First earlies are dying off at this time of year, especially from March plantings. They only grow for two or three months then fizzle out.
So I suspect that it is old age. For example are the leaves actually mushy and smelly (blight) or mottled, brown spots, yellowing (general dieback)?
Anyway cutting off the tops is fine and I would eat them soon as the flavour won’t improve and slugs will be interested.
