Body found in search for former England rugby player Tom Voyce after car was swept away by river

Northumberland Police in the UK have confirmed overnight that a body has been found in the search for former England rugby player Tom Voyce. It is believed that Voyce died after his car was swept into a river.

According to Northumberland Police, the search began on Sunday after 43-year-old Voyce failed to return home after meeting with friends the previous evening. Police located his car in the northeast of England, and a specialist marine unit subsequently found a body in the river on Thursday (Friday morning AEST).

“It is believed the 43-year-old entered the River Aln while attempting to drive through Abberwick Ford near Alnwick,” Northumberland Police said in a statement. The statement also noted, “An extensive search was then carried out with a number of partners. Tom’s family and friends were also involved in the search.”

“Formal identification is yet to take place, but Tom’s next of kin have been notified and are currently being supported by officers,” police stated. “This is an incredibly sad development, and our thoughts remain with Tom’s loved ones.”

British media reported that the area was experiencing flooding at the time, with Storm Daragh hitting the UK over the weekend, bringing strong winds and heavy rain. Voyce played nine times for England between 2001 and 2006, and also had a successful club career.

Voyce initially played for Bath before representing Wasps, Gloucester, and London Welsh. In November 2004, while playing for Wasps, Voyce set the record for the fastest try in the Premiership's history. He collected a loose ball from the kickoff to score in 9.63 seconds against Harlequins.

He made 220 Premiership appearances during his career before retiring in May 2013. There has been an outpouring of emotion for Voyce since police issued a statement on Tuesday confirming Voyce’s car had been found.

The Rugby Football Union wrote in a post on X (formerly Twitter): “Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of Tom Voyce at this incredibly difficult time.” Voyce’s former teammate Matt Dawson also posted a tribute on Instagram. “He was one of the good guys in life… I can’t express my sadness right now,” he wrote, alongside a picture of Voyce training for England.