Ex-England rugby player Tom Voyce feared dead at 43 after car plunges into river
Northumbria Police have announced that former England rugby union player Tom Voyce is believed to have died aged 43 after his car plunged into the River Aln during Storm Darragh
Former England rugby player Tom Voyce, 43, is believed to have died after going into the River Aln in his car on Sunday, Northumbria Police said.
Voyce was returning home from an evening out with friends when he is believed to have tried to cross Abberwick Ford in his car. Police believe he was pulled away by the current of the River Aln, three miles outside of Alnwick.
A statement from Northumbria Police on Tuesday evening read: "We are searching for a man believed to have gone into the River Aln near Alnwick.
"Extensive enquiries have been ongoing since we received a report on Sunday that former England rugby international player Tom Voyce, 43, had not returned home after being out with friends the previous evening.
"At this time, it is suspected Tom has attempted to cross Abberwick Ford in his car which has then been pulled along with the current of the river.
"Officers have since recovered his car, but sadly Tom is yet to be found. It is believed in his attempts to escape he has been swept away and tragically died."
The tragic incident happened during Storm Darragh, which brought terrible weather to the UK over the weekend and prompted a number of flood warnings.
Specialist officers from the Northumbria Police’s Marine Section, the National Police Air Service, drones and dog handlers have been searching for him, alongside volunteers from the North of Tyne Mountain Rescue and Voyce’s family and friends.
"This is an extremely tragic incident, and our thoughts are very much with Tom’s loved ones at this time," said Chief Superintendent Helena Barron of Northumbria Police.
"Our officers continue to support his family and we would ask that their privacy is respected. Extensive inquiries have been ongoing since concerns were raised for Tom, including deploying specialist teams to search for him."
Northumbria Police added: "This is an extremely tragic incident and our thoughts are very much with Tom’s loved ones at this time. We continue to support his family and we would ask that their privacy is respected.
"Our searches continue but we are dealing with very challenging circumstances in trying to recover Tom. Sadly, we can therefore not provide any timescales around this.
"Tom’s wife Anna and all his family have expressed their gratitude for all the help and support from officers, friends and the local community with helping find Tom.
"Those who have been carrying out the searches have been doing so in a coordinated manner and are either trained or know the local area and terrain well. Members of the public are asked not to attend the scene to conduct their own searches."
Voyce is originally from Cornwall, but has been living in Alnwick since 2020. He played for England from 2001 until 2006, earning nine caps, before retiring from rugby in 2013.
He played as a winger or full-back, turning out for Bath, Gloucester, Wasps and London Welsh over a distinguished career. Since retiring, Voyce has worked for Investec Bank.
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