Harley Pearce's Sudden Death Prompts Youth Cardiac Screening in Nottingham

When Harley Pearce, a 23‑year‑old junior analyst at Deloitte, collapsed at his West Bridgford home on Sunday night, the ripple effect was felt far beyond his family. The tragedy sparked immediate bereavement leave for his uncle, former England defender Stuart Pearce, and set in motion a city‑wide push for mandatory cardiac screening of young athletes. Here’s what happened, who’s speaking, and why it matters for anyone in Nottingham and beyond.

Family Tragedy and Immediate Response

The family released a heartbreaking statement on Monday, October 14, 2025, confirming that Harley Pearce died at 9:18 PM BST after being rushed to Nottingham City Hospital. The notice, signed by his parents David Pearce (58) and Susan Pearce (56), as well as grandparents John Pearce (82) and Margaret Pearce (80), asked for privacy.

Within hours, Nottingham Forest Football Club announced that Stuart Pearce would be on bereavement leave, postponing his media duties for the upcoming Premier League clash against Chelsea on October 19. The club’s statement emphasized that his “heart is with his family” and that the entire organization stands in solidarity.

Harley's Life: Work, Sport, and Community

Beyond the sad headlines, Harley led a bustling life. After graduating with a 2:1 in Business Economics from the University of Nottingham in July 2023, he joined the Deloitte Nottingham office as a junior financial analyst. Colleagues described him as “sharp, collaborative, and always eager to help.”

Sports were a second heartbeat. Since September 2021, he played flanker for the Nottingham Eagles Rugby Club, racking up 78 appearances and 12 tries. His coach, Michael Turner, 42, said Harley “was the epitome of a team player—always the first to support others, never missed training, and had a smile that lit up the changing room.”

He also volunteered with the Nottingham Youth Football League, coaching under‑12s at West Bridgford FC every Saturday morning. Over 150 youngsters benefited from his patience and love of the game, a fact the family highlighted when announcing the memorial fund.

Club and Community Reactions

The outpouring of support was swift. Fans left flowers at the City Ground, and the Nottingham Community Foundation set up the Harley Pearce Memorial Fund, which had already raised £12,750 by the afternoon of October 15. All proceeds are earmarked for youth cardiac‑screening programs across Nottinghamshire.

“Harley’s loss leaves a void we cannot fill,” Turner added, noting that the rugby club will observe a moment of silence before its next match. Meanwhile, the Nottinghamshire County Football Association announced a policy shift: mandatory cardiac screenings for all players under 18 will start on January 1, 2026.

Health Policy Changes Sparked by the Loss

Sudden cardiac arrest claims the lives of roughly 3,000 young athletes in the UK each year, according to the British Heart Foundation. Harley’s case, with no known pre‑existing condition, underscores the urgency of early detection. Dr. Eleanor Shaw, a cardiologist at the University Hospitals of Leicester, explained, “Routine ECGs and echocardiograms can catch hidden heart rhythm disorders that would otherwise stay silent until tragedy strikes.”

The new screening protocol will require clubs to partner with local health providers, affording free tests to any player under 18. Funding will be partially supplied by the memorial fund and a £50,000 grant from the National Institute for Health Research, announced on October 18.

Looking Ahead: The Harley Pearce Foundation

Set to launch on December 1, 2025, the Harley Pearce Foundation aims to “turn grief into action.” Its inaugural project will sponsor cardiac‑screening clinics in schools across Nottinghamshire, with a target of testing 5,000 youths in its first year. Stuart Pearce, while still on leave, has pledged to serve as a patron, saying, “Harley’s spirit will live on every time a child gets screened and stays safe.”

Harley’s private funeral will be held at St Mary’s Church in Nottingham on Monday, October 21, 2025, at 2:00 PM BST. The family requested no media coverage, but they hope the legacy projects will keep his memory alive.