Copyright dailyrecord
The son of England football legend Stuart Pearce has tragically died in an accident, with his heartbroken family paying tribute. Harley Pearce , 21, who worked in agriculture, lost control of his tractor while he was driving along a country lane in the Cotswolds. It is believed the vehicle may have suffered a tyre blow out, which caused him to to veer off the road. Gloucestershire Police confirmed that Harley sadly died at the scene in Witcombe. Emergency services were called at around 2:30pm on Thursday following reports 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." Investigating officers are appealing for anyone who may have witnessed the incident or has relevant dashcam footage to come forward. Harley's parents are currently being supported by specially trained officers, the Mirror reports. Harley, who lived near Marlborough in Wiltshire, ran his own business - Harley Pearce Agricultural Service - and worked on farms across the Wiltshire and Gloucestershire border. His heartbroken family are now attempting to come to terms with their loss. In a touching tribute, they said: "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." The tribute continued: "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 also shared a heartfelt tribute to the man she says she'll "love forever." A letter left among flowers at the scene 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 20 years of marriage, also have an elder daughter, Chelsea - an accomplished equestrian who has represented Great Britain at three European Championships. Stuart - who 78 international caps for England - once shared a heartwarming story about helping Harley win his school's Fantasy Football league when his son was just eight years old. Pretending to need information from the England U21 sqaud, Stuart called former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson to ask whether Phil Jones or Chris Smalling would be playing on the final day. The legendary manager gave him the answer and Stuart informed Harley, who quickly added that player to his team, going on to win the league. Earlier this year, Pearce suffered a health scare on a flight after experiencing chest pains. The Las Vegas to Heathrow flight was diverted to St John's in Canada, where he spent five days in hospital recovering, back in March. The former footballer now works as a pundit for talkSPORT. During Monday's broadcast, presenter Jim White said 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".
