Stuart Pearce and his family have paid tribute to his son Harley Pearce, who was killed in a tractor accident in the Cotswolds last week.
The family have hailed their “golden boy with an infectious smile,” describing him as a young man who left “an unforgettable imprint on all who knew him.”
Emergency services were called shortly after 2.30pm on Thursday, 16 October, to reports of a collision involving a tractor on the A417 Old Birdlip Hill near Witcombe, Gloucestershire.
Despite the efforts of paramedics, Harley, from Marlborough in Wiltshire, was pronounced dead at the scene.
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In a statement issued through Gloucestershire Police, his devastated family 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.
Harley Pearce pictured with his girlfriend, Molly Watts, before his tragic death aged 21
| INSTAGRAM“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.”
The family have requested privacy as they come to terms with their loss.
England football legend Stuart Pearce has been left devastated following the death of his 21-year-old son, Harley, who was killed in a tragic tractor accident in Gloucestershire | INSTAGRAMHarley was the son of former England footballer Stuart Pearce and his ex-wife Liz.
The youngest of two children, he grew up in Wiltshire and had developed a passion for farming, where he had been building a career in agricultural work.
Tributes have poured in from across the football and farming communities since news of his death emerged.
Friends and supporters have described Harley as a “kind and driven young man” who brought warmth and humour to everyone he met.
His father, a national sporting icon known for his fierce determination on the pitch, is said to be “utterly heartbroken.”
Police believe Harley’s tractor may have suffered a tyre blowout, causing it to veer off the road.
Stuart Pearce is one of England's most iconic players
| PAAn investigation into the cause of the crash remains ongoing.
Officers are appealing for anyone who witnessed the incident or has relevant dashcam footage from the area to come forward.
“We are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding this tragic collision,” a Gloucestershire Police spokesperson said. “We would urge anyone with information that could assist to contact us.”
Information can be provided online by completing the form on the Gloucestershire Police website and quoting incident 284 of 16 October.