An inquest has revealed that former England rugby player Tom Voyce’s car was found submerged in 7ft (2.1m) of water, following Storm Darragh’s destructive impact last month.
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The 43-year-old ex-wing’s Toyota Hilux was swept away as he attempted to navigate the flooded Abberwick Ford in Northumberland.
A devastating discovery Voyce’s vehicle was discovered in the River Aln four days before his body was found further downstream. Emergency services and volunteers launched a search after his wife, Anna, reported him missing on the morning of 8 December. Tragically, his body was located on 12 December in deep water at Old Abberwick Mill.
A life on and off the pitch Known for his speed and agility, Voyce earned nine caps for England and played 220 Premiership games before retiring in May 2013. He had recently moved to Northumberland with his wife and son, Oscar, to start a new business venture.
Final moments Northumberland coroner Andrew Hetherington confirmed that Voyce was last seen leaving the Queen’s Head pub in Glanton on 7 December. Hetherington stated, “A search of the River Aln revealed his car, which was unoccupied, had been swept downstream from the ford at Abberwick as a result of storm water.”
The coroner added, “Searches of the Aln involving the emergency services and volunteers continued, and his body was found in deep water on 12 December by a member of UK Search and Rescue at Old Abberwick Mill.”
The inquest also highlighted that Voyce’s wife, Anna, reported him missing after realising he had not returned home. Mr. Hetherington said, “His wife Anna reported him missing the next morning when she realized he had not returned home.”
Inquest adjourned The inquest, held at County Hall in Morpeth, has been adjourned, with the hearing set to conclude on 1 April. Coroner Hetherington further noted, “The car was unoccupied when found and had been swept downstream by storm waters.”
This heartbreaking incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by extreme weather events. As the rugby community mourns the loss of a former star, the thoughts of fans and former teammates are with his family during this difficult time.
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