Pep Guardiola has sent his well-wishes to former Manchester City player and manager Stuart Pearce after his son tragically died at the age of 21 in a tractor accident.
The former England international is grieving after his son Harley Pearce lost control of the farm vehicle on a country road some 50 miles from his family home in Wiltshire.
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, last Thursday, Gloucestershire Police confirmed. The force said his parents have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers.
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.
Now, Manchester City – who Pearce played for between 2001 and 2002 and also managed between 2005 and 2007 – manager Guardiola has publicly supported Pearce.
Pep Guardiola (right) has sent his well wishes to Stuart Pearce (left) after the death of his son
Harley Pearce, the son of football legend Pearce, pictured with his girlfriend Holly Watts, passed away at the age of 21 in a tractor crash
Harley, pictured with Pearce in 21, died at the scene in Witcombe, near his family home last Thursday
‘On behalf of Man City, for the tragic news for Stuart Pearce and his wife and family about their son,’ Guardiola began. ‘I know there are no words for this huge tragedy but our deepest love to him and his family.’
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.’
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.
Pearce lost control of the tractor on a country road with investigating officers appealing forwitnesses
A tribute to Pearce has been left by his girlfriend Holly Watts at the scene of the crash
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.
His father was himself involved in a serious car crash in 1998 when the car he was driving was crushed by a lorry overturning and landing on the roof of vehicle.
He escaped with only minor hand injuries and a stiff back.
