STUART Pearce’s son was killed in an accident blackspot on a dangerous road said neighbours of the England icon.
Harley Pearce reportedly lost control of his tractor after the tyre blew out causing him to veer off the steep hill and into a heavily wooded bank.
Local Janine Taylor, 55, said: “It’s a very steep and dangerous road people have been using it as a rat-run until the nearby A417, which is being improved, is reopened.
“There was a fatality earlier this year and there was are regular accidents and casualties.
“My heart goes out to the family of this young man.”
Harley was hauling a trailer of apples down the country road near his family’s home in Wiltshire when he crashed and the 21-year-old died at the scene.
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Yesterday hundreds of apples were still scattered on the ground at the scene of the crash near Witcombe, Gloucs.
Emergency services were called at around 2.30pm on Thursday to a report of a collision involving a tractor on the A417 Old Bishop Hill in Witcombe.
The heartbroken family paid an emotional tribute to their “cherished son and devoted brother, Harley. A soul who left an unforgettable imprint on all who knew him.”
The grieving family said: “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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“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,” they added.
Harley ran his own company, Harley Pearce Agricultural Service, and worked on farms across the Wiltshire and Gloucestershire border.
He was the youngest of footballing legend Stuart Pearce‘s children and his older sister Chelsea is an equestrian eventer who has represented Britain three times.
Harley’s girlfriend Holly Watts paid a visit to the scene of the tragic accident and left flowers with a handwritten note.
“To my Hunny, the man I will love forever. I am so proud of you and of what we have become.
“I know you have my heart and I know I have yours. I will cherish it forever. Forever in our heart. I love you!Love your Holly XXX,” it read.
Pearce, 63, nicknamed Psycho, ended his playing career in 2002 at Manchester City and then became a coach.
The former electrician won 78 caps for the Three Lions and later took on Team GB‘s football team for the 2012 London Olympics.
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Pep Guardiola, City boss, said: “On behalf of Manchester City, for the tragic news for Stuart Pearce and his wife and family about their son.
“I know there are no words for this huge tragedy but our deepest love to him and his family.”
