Stuart Pearce’s son Harley has been tragically killed in a tractor crash.
The former England football international is grieving after his son, 21, reportedly lost control of the farm vehicle on a country road near his family home in Wiltshire.
The tractor he was driving suffered a possible tyre blow-out which caused him to veer off the road, MailOnline reported.
The force said his parents have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers.
Harley was the youngest of two children defender Stuart had with his ex-wife, Liz.
The former couple also have an older daughter, Chelsea, from their 20-year marriage that ended in 2013.
A tribute released by the family 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.”
Emergency services were called at around 2.30pm on Thursday to a report of a collision involving a tractor on the A417 Old Birdlip Hill in Witcombe.
Investigating officers are appealing for anyone who witnessed the crash or who has any relevant dashcam footage to get in touch.
Harley ran a company, Harley Pearce Agricultural Service, working on farms on the Wiltshire and Gloucestershire border.
He lived near Marlborough in Wiltshire.
His father Stuart won 78 caps for England, scoring five goals.
Nicknamed, ‘Psycho’, for his unforgiving style of play, he was best known for a 12 -year spell at Nottingham Forest who he played for over 400 times.
In 1999 he was awarded an MBE by the late Queen for his playing career and charity work.
In more recent years he has worked as a pundit and co-commentator for talkSPORT.
His daughter Chelsea is an equestrian and has regularly competed in eventing since 2010, including riding at three European Championships for Great Britain.
