He was only 21 years old
“Shattered and infinitely sad”: Ex-professional mourns his son
October 20, 2025 – 7:00 p.mReading time: 2 minutes
A young man dies in a tractor accident. A British football legend is shocked – because it’s his son.
Former England international Stuart Pearce mourns the loss of his son Harley Pearce. The 21-year-old died in a tragic accident, as the British Daily Mail reports. According to police, there was a serious incident involving an agricultural vehicle on the A417 Old Birdlip Hill near Witcombe on Thursday afternoon.
Harley Pearce is said to have lost control of the tractor he was driving and left the road. According to the police, possible tire damage could be behind it. Harley lived not far from the scene of the accident near Marlborough in Wiltshire and owned his own agricultural services business.
The Pearce family reacted with great dismay to the sudden loss. In a statement they said: “Our family is truly devastated and deeply saddened by the loss of our beloved son and devoted brother Harley.” Harley was “a golden boy with an infectious smile” and this terrible tragedy will leave a huge hole in the hearts of those who were lucky enough to know him.
Harley’s girlfriend, Holly Watts, also shared a very personal message at the scene of the accident: “To my husband, who I will love forever. I am so proud of you and what you have become.”
Harley was the younger of two children Stuart Pearce has with his ex-wife Liz. His older sister Chelsea is active as a show jumper for Great Britain. The former couple separated in 2013 after twenty years. Stuart Pearce is still considered one of the best full-backs in British history. He played for Nottingham Forest for years.