Son of ex-England footballer dies in tractor crash

Published: 21 October 2025. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online.

The son of former England footballer Stuart Pearce has died following a tragic tractor crash in Gloucestershire. Police confirmed that 21-year-old Harley Pearce, from Marlborough in Wiltshire, lost his life in the incident, which occurred on Old Birdlip Hill, A417, in Witcombe, near Gloucester, at around 14:30 BST on Thursday last week.

Harley’s devastated family released a heartfelt statement paying tribute to their “cherished son and devoted brother,” describing him as “a golden boy with an infectious smile” and “a soul who left an unforgettable imprint on all who knew him.” They said his death “will leave a huge hole in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to have known him,” adding, “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 was the owner of Harley Pearce Agricultural Services, a company he founded and ran with enthusiasm and dedication. Friends and colleagues described him as hardworking and full of ambition, with a bright future ahead in farming.

His father, Stuart Pearce, is one of English football’s most respected figures. Over his long career, he made more than 400 appearances for Nottingham Forest and also represented Coventry City, Newcastle United, West Ham United, and Manchester City. A fierce and passionate player, Pearce earned 78 international caps for England and later went on to manage Nottingham Forest, Manchester City, and the Great Britain team during the London 2012 Olympics. He also briefly served as England’s caretaker manager.

Tributes have flooded in from across the football world. Nottingham Forest posted on X (formerly Twitter): “We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Harley Pearce. The thoughts of everyone connected with Nottingham Forest are with Stuart and his family at this truly difficult time.”

West Ham United echoed the sentiment: “We are saddened to hear of Harley Pearce’s passing. Everyone at the club sends their deepest condolences to Stuart and his family at this tragic time.”

Manchester City also offered their condolences, writing: “Everyone at Manchester City sends their love and thoughts to Stuart and his family at this very difficult time.”

As the football community rallies around the Pearce family, Harley is remembered as much more than the son of a football legend — a kind-hearted, driven young man whose life and promise were cut heartbreakingly short.