Quick Read
- Harley Pearce, 21, son of Stuart Pearce, died in a tractor crash on October 16, 2025, in Gloucestershire.
- Initial police reports suggest a tyre blow-out caused Harley to lose control and veer off the A417 Old Birdlip Hill.
- The accident occurred about 50 miles from his home near Marlborough, Wiltshire.
- Tributes from family, girlfriend, and football clubs highlight Harley’s work ethic and impact on both farming and sporting communities.
- Gloucestershire Police continue to investigate and have appealed for witnesses and dashcam footage.
Young Farmer’s Life Cut Short: The Gloucestershire Accident That Shook Communities
The peaceful rural lanes of Gloucestershire turned into a site of tragedy on Thursday, October 16, 2025, when 21-year-old Harley Pearce lost his life in a devastating tractor accident. The son of football legend Stuart Pearce, Harley was driving his agricultural vehicle along the A417 Old Birdlip Hill near Witcombe when disaster struck. Emergency services arrived promptly at around 2:30 pm BST, but despite their best efforts, Harley was pronounced dead at the scene.
According to Gloucestershire Police, initial investigations point to a possible tyre blow-out as the cause of the crash. The tractor, which was towing a trailer loaded with apples, veered off the carriageway and crashed into a wooded embankment. The impact scattered apples across the roadside—a stark, silent testament to the abruptness of the tragedy.
Harley lived near Marlborough, Wiltshire, about 50 miles from the accident site, and was well-known locally for his entrepreneurial work in the farming sector. Police have appealed for witnesses and dashcam footage to help reconstruct the moments leading up to the accident, referencing incident 284 of October 16 for those with information.
Family Devastation: A Son, Brother, and Friend Remembered
The Pearce family’s loss is immeasurable. In a statement released to the public and shared across social media, they described Harley as “a golden boy with an infectious smile,” whose untimely death “leaves a huge hole in the hearts of all who knew him.” Their tribute paints a picture of a young man marked by quiet strength, deep kindness, and a tireless work ethic: “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 from Stuart Pearce’s marriage to Liz, his former wife. His elder sister, Chelsea Pearce, has made her own mark as an accomplished equestrian, representing Great Britain at three European Championships. Harley’s own path was grounded in agriculture—he ran Harley Pearce Agricultural Services, providing contracting services to farms across Wiltshire, Berkshire, Hampshire, and nearby counties. Friends and clients recall a dedicated, reliable young man whose warmth and sense of responsibility touched everyone he worked with.
Heartfelt Tributes: Girlfriend, Clubs, and Community Respond
The shockwaves of Harley’s death have rippled far beyond his immediate family. Among the many tributes, one stands out for its raw emotion: Harley’s girlfriend, Holly Watts, visited the crash site to leave a message amidst the flowers and sympathy notes lining the embankment. “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.” Her note, placed among scattered apples and bouquets, captured the heartbreak of those closest to Harley.
Local resident Janine Taylor, 55, described the stretch of road as particularly hazardous, noting previous fatalities and frequent collisions. She mentioned that motorists often use the route as a detour during improvements to the nearby A417, raising concerns about rural road safety—an issue painfully underscored by this latest tragedy.
The football community responded in solidarity. Nottingham Forest, where Stuart Pearce spent twelve years as a player, posted: “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 and Manchester City, clubs also intertwined with Pearce’s career, echoed similar sentiments, sending condolences and support. The sense of loss within the sport is palpable, reflecting the respect Stuart Pearce commands both as a player and a person.
Legacy of Resilience: Stuart Pearce’s Journey Through Adversity
Stuart Pearce’s life has been marked by both triumph and challenge. With over 400 appearances for Nottingham Forest and 78 England caps, he featured in some of football’s most iconic moments, including the 1990 World Cup and Euro 96. Pearce later managed several clubs and led the Great Britain squad during the London 2012 Olympics. Off the pitch, he received an MBE in 1999 for his contributions to football and charity, and has become a familiar voice on talkSPORT.
Yet Pearce is no stranger to personal hardship. In 1998, he survived a serious car accident when his vehicle was crushed by an overturning lorry—he escaped with minor injuries. Earlier in 2025, he experienced a health emergency on a transatlantic flight, resulting in a cardiac episode and a five-day hospital stay in Canada. Through these ordeals, the Pearce family has shown remarkable resilience, but the loss of Harley represents a heartbreak of a different magnitude.
The farming community, too, has felt the shock. Rural roads, while scenic, pose risks that are familiar to those working in agriculture. Farming accidents, often sudden and severe, remind all who work the land of the fragility of life. As investigators continue to examine the circumstances of Harley’s accident, the hope is that lessons learned may help prevent future tragedies.
Investigating the Cause: Police and Community Seek Answers
Gloucestershire Police are continuing their investigation, focusing on the reported tyre failure that may have led Harley to lose control of his tractor. They have requested anyone with information or dashcam footage from the afternoon of October 16 to come forward. Specialist family liaison officers are supporting the Pearce family as they navigate the aftermath.
Community members, friends, and clients have rallied around the family, their tributes reflecting Harley’s reputation for reliability, innovation, and kindness. Flowers and notes line the roadside, while stories of his work and character continue to emerge. The impact of his loss is felt not just in his family’s grief, but in the wider circles of football and agriculture that shaped his young life.
As the Pearces request privacy to grieve, the memory of Harley Pearce endures in the hearts of those who knew him—his spirit, ambition, and generosity remembered as his legacy.
While the investigation into Harley Pearce’s tragic death unfolds, the story stands as a stark reminder of the unpredictable hazards faced by young people in agriculture. The outpouring of support from family, friends, and the football world underscores the profound influence Harley had in his short life, and the resilience of communities in the face of unimaginable loss.