Stuart Pearce seen for first time since tragic death of his 21-year-old son Harley - as former England star returns to work in the Premier League

4 hours ago 10

By LUKE POWER, SPORTS REPORTER

Published: 20:17 BST, 25 October 2025 | Updated: 20:41 BST, 25 October 2025

Stuart Pearce has been seen in public for the first time since the death of his 21-year-old son.

Pearce took up the microphone working as a co-commentator for talkSPORT for Brentford's clash with Liverpool in London on Saturday night. 

The former England star put on a brave face as he returned to work just nine days following the death of his son Harley in a tractor crash. 

He decided not to address the recent tragedy on air as he joined commentator Jim Proudfoot and host Reshmin Chowdhury. 

Pearce, 63, has taken the approach of getting back into work quickly before. Earlier this year, he was back on talkSPORT less than three weeks after having a health scare on a flight to Las Vegas, causing the plane to land. 

His son Harley ran his own agricultural business but lost control of the farm vehicle on a country road some 50 miles from his family home in Wiltshire on Thursday last week. 

Stuart Pearce took up the mic for talkSPORT on Saturday night, nine days after his son's death

TalkSPORT host Reshmin Chowdhury shared a photograph of the team alongside Pearce

Harley Pearce, 21, died in a tractor crash last week and was described as a 'golden boy' 

The tractor he was driving suffered a possible tyre blow-out which caused him to veer off the road.

Harley, 21, died at the scene in Witcombe on Thursday last week, Gloucestershire Police confirmed. The force said his parents have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers.

A Pearce family tribute 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.

'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.'

And a tribute left at the scene by his girlfriend Holly Watts 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.'

Stuart Pearce with his son Harley at a match at Southampton's St Mary's Stadium in 2012

Harley Pearce, the son of football legend Stuart Pearce, pictured with his girlfriend Holly Watts

A tribute to Harley Pearce left by his girlfriend Holly Watts, at the scene of the crash

Harley Pearce, pictured as a teenager with his older sister Chelsea

Flowers left at the scene of the crash on the A417 Old Birdlip Hill in Witcombe, Gloucestershire

A photo of Harley Pearce with his girlfriend Holly Watts, at the scene of the crash

Harley was the youngest of two children 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.

Chelsea is an equestrian rider who has competed at three European Championships for Great Britain.

In 1999 Stuart was awarded an MBE by the late Queen for his playing career and charity work and in more recent years had worked as a pundit and co-commentator for talkSPORT.

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.

A source told the Daily Mail: 'From what we've been told is Harley's tractor had a blow out and he lost control.'

Harley ran his own company, Harley Pearce Agricultural Service, working on farms on the Wiltshire and Gloucestershire border. He lived near Marlborough in Wiltshire.

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