England football legend's son, 21, dies in tractor crash

Harley Pearce, 21, was driving the vehicle on a country lane near his family home when it came off the road in Witcombe, Wiltshire.

It is believed the tractor may have suffered a tyre blow-out which caused it to veer off the road.

Harley died at the scene of the collision which took place on Thursday, Gloucestershire Police confirmed.

The force confirmed that specialist officers are supporting the family.

Read more: Stuart Pearce breaks silence on medical emergency during transatlantic flight

Harley ran his own company, Harley Pearce Agricultural Service, working on farms on the Wiltshire and Gloucestershire border.

The Pearce family have paid tribute following their loss.

They said: "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.

"He was 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.

"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 youngest of two children that the England legend had with his ex-wife Liz.

The couple also have an older daughter, Chelsea, from their 20-year marriage that ended in 2013.

Pearce earned 78 caps for England and remains a regular figure doing punditry work on Premier League and England matches.

Harley was the youngest of two children Stuart had with his ex-wife, Liz.

The couple also have an older daughter Chelsea, from their 20-year marriage that ended in 2013.

Emergency services were called at around 2.30pm on Thursday to a report of a collision involving a tractor on the A417 Old Birdlip Hill in Witcombe.

An investigation has been launched and officers are appealing for any witnesses who have dashcam footage to come forward.

A source told the Daily Mail: "From what we've been told is Harley's tractor had a blow out and he lost control."

Harley ran his own company, Harley Pearce Agricultural Service, working on farms on the Wiltshire and Gloucestershire border. He lived near Marlborough in Wiltshire.

The 63-year-old Stuart Pearce earned 78 caps for his country between 1987 and 1999.

He made also 401 appearances for Nottingham Forest during a 12-year stint and also played for Coventry, Newcastle, West Ham and Manchester City, whom he later managed between 2005 and 2007.

Nottingham Forest paid their own tribute on X, posting: "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 posted: "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 wrote: "Everyone at Manchester City sends their love and thoughts to Stuart and his family at this very difficult time."