‘Forever in your arms’: Girlfriend of Stuart Pearce’s son pays heart-breaking tribute to ‘the man I’ll love forever’ after he was killed in tractor crash at the age of 21
The girlfriend of former England footballer Stuart Pearce’s son has paid tribute to the ‘man I will love forever’, who died in a tractor crash at the age of 21.
Harley Pearce lost control of his farm vehicle on a country road about 50 miles from his family home in Wiltshire. It is possible that the tractor he was driving had a flat tire, which caused him to veer off the road.
Gloucestershire Police confirmed Harley, 21, died at the scene in Witcombe last Thursday. Police said his parents were informed and supported by specialist officers.
The memorial note left at the scene by his girlfriend, Holly Watts, read: ‘To the man I will love forever, my handsome man! I’m so proud of you and where we’ve come.
‘You know you have my heart and I know I have yours too. I will remember us forever. Forever in your arms, forever in our hearts. I love you! Love, your Holly xxx.’
And paying tribute to the Pearce family, one said: ‘Our family are truly shocked and completely heartbroken by the loss of our precious son and devoted brother Harley. A soul who left an unforgettable mark on everyone 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 lucky enough to know him.
‘We are so proud of the young man who, with quiet, understated strength and profound kindness, has demonstrated a great work ethic and entrepreneurial spirit in the agricultural sector. He will always be our shining star.
‘Rest in peace our beautiful son and brother. You will never be forgotten.’
Harley Pearce, son of football legend Stuart Pearce, pictured with girlfriend Holly Watts
In memory of Harley Pearce left at the scene of the accident by his girlfriend Holly Watts
A photo of Harley Pearce with his girlfriend Holly Watts at the scene of the accident
Stuart Pearce with his son Harley during a match at Southampton’s St Mary’s Stadium in 2012
Harley was the youngest of Stuart’s two children with his ex-wife Liz.
The former couple also has an older daughter, Chelsea, from their 20-year marriage, which ended in 2013.
Chelsea is an equestrian rider who has competed in three European Championships for Great Britain.
In 1999 Stuart was awarded an MBE by the late Queen for his acting career and charity work, and in recent years he has worked as a pundit and syndicator for talkSPORT.
Emergency services were called at around 2.30pm on Thursday to reports of a collision involving a tractor on the A417 Old Birdlip Hill in Witcombe.
Harley Pearce lost control of tractor on country road near family home in Wiltshire
The road where the crash occurred in Witcombe Hill, Gloucestershire, was closed today
Harley Pearce photographed with older sister Chelsea as a teenager
Harley, who was photographed as a child playing football for England, died at the scene last Thursday.
A tractor owned by Harley. It is unknown whether this is the vehicle involved in the accident.
A417 Old Birdlip Hill at Witcombe where the crash occurred last Thursday
Investigating officers are appealing for anyone who witnessed the crash or has relevant dashcam footage to get in touch.
A source told the Daily Mail: ‘We’re told Harley’s tractor blew up and he lost control.’
Harley ran his own company, Harley Pearce Agricultural Service, which worked on farms on the Wiltshire and Gloucestershire border. He lived near Marlborough in Wiltshire.
His father was involved in a serious car accident in 1998 when the car he was driving was hit by a truck that overturned and landed on the roof of the vehicle.
He escaped with only minor hand injuries and a stiff back.
Speaking to talkSPORT in 2020, Stuart told a touching anecdote about how Harley helped his son win the Fantasy Football league when he was eight.
Former England footballer Stuart Pearce and his wife Carol on ITV’s This Morning in March
Stuart Pearce had two children with ex-wife Liz (photo taken on their wedding day)
Flowers have been left at the scene of the crash on the A417 Old Birdlip Hill in Witcombe, Gloucestershire
A note of condolence left along with a note of remembrance at the scene of the crash in Witcombe, Gloucestershire
Flowers have been left at the scene of the crash on the A417 Old Birdlip Hill in Witcombe
Pretending to inquire about the England U21 team, Stuart called the then Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson and asked whether he planned to play Phil Jones or Chris Smalling in the final game of the season.
Sir Alex gave him the answer and Stuart told his son who had added the player – although he admitted he couldn’t remember which one – to the Fantasy Football team and subsequently United’s clean sheets during the match saw them win the league.
In March, former England and Nottingham Forest defender Stuart suffered health problems during the flight.
He experienced chest pains on the flight from the United States, where he was watching the Super League match between Wigan and Warrington.
The flight from Las Vegas to Heathrow was diverted to St John’s in Canada and he remained in hospital for five days to recover.
Stuart has been reached for comment.
