Former England Rugby Star Tom Voyce Feared Dead in Northumberland Flooding Tragedy

Police fear former England rugby international Tom Voyce has tragically lost his life after going missing in Northumberland, an area severely impacted by flooding during Storm Darragh.

The 43-year-old was last seen on Saturday evening after spending time with friends. When he failed to return home to Alnwick, Northumbria Police launched a search operation on Sunday afternoon.

Investigators believe Mr. Voyce attempted to cross Abberwick Ford, a notoriously flood-prone area near Alnwick. It is thought his vehicle was caught by the river’s powerful current. Although police have since recovered the car, a spokesperson stated, “It is believed that in his attempts to escape, he was swept away and tragically died.”

Extensive Search Effort Underway

Specialist teams, including Northumbria Police’s Marine Section, drone units, the National Police Air Service, and dog handlers, have been deployed to locate Mr. Voyce. Volunteers from two Mountain Rescue teams based in Northumberland are assisting the search, alongside support from Mr. Voyce’s family and friends.

Despite these efforts, the operation has been hampered by challenging conditions. Chief Superintendent Helena Barron explained: “The river flow and water level have been significantly heightened due to the exceptionally heavy rain over the weekend. These conditions are making our recovery efforts very difficult.”

Mr. Voyce’s wife, Anna, expressed her gratitude for the outpouring of support from friends, local residents, and emergency services during this harrowing time.

Rugby Community in Mourning

Tom Voyce, originally from Truro, Cornwall, earned nine caps for England between 2001 and 2006. During his rugby career, he played for clubs including Wasps, Bath, and Gloucester before retiring in 2013. Since 2020, he had been living in Alnwick with his family.

Tributes from the rugby world reflect the profound loss felt by those who knew him. 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 echoed these sentiments, calling the news “desperately sad” and extending their support to his loved ones.

A Devastating Loss

Storm Darragh has left parts of Northumberland, including Abberwick Ford, submerged in deep floodwaters. A local road near the ford remains impassable, a stark reminder of the storm’s impact.

A team from Northumberland Fire Service had secured Mr. Voyce’s car to the riverbank earlier this week, but they have since been stood down from the search.

The incident has cast a somber shadow over the region and the rugby community alike, as both continue to hope for closure amid these devastating circumstances.

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