Wife of Former Rugby Star Tom Voyce Expresses Heartbreak Following His Death

Anna Voyce, wife of former England rugby star Tom Voyce, stated that “absolutely devastated and heartbroken doesn’t even describe how we feel” after his death. The discovery of a body in a Northumberland area, which had been flooded during Storm Darragh, was confirmed to be that of the 43-year-old, who had been reported missing on Sunday. Authorities suspect the former England international attempted to traverse Abberwick Ford, located near the village of Bolton, in a vehicle that was subsequently swept away by the current. Anna Voyce honored her husband, remarking, “My main focus now is our son Oscar having done what he asked, ‘find Daddy’.” Northumbria Police had previously confirmed on Thursday that its Marine Unit located a body near Abberwick Mill, concluding an extensive search operation. Mrs. Voyce commented, “Tom would be blown away by the amount of people that were out there helping.” She added, “We have all been overwhelmed by the support of friends, many travelling from far afield to help with the search,” and “We are just so lucky to live in such a special community that pulled together to find Tom.” After moving to Northumberland from London in 2019, Mr. Voyce departed from his position at Investec to establish his own company, Trevow Vegetation Management. Mrs. Voyce stated, “Tom was fully immersed in Alnwick Rugby Club and was much-loved by Oscar’s under-7’s team which he coached with gusto, giving back to the game that gave him so much.” She also noted, “Oscar is immensely proud of his Daddy and he was the best father and role model that Oscar could have asked for.” Alnwick Rugby Football Club expressed that it was “deeply saddened” by his passing. The club added, “The senior players couldn’t have enjoyed his sessions more and in recent years he has taken to coaching the minis, and I know he will be a huge miss to them.” The statement concluded, “Our thoughts are with his wife Anna, son Oscar, mother Christine, sister Emily and the rest of his family. A great rugby player and an even better man.” Mr. Voyce, a native of Truro in Cornwall, competed for Wasps, Bath, and Gloucester prior to his retirement from the sport in 2013. England head coach Steve Borthwick was among those who offered condolences. He characterized Mr. Voyce as “a wonderfully gifted rugby player and a truly lovely man,” adding, “Tom left a lasting impact on everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him and created memories that will stay with all who watched him play.” Borthwick further stated, “On behalf of everyone at England Rugby, we extend our deepest condolences to Tom’s family, friends, and loved ones. Our thoughts are with them during this incredibly difficult time.”