Body found in search for ex-England rugby player

Tom Voyce, an ex-England rugby player, was found dead.

In the hunt for former England rugby player Tom Voyce, a body has been discovered.

He was trying to drive across a flood-swollen river in Northumberland on Saturday when he vanished.

According to police, during the recent Storm Darragh, the 43-year-old’s automobile was pulled along with the River Aln’s current as he attempted to pass Abberwick Ford, which is roughly three miles from Alnwick.

After spending Saturday night with pals, the former international is believed to have been returning home, and on Sunday, worries were expressed about his wellbeing.

They had already retrieved his Toyota Hilux from the river.

Voyce’s next of kin have been notified, although formal identification has not yet occurred.

“This is a very sad development, and our thoughts and prayers are with Tom’s loved ones,” said Chief Superintendent Helena Barron of Northumbria Police.

“I want to express my gratitude to all of our officers, partners, and volunteers for their support throughout the extremely difficult conditions that have been encountered during the searches.

“We would continue to ask that people respect the family’s privacy at this time.”

Police, coastguard officers, drones, helicopters, and the former rugby player’s family and friends were all involved in the extensive search.

In recent days, search teams have been searching the river’s banks from the ford, which is located between Bolton village and Abberwick, to the sea at Alnmouth.

The body was then discovered on Thursday close to Abberwick Mill by specialized officers from the marine branch of Northumbria Police.

Following Voyce’s disappearance, the rugby community expressed its astonishment and anguish through comments from World Cup winners Lawrence Dallaglio and Matt Dawson.

On social media, Dawson, who played with Voyce at Wasps from 2004 to 2006, posted: “One of life’s wonderful humans…. I can’t put into words how sad I am right now. The entire Dawson family sends Anna and the family their love and support.

“Thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends” of the former player, according to England Rugby.

“Heartfelt thoughts and prayers” were sent, according to the British and Irish Lions.

“Devastated by the news” is how Premiership Rugby described the situation.

According to the officers, no third party is involved.