A much-loved 14-year-old schoolboy from Devon has died after being crushed when a tractor overturned on a farm near Holsworthy, prompting tributes from family, school, and the community amid an ongoing police investigation.
Charlie Stevens, a 14-year-old pupil at Holsworthy Community College, was fatally injured when a tractor overturned on a farm near Holsworthy in Devon on Monday, December 29, 2025, according to Devon and Cornwall Police and multiple news outlets including Metro and BBC News.
Tragic Farm Accident Claims Young Life
Emergency services were called to a farm near Holsworthy at around 3pm on December 29 following reports of a tractor overturning, Devon and Cornwall Police stated in an official release reported by Metro.co.uk. The vehicle had crushed 14-year-old Charlie Stevens, who was pronounced dead at the scene despite the efforts of paramedics. According to the police, the incident occurred on private farmland, and initial inquiries indicate no other individuals were involved. The farm owner has been assisting officers with their investigation, as detailed in coverage by BBC News and Devon Live.
As reported by Jacob Jarvis for Metro.co.uk, the force confirmed: “Police were called at 3pm on Monday 29 December following reports of a tractor overturning on a farm near Holsworthy. A 14-year-old boy was sadly pronounced deceased at the scene.”
Community Mourns Popular Schoolboy
Charlie Stevens was described as a “much-loved” pupil by Holsworthy Community College, which issued a statement expressing devastation over his death, according to reports from Plymouth Live and ITV News. The school confirmed Charlie was a Year 9 student and noted the close-knit nature of the rural community. Tributes poured in from family members, with Charlie’s aunt, Kelly Stevens, telling the media: “Charlie was a much-loved member of our family and will be sorely missed,” as quoted by Metro.co.uk and echoed in BBC coverage. Local residents and friends remembered him as a keen sportsman and popular figure at school.
Family and School Pay Emotional Tributes
Holsworthy Community College headteacher Neil Piper stated in a message to parents, shared via Devon Live: “It is with heavy hearts that I write to inform you of the tragic passing of one of our Year 9 students, Charlie Stevens.” The statement highlighted Charlie’s positive impact on school life. Additional details from Plymouth Herald reported that the family described Charlie as “bubbly and full of life,” with no further specifics on his activities at the time of the incident provided by authorities to respect ongoing inquiries.
Police Launch Investigation into Circumstances
Devon and Cornwall Police have launched a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the tractor accident, with no details released on whether Charlie was operating the vehicle or the exact mechanism of the overturning, as per statements covered by multiple outlets including Sky News and the Daily Mail. The force appealed for witnesses, stating any information could assist detectives, according to their press release cited by BBC News. Farm safety experts have not yet commented officially, but the incident underscores risks on agricultural land, with police confirming the investigation remains ongoing as of December 30, 2025.
Charlie Stevens, a 14-year-old from near Holsworthy, died after a tractor overturned on a Devon farm on December 29, prompting tributes from his school and family while police continue their investigation into the tragedy.
