Girlfriend of Stuart Pearce's son, 21, who died in tragic accident delivers heartbreaking message

The incident occurred at approximately 2.30pm when the tractor, which was transporting a trailer of apples, veered from the carriageway into a wooded embankment.

Initial reports suggest a potential tyre failure may have caused the young farmer to lose control of his vehicle.

Gloucestershire Police have confirmed that the victim's parents were notified and are receiving support from specialist family liaison officers.

The fatal collision took place roughly 50 miles from the family's Wiltshire residence.

Holly Watts, the deceased's girlfriend, has left a heartfelt message at the collision site expressing her profound grief.

Her tribute, placed amongst floral arrangements beneath the trees, declared her eternal devotion to her partner.

"To my hunny, the man I'll love forever! I'm so proud of you, and of what we've become," her note began.

She continued: "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."

The poignant message was discovered alongside numerous bouquets at the location where the agricultural vehicle left the road.

Scattered apples from the trailer's cargo remained visible around the memorial site.

The Pearce family released a statement expressing their devastation at losing their youngest family member.

They described their profound shock and heartbreak over the death of their "cherished son and devoted brother".

"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," the family stated.

They remembered him as "a golden boy with an infectious smile" whose death would create "a huge hole in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to have known him."

The family praised his character and achievements, noting: "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."

The young entrepreneur operated Harley Pearce Agricultural Service, providing contracting services to farms throughout the Wiltshire and Gloucestershire region.

He resided close to Marlborough in Wiltshire, approximately 50 miles from where the fatal incident occurred.

Local resident Janine Taylor, 55, described the route as particularly hazardous, noting previous fatalities and frequent collisions.

She explained that motorists had been utilising the road as an alternative route whilst improvements to the nearby A417 were underway.

Harley was the younger of two siblings from Stuart Pearce's marriage to his former wife Liz, which concluded in 2013 after two decades.

His elder sister Chelsea has represented Great Britain in equestrian eventing at three European Championships.

The former England defender, who earned 78 caps for his country, experienced his own medical emergency earlier this year when chest pains forced his transatlantic flight to divert to Canada.

The 63-year-old required cardiac treatment in St John's, Newfoundland, where medical staff temporarily stopped and restarted his heart to restore normal rhythm.

Nottingham Forest, where Pearce spent twelve years as a player, expressed their condolences, stating their thoughts were with Stuart and his family during this difficult period.

Investigating officers have requested witnesses or anyone with dashcam footage to contact Gloucestershire Police.