Body of England Rugby Player Tom Voyce Discovered After River Crossing Attempt During Storm Darragh Rescue Mission
A body has been found during the ongoing search for former England rugby player Tom Voyce, whose car was swept into a river amid Storm Darragh.
The 43-year-old was reported to have gone into the River Aln on Sunday.
Chief Superintendent Helena Barron from Northumbria Police commented, “This is a very tragic development, and our thoughts are with Tom’s family and friends.
“I would like to thank all our officers, partners, and volunteers for their contributions during the searches, conducted under particularly difficult conditions.
“We continue to ask for respect regarding the family’s privacy during this time.”
DISAPPEARED WITHOUT A TRACE
Authorities were alerted after the former winger did not return home following a Saturday evening spent with friends.
It is believed he may have attempted to cross Abberwick Ford in his vehicle, which became trapped in the river’s current.
The car was recovered, and searches for Voyce persisted amid concerns he could have been swept away.
Chief Superintendent Helena Barron earlier declared, “This is a deeply tragic incident, and our thoughts remain with Tom’s loved ones during this difficult time.
“Our officers are continuing to provide support to his family, and we would request respect for their privacy.
“Thorough investigations have been underway since concerns were raised for Tom, including the deployment of specialized teams for searches.”
Search efforts have involved specialized units from Northumbria Police’s Marine Section, with assistance from the National Police Air Service, drones, and rescue dogs.
Volunteers from the North of Tyne Mountain Rescue have also taken part in the search alongside Mr. Voyce’s family and friends.
The search efforts are being managed by teams with specialized training or knowledge of the local area.
Members of the public are advised against conducting personal searches at the location.
A representative from Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service (NFRS) stated they arrived on the scene at 2:10 pm on Sunday at the request of Northumbria Police.
The statement continued: “We arrived with our Swift Water Team and provided portable lighting to aid the search.
“Our teams also secured the vehicle to the riverbank. The NFRS was later released from the scene by police.
“Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the missing individual during this extremely challenging time.”
The former winger earned nine caps for England and played for Bath, London Wasps, and Gloucester throughout a distinguished career.
His time at Wasps lasted six years, during which he secured both European and domestic championships.
Voyce made a total of 220 Premiership appearances before retiring in May 2013.
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