Tom Voyce: England rugby star’s car found submerged in water

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

It’s thought the 43-year-old former wing’s automobile was swept away whereas he tried to drive throughout a Northumbrian ford throughout Storm Darragh final month.

Mr Voyce’s Toyota Hilux was discovered within the River Aln, 4 days earlier than his physique was recovered from deep water additional downstream.

The coroner adjourned the inquest at County Corridor in Morpeth and mentioned the listening to would conclude on 1 April.

Mr Voyce received 9 caps for England and made 220 Premiership appearances earlier than retiring in Could 2013.

Northumberland coroner Andrew Hetherington mentioned Mr Voyce was final seen on the night of seven December, when he left the Queen’s Head pub in Glanton.

He had moved to the realm together with his spouse and son, Oscar, after establishing a enterprise.

His spouse Anna reported him lacking the subsequent morning when she realised he had not returned dwelling, the coroner mentioned.

A search of the River Aln revealed his automobile, which was unoccupied, had been swept downstream from the ford at Abberwick “on account of storm water”, Mr Hetherington mentioned.

Searches of the Aln involving the emergency companies and volunteers continued and his body was found “in deep water” on 12 December by a member of UK Search and Rescue at Previous Abberwick Mill, the coroner added.

Former teammates expressed their shock and disappointment when he went lacking, together with messages from World Cup winners Matt Dawson and Lawrence Dallaglio.

Mr Voyce began his senior taking part in profession at Bathtub, then spent six years with Wasps the place he helped them win European and home titles, earlier than leaving to affix Gloucester in 2009.

Further reporting by PA Media