Body found in river confirmed as missing rugby star
family handoutsThe wife of former England rugby star Tom Voyce has said “absolute shock and heartbreak don’t even begin to describe how we feel” after his death.
A body found in an area of Northumberland flooded during Storm Dara has been identified as that of a missing 43-year-old man.
The former England international was reported missing on Sunday and police believe he tried to drive a car through Aberwick Ford, near the village of Bolton, before the car was towed away by currents.
Anna Voyce paid tribute to her husband and said: “My main focus now is that our son Oscar has fulfilled his quest, ‘to find daddy’.”
Northumbria Police confirmed on Thursday that its marines had discovered a body near Aberwick Mill following an extensive search.
Mrs Voyce said: “Tom would be shocked at the people out there offering help.”
“We have all been overwhelmed by the support from our friends, with many traveling from far and wide to help with the search.
“We are lucky to live in such a special community and everyone worked together to find Tom.”
public mediaSince moving to Northumberland from London in 2019, Mr Voyce resigned from Investec to set up his own company, Trevow Vegetation Management.
Mrs Voyce said: “Tom was fully integrated into Alnwick Rugby Club and was a huge favorite with the Oscar Under-7s team, which he coached with passion, giving back to the game that had given him so much.
“Oscar is extremely proud of his father, who is the best father and role model Oscar could ask for.”
public mediaAlnwick Rugby Club said it was “deeply saddened” by his death.
“The senior players thoroughly enjoyed his training and in recent years he has started coaching the minis and I know they will miss him greatly.
“Our thoughts are with his wife Anna, son Oscar, mother Christine, sister Emily and his family.
“A great football player and an even better person.”
Mr Voyce, from Truro in Cornwall, played for Wasps, Bath and Gloucester before retiring in 2013.
England manager Steve Borthwick also paid tribute to him.
He described Mr Voyce as “an extremely talented rugby player and a truly lovely man”.
“Tom left a lasting impact on everyone who was lucky enough to know him and created unforgettable memories for everyone who saw him play,” he said.
“On behalf of everyone at England Rugby, we send our deepest condolences to Tom’s family, friends and loved ones. Our thoughts are with them at this extremely difficult time.”
