Body found in search for rugby star missing in flood after Storm Darragh
A body has been found in the search for former England rugby player Tom Voyce, who went missing during Storm Darragh. The 43-year-old sportsman was feared swept away after attempting to cross a flooded river, Northumbria Police said. Formal identification is yet to take place, but Tom's next of kin have been notified and are currently being supported by officers.
Chief Superintendent Helena Barron, of Northumbria Police, said: “This is an extremely sad development and our thoughts very much continue to be with Tom’s loved ones. I would like to thank all of our officers, partners and volunteers for their assistance throughout the searches which have been conducted in very challenging circumstances. We would continue to ask that people respect the family’s privacy at this time.”
Police feared that Tom, 43, died after attempting to cross a flooded river in Northumbria. It is believed that he entered the River Aln near Alnwick after attempting to cross Abberwick Ford in his car. Officers do not believe there to be any third-party involvement.
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A search had been underway since Sunday, 8 December, when it was reported to local police that the rugby star hadn’t returned home following an evening out with his friends on Saturday night. Sadly, Northumbria Police's Marine Unit discovered a body near Abberwick Mill on Thursday, 12 December.
The search for Tom had been aided by specialist officers from Northumbria Police's Marine section as well as the National Police Air Service, drones and dog handlers. Volunteers from the North of Tyne Mountain Rescue had also been searching the terrain alongside Tom’s family and friends.
During his 13-year rugby career, Tom, who was born in Cornwall, but had been living in Alnwick since 2020, played both wing and fullback for a variety of teams and secured nine caps for England. After starting his career on the pitch at Bath Rugby, Tom joined the London Wasps in 2003 where he played for six years before moving to Gloucester in 2009.
He was also an established member of the England team and was selected for each of England's Six Nations matches in 2006. In May 2013, Tom revealed that he was retiring from the sport.
Following news of his disappearance, England rugby tweeted: "Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of Tom Voyce at this extremely challenging time." Meanwhile, Wasps Rugby wrote: "Shocked to hear the terrible news that former player Tom Voyce went missing during storm Darragh. Tom won the Premiership and European Cup twice. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Tom’s family at this incredibly difficult time. #onceawaspalwaysawasp #waspsrugby."
