Northumbria Police have confirmed the tragic news that Tom Voyce, who appeared nine times for England’s rugby union team is believed to have died aged 43 after his car plunged into the River Aln
Former England rugby player Tom Voyce, 43, is believed to have died after going into the River Aln in his car on Sunday, Northumbria Police said.
A statement from the force on Tuesday evening read: “We are searching for a man believed to have gone into the River Aln near Alnwick.
“Extensive enquiries have been ongoing since we received a report on Sunday that former England rugby international player Tom Voyce, 43, had not returned home after being out with friends the previous evening.
“At this time, it is suspected Tom has attempted to cross Abberwick Ford in his car which has then been pulled along with the current of the river.
“Officers have since recovered his car, but sadly Tom is yet to be found. It is believed in his attempts to escape he has been swept away and tragically died.”
The tragic incident happened during Storm Darragh, which brought terrible weather to the UK over the weekend and prompted a number of flood warnings.
Voyce is originally from Cornwall, but has been living in Alnwick since 2020. He played for England from 2001 until 2006, earning nine caps, before retiring from rugby in 2013.
He played as a winger or full-back, turning out for Bath, Gloucester, Wasps and London Welsh over a distinguished career.
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