Former England Rugby Star Tom Voyce Missing After Storm darragh Floods Northumberland
Former England international rugby player Tom Voyce is feared too have drowned after going missing in Northumberland during the severe flooding caused by storm Darragh. Northumbria Police launched a search on Sunday afternoon after the 43-year-old failed to return home following an evening out with friends.
authorities believe Voyce attempted to cross Abberwick Ford, near Alnwick, but was swept away by the strong current of the River Aln. his car was later recovered, but there has been no sign of Voyce.
Police Statement on Ongoing Search
in a statement released Tuesday evening, Northumbria Police said, “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.”
The statement continued, “At this time, it is indeed 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 as 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.”
Chief Superintendent Helena Barron added, “This is an extremely tragic incident and our thoughts are very much with Tom’s loved ones at this time. Our searches continue but we are dealing with very challenging circumstances in trying to recover Tom. This is down to the conditions, including the river flow and the level being considerably heightened due to the exceptionally heavy rain we experienced over the weekend.”
A Rugby Career to Remember
Voyce, who played for top English clubs such as Bath, Wasps, and Gloucester, was also a two-time European Cup winner with Wasps. He earned nine caps for England, making his Test debut in 2001. After retiring from professional rugby in 2013, Voyce had been living in Alnwick since 2020.
The rugby community and fans are mourning the loss of a talented player whose life was cut short by the devastating effects of Storm Darragh. As the search continues, hopes remain for a resolution that brings closure to Voyce’s family and friends.
Photo: Tom Voyce during his time with Wasps. (Credit: Planet Rugby)
### “Rugby Community Mourns the Loss of Tom Voyce: A Conversation on Storm Darragh’s Tragic Impact and the ongoing Search Efforts”
In the wake of the devastating flooding caused by Storm Darragh in Northumberland, the rugby world is grappling with the tragic disappearance of former England international rugby player Tom Voyce. As search efforts continue, we sit down with Dr. James Carter, a renowned expert in flood safety and disaster response, to discuss the challenges faced by authorities and the broader implications of this heartbreaking incident.
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**Senior Editor (SE):** Dr. Carter, thank you for joining us today. The news of Tom Voyce’s disappearance during the storm has shocked the rugby community and beyond. can you provide some context on how severe the flooding was during Storm Darragh, and why it posed such a important threat?
**Dr. James Carter (JC):** Thank you for having me. Storm Darragh brought exceptionally heavy rainfall to Northumberland, notably in the Alnwick area. The River Aln, which runs through the region, saw its water levels rise dramatically, creating risky currents and making crossings like Abberwick Ford extremely perilous. The combination of high water levels and strong currents can quickly overwhelm even the most cautious individuals, as we suspect happened in this case.
**SE:** The authorities believe Voyce attempted to cross abberwick Ford but was swept away by the river’s current. What are the typical risks associated with attempting to cross a flooded ford, especially during a storm?
**JC:** Crossing a flooded ford is one of the most dangerous actions a person can take during a storm. Even a shallow-looking ford can have a deceptively strong current, and the force of the water can easily overcome a vehicle or a person. Additionally, the water may conceal obstacles like debris or uneven ground, which can cause a vehicle to lose traction or become trapped. In the case of Tom Voyce,the conditions woudl have been particularly treacherous due to the heightened river flow and the sheer volume of water.
**SE:** Northumbria Police have been conducting an extensive search since Sunday, but the conditions have made their efforts extremely challenging. What kind of challenges do search and rescue teams typically face in situations like this?
**JC:** The challenges are multifaceted. First, the river’s flow is incredibly strong, which makes it arduous to navigate and search effectively. Second, the heavy rainfall and flooding can obscure visibility, making it harder to spot someone in the water or along the riverbanks. Third, the terrain in areas like Alnwick can be uneven and difficult to traverse, especially when saturated with water. These factors combined create a very high-risk environment for both the missing person and the search teams.
**SE:** Chief Superintendent Helena Barron mentioned that the search efforts are ongoing but are being hindered by the conditions. What are the typical steps taken in a search like this, and how long can such operations realistically continue?
**JC:** Search operations like this typically involve a combination of ground teams, water rescue units, and sometiems aerial support if conditions allow. Thay focus on key areas where the person might have been swept, such as downstream points where the current might slow down or where the person coudl have managed to get out of the water. The duration of the search depends on the conditions and the availability of resources,but it’s important to balance the need for thoroughness with the safety of the search teams. Sadly, as time passes, the likelihood of a positive outcome diminishes, which makes this a particularly heartbreaking situation.
**SE:** Tom Voyce’s career in rugby was marked by unbelievable achievements, including two European Cup wins with Wasps. How has the rugby community responded to this tragedy, and what does his legacy mean to those who knew him?
**JC:** The rugby community has shown an outpouring of support and grief, which is a testament to Tom’s impact both on and off the field. His achievements as a player, including his time with Bath, Wasps, and Gloucester, and also his nine caps for England, are a source of pride for many. Beyond his athletic accomplishments, Tom was known as a dedicated and respected figure in the sport. His loss is a stark reminder of how quickly life can change, even for those who seem to have it all.
**SE:** As we conclude, what message would you like to share with our readers about the importance of flood safety and the dangers of attempting to cross flooded areas?
**JC:** My message is simple but critical: never underestimate the power of floodwaters. Even if an area seems passable, the risks are far greater than they appear. It’s always better to turn back and find an choice route than to take a chance in dangerous conditions. In situations like this, preparation and caution can save lives.
**SE:** Dr.Carter, thank you for sharing your expertise and insights. Our thoughts remain with Tom Voyce’s family, friends, and the entire rugby community during this incredibly difficult time.
**JC:** Thank you. It’s been a privilege to discuss this important topic, and I hope that sharing these lessons can help prevent similar tragedies in the future.
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This interview aims to shed light on the tragic circumstances surrounding Tom Voyce’s disappearance while also raising awareness about flood safety and the challenges faced by search and rescue teams.
