Tom Voyce, ex-England rugby player, presumed dead after storm

Former England rugby player Tom Voyce is missing near the town of Alnwick, Northumbria Police said on Tuesday, with authorities fearing he may have died after they found his car in a river.

Police said they received on Sunday that the 43-year-old had not returned home after an evening with friends.

A force spokesperson said: “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.”

Voyce won nine caps for England. In his club career, he had spells at Bath, London Wasps, Gloucester and London Welsh before retiring from rugby in 2013.

Chief Superintendent Helena Barron, from Northumbria Police, said: “This is an extremely tragic incident, and our thoughts are very much with Tom’s loved ones at this time.

“Our officers continue to support his family and we would ask that their privacy is respected.

“Extensive enquiries have been ongoing since concerns were raised for Tom, including deploying specialist teams to search for him.”

Source: espn.com