Search Continues for Former England Rugby Player Tom Voyce Amid Community Support

Rugby World Cup champion Lawrence Dallaglio has conveyed his grief following the apparent disappearance of his former England colleague, Tom Voyce, who was reportedly carried off by a swollen river during Storm Darragh. Authorities suspect the 43-year-old perished after attempting to traverse Abberwick Ford, situated near Alnwick, Northumberland, in his vehicle, which was subsequently dragged by the water’s flow. Efforts to locate Mr. Voyce have been underway since Sunday lunchtime, after he failed to return home following a social gathering with friends. On Wednesday, Dallaglio posted on X, stating: “It’s the most horrific news and all I would say at this juncture is that please let us all respect Tom’s family and their suffering right now and keep them in all our thoughts.” Dallaglio is among numerous figures from the rugby world who have voiced their dismay regarding the presumed loss of the former England winger and full-back. Matt Dawson, who was Mr. Voyce’s teammate at Wasps from 2004 to 2006, indicated he could not “express his sadness.” Premiership Rugby conveyed its “devastated” feelings and extended thoughts to Mr. Voyce’s loved ones. While his vehicle has since been located, a Northumbria Police spokesperson commented: “It is believed in his attempts to escape he has been swept away and tragically died.” Search crews assembled at dawn and are meticulously examining the riverbanks from the ford, located between Bolton and Abberwick, extending to the sea at Alnmouth. Coastguard personnel participated in the search, deploying a dinghy and accompanied by a trained canine. A gauge at the ford indicated the river’s depth remained over 1ft (30cm), though it would have been considerably higher over the weekend amidst the storm. His wife, Anna, and his family expressed gratitude to the police, friends, and the local populace for their assistance and backing. Mr. Voyce earned nine caps for England between 2001 and 2006, and competed for Wasps, Bath, and Gloucester prior to his retirement from professional rugby in 2013. Gloucester Rugby stated they were “desperately sad to hear the distressing news regarding our former player and friend.” They further added: “Our thoughts and prayers go out to Tom’s family and friends at this incredibly difficult time.” The British & Irish Lions conveyed their “heartfelt thoughts and prayers” to Mr. Voyce’s family and friends “during this deeply distressing time.” Premiership Rugby also commented: “Everyone at Premiership Rugby is devastated by the news regarding Tom Voyce.” They continued: “We send our thoughts and prayers to his family and friends.” Bath Rugby remarked: “Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of Tom Voyce at this incredibly distressing time.” Penryn Rugby Football Club, among Mr. Voyce’s initial clubs in Cornwall, stated: “Our thoughts and prayers go to Tom’s family, friends and everyone affected.” Mr. Voyce had previously been employed by the bank Investec, where a spokeswoman conveyed: “All of Tom’s many friends and colleagues at Investec are sending our thoughts and prayers to his family, friends and loved ones at this distressing and difficult time.” Storm Darragh delivered severe weather conditions to the UK beginning early Saturday morning, leading to multiple flood warnings. The search operation has also involved specialized personnel from the Northumbria Police’s Marine Section, the National Police Air Service, as well as drones and dog handlers. Volunteers from the two Northumberland-based Mountain Rescue teams have also been providing aid, working alongside Mr. Voyce’s family and friends. Additional reporting was provided by PA Media. For updates, follow BBC North East on X, Facebook, Nextdoor, and Instagram. Story ideas can be sent to northeastandcumbria@bbc.co.uk. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Information regarding our approach to external linking is available.