Voyce’s car found in 7ft of water – inquest

Voyce’s car found in 7ft of water – inquest

Family handout A head and shoulders shot of Tom Voyce. He is wearing a dark suit jacket and a pink shirt. He's clean shaven, in his forties, with dark hair and is smiling Family handout

Former England rugby player Tom Voyce’s car was found submerged in 7ft (2.1m) of water, an inquest has heard.

The 43-year-old former wing’s car is thought to have been swept away during Storm Darragh last month when he attempted to drive across a Northumbrian ford.

Four days prior to Mr. Voyce’s body being recovered from deep water further downstream, his Toyota Hilux was discovered in the River Aln.

Before retiring in May 2013, Mr. Voyce won nine England caps and made 220 Premiership appearances.

Mr. Voyce left the Queen’s Head pub in Glanton on December 7th, according to Northumberland coroner Andrew Hetherington.

PA Media An aerial of the scene showing a river and ford PA Media

According to the coroner, his wife Anna discovered that he had not returned home the day after she reported him missing.

His unoccupied car was discovered by a search of the River Aln that had been swept downstream of the ford at Abberwick as a result of “storm water,” according to Mr. Hetherington.

Getty Images A head and shoulders shot of Tom Voyce in a Gloucester rugby kit. It is a red and white hooped shirt with the logo of the company Jewson across the chest. Getty Images

Former teammates, including Lawrence Dallaglio and Matt Dawson, wrote in their shock and sadness when he vanished.

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