The quiet rural lanes of Gloucestershire were shaken by tragedy last Thursday, October 16, 2025, when Harley Pearce, the 21-year-old son of former England football legend Stuart Pearce, died in a devastating tractor crash. Emergency services rushed to the scene on the A417 Old Birdlip Hill in Witcombe at around 2:30 pm BST, but despite their efforts, Harley was pronounced dead at the site. The incident, which reportedly involved a possible tyre blow-out causing Harley to lose control of the vehicle, has left a deep scar not only on his family but also on the broader football and farming communities.
According to Gloucestershire Police, the crash occurred near Harley’s home in Marlborough, Wiltshire, some 50 miles from the family’s residence. Authorities have confirmed that Harley was driving the tractor when it veered off the road, a tragedy that has since prompted an appeal for witnesses and dashcam footage from anyone who may have seen the accident. Officers are urging the public to come forward with any information that could help shed light on the circumstances, referencing incident 284 of October 16 for those with details to share.
For the Pearce family, the loss is nothing short of shattering. In a heartfelt tribute, they described Harley as “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.” Their words, shared across both traditional and social media, painted a picture of a young man whose kindness, quiet strength, and entrepreneurial spirit had already made a mark. “A soul who left an unforgettable imprint on all who knew him,” the family wrote, 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’s impact extended well beyond his family. He was the youngest of two children Stuart Pearce had with his former wife, Liz, and the younger brother of Chelsea Pearce, an accomplished equestrian who has represented Great Britain at three European Championships. Harley’s own path was forged in the world of agriculture, where he ran his own business—Harley Pearce Agricultural Services—serving farms across Wiltshire, Berkshire, Hampshire, and the surrounding areas. Friends and clients alike recall his dedication and work ethic, qualities that shone through in every aspect of his life.
The tributes have poured in from all corners. Harley’s girlfriend, Holly Watts, left a touching message at the crash site: “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.” Flowers and sympathy notes now line the roadside where the accident occurred, a testament to the outpouring of grief and support from the local community.
Stuart Pearce, Harley’s father, is a name synonymous with English football. With over 400 appearances for Nottingham Forest and 78 England caps, Pearce’s career spanned some of the sport’s most memorable moments, including key roles at the 1990 World Cup and Euro 96. He also played for Coventry, Newcastle, West Ham, and Manchester City, later managing several of those teams and even leading the Great Britain squad during the London 2012 Olympics. Off the pitch, Pearce was awarded an MBE in 1999 for his contributions to football and charity work, and has more recently become a familiar voice as a pundit and co-commentator for talkSPORT.
The football world has responded with a united front of condolences and support. Nottingham Forest, one of Stuart’s most storied clubs, posted on social media: “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 added: “Everyone at Manchester City sends their love and thoughts to Stuart and his family at this very difficult time.”
While the Pearce family has requested privacy as they navigate this unimaginable loss, the story of Harley’s life and untimely death has resonated far and wide. He was known for his quiet humility, his drive, and the warmth he brought to every interaction. His entrepreneurial efforts in the farming sector were already earning him a reputation for reliability and innovation, and those who knew him speak of a future that seemed limitless.
The tragedy is made all the more poignant by the echoes of past dangers faced by the Pearce family. Stuart himself survived a serious car crash in 1998 when his vehicle was crushed by an overturning lorry—he escaped with only minor injuries. Earlier this year, he experienced a health scare on a transatlantic flight, prompting an emergency landing and a five-day hospital stay in Canada. Through it all, the Pearces have shown remarkable resilience, but by all accounts, nothing could have prepared them for the heartbreak of losing Harley.
Investigators continue to piece together the events of that fateful afternoon, with early reports suggesting a sudden tyre blow-out may have caused Harley to lose control of his tractor. The rural roads of Gloucestershire, while picturesque, can be unforgiving, and the farming community is all too familiar with the risks that come with agricultural work. Police are keen to hear from anyone who may have witnessed the incident or captured dashcam footage that could provide crucial details.
As the family, friends, and communities touched by Harley’s life come to terms with his loss, his legacy endures in the memories, stories, and tributes that continue to emerge. Whether on the football pitch, in the fields he worked, or in the hearts of those who loved him, Harley Pearce is remembered as a shining star—gone far too soon, but never forgotten.
