England rugby star Tom Voyce’s car found submerged in 7ft of water after it was swept away during storm, inquest told
TRAGIC England rugby star Tom Voyce’s car was found in 7ft of water after it was swept away during a storm, an inquest heard.
The 43-year-old was attempting to cross Abberwick Ford in Northumberland when the horror unfolded.
A huge search was launched for the former England international but his body was tragically discovered five days later.
An inquest heard today his car was found unoccupied submerged in 7ft of water in December after Storm Darragh swept the UK.
The coroner said Voyce was last seen on December 7 at around 11.45pm when he left the Queen‘s Head pub in Glanton.
His wife Anna reported him missing the next morning when she realised he had not returned home.
Worried family and friends joined the search effort alongside specialist police divers trawling the swollen River Aln.
Voyce’s body was discovered in “deep water” on December 12 by a member of UK Search and Rescue at Old Abberwick Mill.
Northumberland coroner Andrew Hetherington adjourned the full inquest until April 1.
Paying tribute, Voyce’s wife Anna said previously: “Absolutely devastated and heartbroken doesn’t even describe how we feel.
“My main focus now is our son Oscar having done what he asked, ‘find Daddy’.
“Oscar is immensely proud of his Daddy and he was the best father and role model that Oscar could have asked for.
“Tom was proud, and cherished, his rugby memories and as an adopted ‘Northumbrian’ local he leaves a hole in so many of our hearts.”
Mike Tindall also paid tribute to his former England teammate and “incredible” friend in a statement shared by The Good The Bad & The Rugby podcast.
He wrote: “He epitomised rugby as a game for all shapes and sizes, punching well above his weight.
“His ability to break tackles and his durability were exceptional. He was a great character off the pitch.”
While fellow former England star James Haskell said Voyce was “a teammate, a friend and an incredible player”.
He added: “He will be sorely missed by everybody.”
Ex-wing Voyce won nine caps for England and played for Bath, London Wasps and Gloucester during a successful career.
His six years at Wasps included winning European and domestic titles.
Voyce made a total of 220 Premiership appearances before retiring in May 2013.