Former England Rugby Player Tom Voyce Feared Dead After Flood Disappearance

Authorities suspect former England rugby international Tom Voyce may have died following his disappearance in a flooded region of Northumberland during Storm Darragh. Northumbria Police initiated a search operation on Sunday lunchtime after the 43-year-old failed to return to his residence following an evening spent with friends. Investigators believe Mr Voyce attempted to traverse Abberwick Ford, located near Alnwick, in his vehicle, which was subsequently swept away by the river’s current. While officers have since located and recovered the vehicle, a spokesperson for the force stated: “It is believed in his attempts to escape he has been swept away and tragically died.” The search effort involved the deployment of specialist personnel from Northumbria Police’s Marine Section, the National Police Air Service, as well as drones and dog handlers. Additionally, volunteers from Northumberland’s two Mountain Rescue teams have been providing assistance, working alongside Mr Voyce’s family and friends. Mr Voyce’s wife, Anna, and his family conveyed their appreciation for the extensive help and support received from the police, friends, and the local community. Chief Superintendent Helena Barron commented: “This is an extremely tragic incident and our thoughts are very much with Tom’s loved ones at this time.” She added: “Our searches continue but we are dealing with very challenging circumstances in trying to recover Tom.” She attributed these difficulties to “the conditions, including the river flow and the level being significantly heightened due to the exceptionally heavy rain we experienced over the weekend.” A unit from Northumberland Fire Service secured Mr Voyce’s car to the riverbank; however, the brigade has subsequently been withdrawn from the search operation. Mr Voyce, a native of Truro in Cornwall, earned nine caps for England between 2001 and 2006. He represented Wasps, Bath, and Gloucester during his career before his retirement from professional rugby in 2013, and has resided in Alnwick since 2020. The wider rugby community has offered support to Mr Voyce’s family and friends. England Rugby issued a statement saying: “Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of Tom Voyce at this extremely challenging time.” Gloucester Rugby expressed that it was “desperately sad to hear the distressing news regarding our former player and friend,” and Bath Rugby conveyed on X that its “thoughts and prayers” are with Mr Voyce’s loved ones.