Girlfriend of Stuart Pearce's son pays tribute to the man 'I'll love forever' after he died aged 21 in tractor tragedy

THE girlfriend of Stuart Pearce's son has paid an emotional tribute after he died aged 21 in a tractor crash.

Harley Pearce died at the scene in Witcombe, Gloucestershire, last Thursday after reportedly losing control of the farm vehicle.

Much-loved Harley ran his own company, Harley Pearce Agricultural Service, and worked on farms across the Wiltshire and Gloucestershire border.

He lived near Marlborough in Wiltshire and the "cherished" son and brother was also in a relationship with Holly Watts.

Now, Holly has paid an emotional tribute to "the man I'll love forever".

A note left at the scene alongside floral tributes read: "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 xxx."

The force confirmed earlier today that Harley's devastated parents have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers.

Harley was the youngest of two children Stuart, 63, had with his ex-wife, Liz.

England legend Pearce has been left heartbroken after the tractor Harley was driving reportedly suffered a possible tyre blow-out which caused him to veer off the road.

It caused Harley's vehicle, which was carrying a trailer-load of apples down a steep hill, to veer off the road into a heavily-wooded bank.

At the scene, hundreds of apples lay scattered on the ground and around the many bunches of flowers left beneath overhanging trees.

Local, Janine Taylor, 55, said: "There was a fatality earlier this year and there are regularly accidents and casualties.

"It is a very steep and dangerous road that people have been using as a rat run until the nearby A417, which is being improved, is reopened.

"My heart goes out to the family of this young man.

"It must be devastating for them. I really feel for everybody involved. It is just awful."

A family tribute read: "Our family is truly shocked and utterly heartbroken at the loss of our cherished son and devoted brother, Harley.

"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."

Stuart and his ex-wife Liz also have an older daughter, Chelsea, from their 20-year marriage that ended in 2013.

Harley's sister Chelsea is an equestrian and has regularly competed in eventing since 2010, including riding at three European Championships for Great Britain.

As a youngster, Harley was pictured at Wembley with his famous Dad Stuart, who won 78 caps for the Three Lions.

Pearce was due to commentate at Nottingham Forest' City Ground when they played Chelsea on Saturday, but withdrew in the wake of the tragedy.

In a statment Nottingham Forest – who Pearce played for between 1985 and 1997 – said: "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."

And West Ham said: "We are saddened to hear of Harley Pearce's passing.

"Everyone at the club sends their deepest condolences to Stuart and his family at this tragic time."

While Pep Guardiola said: "Let me start first: On behalf of Man 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."

We revealed in March how Pearce needed emergency treatment after falling ill at 30,000 feet, with a flight due to land in London diverted to Canada.

Pearce – nicknamed Psycho – said later: "My heart was racing a little bit.

"The medical staff on the plane were magnificent and they made the decision after three hours to drop me off in St John's in Newfoundland.

"The hospital staff there basically stopped my heart and resterdted it again to put it back into a normal rythmn."

Pearce, who also played for Newcastle and managed the England Under-21s, was involved in a horror car crash in 1988.

His vehicle was crushed by an over-turned lorry but the football icon miraculously walked away with minor hand and back injuries.

He was famed for his aggressive playing style and the left-back once tried to "run off" a broken leg for 10 minutes playing for West Ham v Watford in 1999.

He played 460 times for Forest, winning two League Cups with the club where he is still idolised.

The former electrician later managed Forest, Manchester City and the Great Britain team at the London 2012 Olympics.

Yesterday, Gloucestershire Police said investigating officers were still appealing for anyone who witnessed the collision or has any relevant dashcam footage to get in touch.