Police have confirmed the ongoing search for former England rugby player Tom Voyce, who is feared dead after his car was swept into a fast-flowing river during the chaos of Storm Darragh.
The 43-year-old’s car has been recovered from the River Aln near Alnwick, Northumberland. Reports suggest he had attempted to cross the river via a ford on Saturday night when the storm unleashed its fury.
A spokesperson for Northumbria Police said: “It is believed in his attempts to escape he has been swept away and tragically died.”
“An England Great”
Voyce, who earned nine caps for England, was also a standout in club rugby, representing sides like London Wasps, Bath, and Gloucester.
Search Intensifies
Search teams gathered at first light today, focusing their efforts along the riverbanks from the ford near Bolton and Abberwick, stretching all the way to Alnmouth by the sea.
Despite water levels currently sitting at just one foot deep, the river is believed to have been significantly higher during the weekend’s torrential downpours.
Specialist officers from the Marine Section, the National Police Air Service, drones, and dog handlers have joined the operation. Volunteers, alongside family and friends—including his wife, Anna Wood, whom Voyce married in 2015—are assisting in the search today.
“A Community in Mourning”
Floral tributes have already been left at the riverbank, with one arrangement of red roses symbolising the love and sorrow of those closest to him.
The rugby world has been shaken by the news. Matt Dawson, who played alongside Voyce at Wasps, shared a heartfelt tribute on Instagram, posting a photo of Voyce with the caption:
“One of life’s wonderful humans… I can’t express my sadness right now… All the Dawsons send their love & strength to Anna and the whole family.”
Former England and Wasps teammate Andy Goode wrote: “So sad to hear of the suspected loss of my old team mate Tom Voyce, he was a great bloke who I spent many fun times with. RIP mate you’ll be missed Voycey,”
The sportsman was last seen Saturday after spending the evening with friends, and his suspected passing leaves a void not only in his family’s hearts but across the entire rugby community.
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