Former England rugby star Tom Voyce’s car was found in 7ft of water after it was swept away while he tried to drive across a ford during Storm Darragh, an inquest has heard.
The 43-year-old former winger’s Toyota Hilux was found submerged in the River Aln, Northumberland, four days before his body was recovered from deep water further downstream.
Opening an inquest at County Hall in Morpeth, Northumberland coroner Andrew Hetherington said Mr Voyce was last seen at around 11.45pm on Saturday December 7 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, the coroner said.
A search of the River Aln revealed his car, which was unoccupied, had been swept downstream from the ford at Abberwick ‘as a result of storm water’, Mr Hetherington said.
The coroner said the car was found in 7ft of water.
Searches of the Aln involving the emergency services and volunteers continued and his body was found ‘in deep water’ on December 12 by a member of UK Search and Rescue at Old Abberwick Mill, Mr Hetherington said.
The coroner adjourned the inquest and said the hearing will conclude on April 1.
Former rugby star Tom Voyce pictured playing for England in 2005. He tragically died last month
His wife Anna (pictured together) reported him missing the next morning when she realised he had not returned home from the pub
The ford – a usually shallow water crossing where cars can pass – where Mr Voyce tried to drive through during Storm Darragh
After his death, Mr Voyce’s widow Anna said in a statement: ‘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”.
‘All of Tom’s family were involved in the search. I will be forever grateful to my brothers Hugh and Jamie, Aidan Philipson and Garry Whitfield for coordinating the search party working alongside the police teams.
‘Tom would be blown away by the amount of people that were out there helping. We have all been overwhelmed by the support of friends, many travelling from far afield to help with the search.
‘We are just so lucky to live in such a special community that pulled together to find Tom.’
The couple moved to Northumberland where Mr Voyce set up a business, having previously worked in banking after he retired from rugby.
She added in her statement: ‘Tom was fully immersed in Alnwick Rugby Club and was much-loved by Oscar’s under-7’s team which he coached with gusto, giving back to the game that gave him so much.
‘Oscar is immensely proud of his Daddy and he was the best father and role model that Oscar could have asked for.
A floral tribute placed at the scene of the River Aln, where Mr Voyce was swept away
Police at the scene of the River Aln, during the search to find former rugby player Mr Voyce
‘Tom was proud, and cherished, his rugby memories and as an adopted Northumbrian local he leaves a hole in so many of our hearts.
‘With his big warm smile, passion and funny stories he loved nothing better than sitting round a table chatting with family and friends sharing his latest creation on his Big Green Egg.’
Mr Voyce studied at Cirencester Agricultural College where he met his future brother-in-law Jamie, then befriended Anna.
They married at Babington House, part of the Soho House group, in Somerset in 2015.
Former teammates expressed their shock and sadness when he went missing, including messages from World Cup winners Matt Dawson and Lawrence Dallaglio.
Mr Voyce started his senior playing career at Bath, then spent six years with Wasps where he helped them win European and domestic titles, before leaving to join Gloucester in 2009.
During the 2004 season he set the record for the quickest try ever scored as he gathered a loose ball from kick off and crossed by the posts in 9.63 against Harlequins.
He also scored a try in the 2005 Premiership rugby final, helping Wasps secure their third consecutive title.
Two members of a search and rescue team during a search operation at Abberwick Ford
Mr Voyce pictured with former England and Wasps captain Lawrence Dallaglio
Mr Voyce and Danny Cipriani pose with the trophy after winning the Guinness Premiership Final in 2008
It is here that he became an established member of the England team, having been selected for each of England’s Six Nations matches during the 2006 tournament.
Mr Voyce came off the bench in England’s opening tie, scoring in the process before starting in the second match.
He made a further start for England in the 2006 Six Nations this time against Ireland as England sputtered throughout the tournament.
His final England cap came against Australia in Sydney, and his international career ended with nine caps and 15 points.
In March 2009, it was announced Mr Voyce would join Gloucester, where he spent three years.
His final stop in his career was London Welsh who he joined in April 2012.
He won nine caps for England and made 220 Premiership appearances before retiring in May 2013.
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Publish date : 2025-01-08 19:55:36
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