Former England Rugby Player Tom Voyce Presumed Dead After Car Found in River
Former England rugby player Tom Voyce, 43, has gone missing and is presumed dead after his car was discovered in a river in Northumberland. The incident occurred near Abberwick Ford, about 3 miles from Alnwick, where the River Aln’s current appears to have carried his vehicle away. The area had recently experienced severe weather conditions due to Storm Darragh, which brought strong winds and heavy rain across the UK on the weekend.
Police have recovered the car, but there is still no sign of Voyce. Authorities believe he was swept away by the river while attempting to escape the submerged vehicle, leading to the assumption of his passing. Chief Superintendent Helena Barron from Northumbria Police expressed her condolences, stating, “This is an extremely tragic incident, and our thoughts are very much with Tom’s loved ones at this time.”
Search efforts have been ongoing since concerns were raised for Voyce’s well-being. Specialized teams have been deployed to assist in locating him, with the North of Tyne Mountain Rescue volunteers joining forces with his family and friends. Despite the immense support from the police, friends, and the local community, the public has been advised against conducting independent searches at the scene.
The Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service played a crucial role in the operation, providing assistance with their Swift Water Team and portable lighting units. They managed to secure the car to the bankside before being stood down by the police. In a statement, the NFRS spokesperson conveyed their sympathies, acknowledging the challenging circumstances faced by Voyce’s family and friends.
Tom Voyce enjoyed a successful rugby career, earning nine caps for England. His contributions spanned across various clubs, notably Bath, London Wasps, and Gloucester, where he made a total of 220 Premiership appearances before retiring in May 2013.
Our hearts go out to Tom Voyce’s family and friends as they navigate through this difficult time. Every effort is being made to bring closure to this tragic incident, underscoring the collective support and unity within the rugby community during moments of adversity.
