle. The force said his devastated parents have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers. Harley was the youngest of two children Stuart, 63, had with his ex-wife, Liz. England legend Pearce has been left heartbroken after the tractor Harley was driving suffered a possible tyre blowout which caused him to veer off the road, reports the Mail. A family tribute 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.” Stuart and his ex-wife Liz also have an older daughter, Chelsea, from their 20-year marriage that ended in 2013. Harley’s sister Chelsea is an equestrian and has regularly competed in eventing since 2010, including riding at three European Championships for Great Britain. Harley ran his own company, Harley Pearce Agricultural Service, and worked on farms across the Wiltshire and Gloucestershire border. He lived near Marlborough in Wiltshire and the much loved young man was in a relationship with Holly Watts. 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. Now, cops are appealing for anyone who witnessed the crash or who has any relevant dashcam footage to get in touch. England icon Stuart was involved in a horror car crash back in 1988 after his car was crushed by a lorry that overturned, right on top of his vehicle. But he miraculously only walked away a slight injury to his hand a bit of a stiff back. Pearce was famed for his passion for the Three Lions in his playing days. He famously tried to “run off” a broken leg for ten minutes while playing for West Ham against Watford in 1999. Pearce, who represented England 78 times, wore the number three for many of his former clubs and when playing for the Three Lions too. The icon of the English game played some 460 times for Forest, winning to League Cups with the club. While he also managed the historic club for 32 games between 2014 and 2015. It was Manchester City where he ended his incredible career, playing just one season with the Cityzens and making 43 appearances. He then took charge of City in his first ever managerial role, seeing the club through 97 games between 2005 and 2007. Harley would’ve seen dad Stuart take charge of England’s U21s, taking them to a Euros final, before having the honour of managing Team GB during the London Olympics. Earlier this year, Pearce senior faced a terrifying health battle as medical staff restarted his heart on a plane in an emergency at 30,000-feet. The Sun revealed how the football legend’s health scare led to his London-bound flight being diverted to Canada. This story first appeared in The Sun and was republished with permission.
