Son of ex-England footballer dies in tractor crash

Harley Pearce sits at a bar in a blue and white striped shirt. He appears to be in a relatively fancy restaurant or hotel, with tables visible behind him. He has short, blond hair and is smiling at the camera.Image source, Handout
Image caption,

Harley Pearce was described as a "cherished son and devoted brother"

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The son of ex-England footballer Stuart Pearce has died in a tractor crash.

Harley Pearce, 21, from Marlborough in Wiltshire, died in the crash in Gloucestershire last week, police said.

Harley's family have issued a tribute to him saying: "Our family is truly shocked and utterly heartbroken at the loss of our cherished son and devoted brother."

The crash happened on Old Birdlip Hill, A417, in Witcombe, near Gloucester at 14:30 BST on Thursday.

Harley's family described him as "a golden boy with an infectious smile".

"A soul who left an unforgettable imprint on all who knew him," continued the tribute.

"This shocking tragedy will leave a huge hole in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to have known him.

"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."

Stuart Pearce, working as a pundit for Amazon Prime during the UEFA Champions League. He has short grey hair and is wearing a white shirt, dark-blue jacket and grey suit jacket. He has a blue Champion's League microphone in his hand.Image source, Getty Images
Image caption,

Stuart Pearce is an English professional football manager and former player

Harley ran his own farming company, Harley Pearce Agricultural Services.

His father, Stuart Pearce, played more than 400 games for Nottingham Forest. He also played for Coventry, Newcastle, West Ham and Manchester City.

The former electrician won 78 international caps and later managed Forest, Manchester City and the Great Britain team at the London 2012 Olympics.

He also had a stint as England's caretaker manager.

Several of Stuart Pearce's former clubs have posted tributes to Harley on social media platform X.

Nottingham Forest wrote: "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 said: "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."

Meanwhile, Manchester City posted: "Everyone at Manchester City sends their love and thoughts to Stuart and his family at this very difficult time."

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