I got carried away by the car
Ex-rugby professional probably died in storm
December 10, 2024 – 7:37 p.mReading time: 2 minutes
Storm Darragh is currently sweeping across England. The adverse weather conditions have now also cost the life of a former rugby professional.
Former England rugby international Tom Voyce is missing and presumed dead after a dramatic car accident during Storm Darragh. The 43-year-old is said to have plunged his vehicle into the River Aln in England on Sunday while attempting to cross a flooded area .
According to police, Voyce had met up with friends on Saturday evening but did not return home. It is believed that he wanted to cross the Abberwick Ford with his car, where the strong current swept his vehicle away. The car has now been recovered, but there is still no trace of Voyce. Authorities believe he was caught in the floodwaters while trying to save himself.
The search for the former rugby professional was extremely difficult. Special police teams, including divers from the marine section, drones and dog units, are in action. Volunteers from North of Tyne Mountain Rescue are also taking part in the search, along with Voyce's family and friends.
Helena Barron, Chief Superintendent of Northumbria Police, described the incident as “extremely tragic”. She stressed that the missing man's family would receive full support and asked that their privacy be respected. Barron explained that conditions were extremely challenging due to high water levels and strong currents. An exact time frame for the rescue could therefore not be given.
Tom Voyce had a remarkable career in rugby. The former winger won nine caps for England, playing for Bath, London Wasps and Gloucester. During his six years, the Wasps won both domestic and European titles. In total he played 220 Premiership games before ending his career in 2013.
The accident occurred during Storm Darragh, which hit the UK with winds of up to 150km/h and temperatures as low as -3 degrees Celsius. Two people were killed by falling trees and over 100,000 households were temporarily without power. The storm also led to massive restrictions on air and rail traffic.
