England football great Stuart Pearce mourning death of son Harley, 21, in tractor crash

England football great Stuart Pearce’s son Harley has died aged 21 in a tractor crash, sparking an outpouring of grief for the former player and coach.

The youngest of Pearce’s two children with ex-wife Liz, Harley died at the scene of the single-vehicle accident near Gloucester last week.

Local reports suggest the tractor may have suffered a tyre blow-out.

The Pearce family announced their loss in a statement via police on Monday local time.

“Our family is truly shocked and utterly heartbroken at the loss of our cherished son and devoted brother, Harley,” the family said.

“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’s partner Holly Watts left a gut-wrenching note at the scene of the crash.

“To my hunny, the man I’ll love forever! I’m so proud of you, and of what we’ve become,” Holly wrote.

“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 xxx.”

Nottingham Forest paid tribute to their club legend Pearce and his family.

“We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Harley Pearce,” Forest said.

“The thoughts of everyone connected with Nottingham Forest are with Stuart and his family at this truly difficult time.”

The England team’s social media accounts and Pearce’s first professional club Coventry City also shared their grief.

“We are saddened by this news. The thoughts of everyone at Coventry City are with Stuart and those close to Harley at this difficult time,” Coventry said.

Pearce also played for Newcastle and West Ham before later managing his beloved Forest and Manchester City among other coaching roles.

He has more recently worked as a football commentator.

“Sometimes, things happen in life and there are no words that can help the situation, no words to ease someone’s pain,” talkSPORT colleague Adrian Durham said on the station’s Premier League coverage on Monday night local time.

“But we are sending love to Stuart Pearce and his loved ones after news of the passing of his son Harley.

“It makes no sense. Sometimes life makes no sense, and I can’t even imagine to begin to imagine Stuart’s pain right now.

“I am sure, you, the talkSPORT listeners join us in sending love and hugs to Stu — we are all with you, fella.”