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.
Police confirmed that Harley Pearce died at the scene of the crash on the A417 Old Birdlip Hill in Witcombe last Thursday.
It is believed the tractor he was driving suffered a tyre blowout, causing the vehicle to veer off the road.
Emergency services were called to the incident shortly after 2.30pm, but despite their efforts, Harley could not be saved.
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Gloucestershire Police said that Pearce and his family have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers.
“The driver, a 21-year-old man, sadly died at the scene,” a spokesperson confirmed.
“His parents have been informed and are receiving support.
Harley Pearce pictured with his girlfriend, Molly Watts
|“We are appealing for any witnesses or anyone with dashcam footage that may assist our investigation to come forward.”
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.
Tributes have poured in for the Pearce family, with messages of sympathy from across the football world.
Stuart Pearce became a manager, coach and pundit following his retirement from ffootball
|PA
Friends and supporters have described Harley as “kind, funny, and full of life,” while former teammates and colleagues of Pearce have expressed their heartbreak at the news.
Stuart Pearce, affectionately nicknamed “Psycho” during his playing days, is remembered as one of English football’s most passionate and fearless competitors.
Renowned for his leadership and commitment, he earned 78 caps for England and became a national hero after his emotional redemption penalty in Euro 96.
At club level, Pearce made over 460 appearances for Nottingham Forest, winning two League Cups under Brian Clough.
His tenacity and determination on the pitch made him a fan favourite, while his famous attempt to “run off” a broken leg while playing for West Ham against Watford in 1999 became part of Premier League folklore.
After leaving Forest, Pearce had spells with Newcastle United, West Ham, and Manchester City, where he ended his distinguished playing career.
Stuart Pearce is a Nottingham Forest and England legend
|GETTY
He later moved into management, taking charge of City for two years from 2005 to 2007, overseeing 97 matches.
He also managed Nottingham Forest for a brief spell between 2014 and 2015 and coached England’s Under-21 side as well as the Team GB football squad at the London 2012 Olympics.
News of his family’s tragedy has prompted an outpouring of support from the football community, with many urging privacy for the former defender and his loved ones as they come to terms with their loss.
Harley’s death is being investigated by Gloucestershire Police, who are continuing to gather evidence from the scene.
Officers have appealed for any witnesses or motorists with dashcam footage from the area around the time of the crash to contact them as inquiries continue.