Rugby star Tom Voyce disappears after car found in river
- Tom Voyce, a former England rugby player, went missing after attempting to cross a flooded river during Storm Darragh.
- Rescue teams conducted extensive searches in challenging weather conditions, ultimately recovering his body.
- His death has devastated family, friends, and the rugby community, highlighting the tragic outcome of the flooding.
In the tragic aftermath of Storm Darragh, a former England rugby player, Tom Voyce, was discovered deceased after his vehicle was swept into the River Aln in Northumberland. The incident occurred while Voyce was reportedly attempting to cross the Abberwick Ford on Saturday evening, during extreme weather conditions characterized by heavy rainfall and strong currents. His Toyota Hilux was later located approximately 15 meters downstream, but Voyce was missing for several days as extensive search efforts were conducted by the police, mountain rescue teams, and local volunteers. The rapid rise in river levels due to the exceptionally heavy rain from Storm Darragh led to flooding, prompting significant concern for public safety. Eyewitnesses noted the dangerous conditions, with local authorities advising against crossing swollen rivers. Voyce had not returned home after an evening with friends, leading to the initiation of a search operation when he was reported missing. His family and friends actively participated in the search efforts, reflecting the strong community bonds in Alnwick. Following the discovery of his body, Chief Superintendent Helena Barron of Northumbria Police expressed condolences to Voyce’s loved ones, stating the situation was “an extremely sad development.” His wife, Anna Wood, publicly shared her heartbreak, emphasizing the impact of his loss on their family and their young son, Oscar. The community rallied to support the family throughout the search, showcasing the collective effort to find him during such trying times. Tom Voyce was a respected figure in rugby, having earned nine caps for England and playing for several prominent clubs, including Bath, Wasps, and Gloucester, before retiring in 2013. His untimely death has elicited an outpouring of grief from the rugby community and beyond, underlining the sense of tragedy and loss felt by many. As investigations continue, including a report prepared for the coroner, the family seeks privacy while remembering the cherished memories of Voyce's life and legacy as a father and sportsman.