Former England rugby star Tom Voyce drowns after attempting to cross storm-ravaged River Aln

A former England rugby player, Tom Voyce, 43, drowned after attempting to cross a storm-ravaged River Aln in his Toyota Hilux during Storm Darragh in December 2024, an inquest heard. His body was recovered days later following a major search operation in Northumberland.

Voyce had attended a shoot at his brother-in-law’s farm on December 7 and spent the evening with him and two other men in the Queen’s Head pub in Glanton, where witnesses said alcohol was consumed. The coroner, Andrew Hetherington, told the hearing that Voyce had not taken his usual route home given the prevailing conditions that night, and that the death appeared to be an accident.

The storm left local roads water-logged and parts of the area flooded, with gusts of up to 30 mph that night. Hugh Wood, brother of Voyce’s widow Anna, said the last time he saw Voyce was around 11:45 p.m. in the bar. He recalled the group had been wet from the day’s weather and that the voyage home was expected to be around eight miles.

Pathologist Dr Clive Bloxham said the cause of death was immersion in water, with Voyce’s body found in about two metres of water in a mill pond on December 12. There were no signs of external or internal trauma, and the late rugby player was described as well built. Toxicology tests showed no drugs but a blood-alcohol concentration of 215 milligrams per 100 millilitres, far above the 80 mg limit for driving. Dr Bloxham noted that such a level would be expected to impair coordination and judgment and likely produced significant intoxication prior to Voyce’s death.

Detective Constable Victoria Henderson, who led the police inquiry, explained that investigators found part of the Hilux’s number plate at the water’s edge, indicating the vehicle had approached the Abberwick ford at speed. The Toyota was later recovered in reverse gear, suggesting Voyce may have tried to return the way he came when the vehicle stalled or was washed into deeper water. It remained unclear whether he attempted to escape the vehicle himself or was swept away by the river’s force. A ford warning sign would likely have been visible, but the depth pole showing the flood height on the far side was submerged.

Voyce’s widow, Mrs. Voyce, issued a statement through the family, saying they were absolutely devastated by the loss. She and the couple’s son, Oscar, had moved to Northumberland after Voyce established a business there, having previously worked in banking following his rugby retirement.

During the hearing, Mrs. Voyce asked whether barriers could be installed at the ford to prevent vehicles from being washed away, a suggestion the coroner said would be forwarded to Northumberland County Council and Northumbria Police for consideration.

The inquest also noted the public reaction to Voyce’s death, with messages of sorrow from former teammates, including World Cup winners Matt Dawson and Lawrence Dallaglio. Voyce began his senior club career at Bath, spent six years with Wasps where he helped win European and domestic titles, and joined Gloucester in 2009. He earned nine England caps and made 220 Premiership appearances before retiring in May 2013.

The coroner’s ruling that Voyce’s death was an accident underscores the dangers posed by flooded fords during severe weather, even for seasoned drivers. Authorities will consider safety enhancements at vulnerable crossings in the wake of the inquest, while Voyce’s family continues to grieve the loss of a former international athlete who played a prominent role in English rugby during the 2000s.