Harley Pearce, the 21-year-old son of England football legend Stuart Pearce, tragically died in a tractor accident last Thursday in Witcombe, Gloucestershire.
Reports indicate the incident occurred after a possible tyre blow-out caused the tractor to veer off the road. Harley died at the scene.
He was the youngest of two children Stuart, 63, had with his ex-wife, Liz. The couple also share an older daughter, Chelsea, an accomplished equestrian who has represented Great Britain at multiple European Championships.
A family tribute read: “Our family is truly shocked and utterly heartbroken at the loss of our cherished son and devoted brother, Harley. 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.”
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Harley had founded his own business, Harley Pearce Agricultural Service, and worked on farms across the Wiltshire and Gloucestershire border, demonstrating the same drive and dedication that characterised his life.
The tragedy underscores the ongoing risks in UK agriculture. In 2024/25 alone, 23 workers lost their lives on farms across Great Britain, with nearly half being over the age of 65. Northern Ireland saw a further five agricultural fatalities during the same period.
UK charity The Farm Safety Foundation reported that over the past 13 years, an average of 31 lives have been lost on farms each year, including 27 farm workers and four members of the public, some of them children.
Despite accounting for just 1% of the UK working population, farming represents nearly 20% of all workplace deaths, making it the sector with the poorest safety record. The figures highlight the dangers farmers face daily while producing food for the nation.
Campaigners have long called for increased adoption of rollover protection, seat belts on tractors, and regular machinery maintenance to reduce the risk of fatal accidents.
Mr Pearce and his family have asked for privacy as they mourn their devastating loss. The HSE and local authorities are supporting the family and have confirmed the incident is under investigation.
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