The family of 21-year-old Harley Pearce, who died in a tractor collision in the Cotswolds last week, have paid tribute to a “golden boy with an infectious smile”, as farming fatalities continue to rise across the UK.
Emergency services were called to the A417 Old Birdlip Hill in Witcombe, Gloucestershire, at about 2.30pm on Thursday 16 October, following reports of a serious collision involving a tractor.
Harley, the son of former England footballer Stuart Pearce, who is a well-known football pundit on TalkSport radio, was pronounced dead at the scene.
See also: Agriculture remains Britain’s most dangerous industry
In a statement, his family said: “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.”
Harley, from Marlborough, Wiltshire, ran his own agricultural contracting business, Harley Pearce Agricultural Services.
Understated strength and deep kindness
His death has sent shockwaves through both the farming and sporting communities.
“This shocking tragedy will leave a huge hole in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to have known him,” said Harley’s family.
“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.”
The family have asked for privacy while police continue their investigation.
Officers are appealing for witnesses or dashcam footage and can be contacted via Gloucestershire Police’s online portal, quoting incident 284 of 16 October.
Further farm fatalities
There have been three fatal incidents involving farming in October alone.
On the day Harley died, a member of the public was killed in a field containing cattle in Somerset.
Earlier this month, on 1 October, a self-employed farmer in Pembrokeshire was crushed to death while disconnecting a hedge cutter from a tractor.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is investigating all three incidents.
Farming remains statistically the UK’s most dangerous profession. Since the start of this financial year (April 2025), 22 people have lost their lives in fatal incidents on farms in Great Britain.