Ex-rugby professional Tom Voyce found dead after Storm Darrah in England

Carried away in the car

Ex-rugby professional dies in storm

Storm Darragh wreaked havoc in Britain. The adverse weather conditions also cost the life of a former rugby professional.

Former England rugby international Tom Voyce has been found dead after severe storms in Great Britain. The police announced this on Thursday. The 43-year-old was apparently swept away by the masses of water as he tried to cross a flooded river in his car.

According to police, Voyce had met up with friends on Saturday evening but did not return home. The car had already been recovered, but there was initially no trace of Voyce. However, even before the body was found, the authorities assumed that he had been caught in the floods while trying to save himself.

The search for the former rugby professional was extremely difficult. Special police teams, including divers from the marine section, drones and dog units, were in action. Volunteers from North of Tyne Mountain Rescue also took part in the search, along with Voyce’s family and friends.

Northumbria Police Chief Superintendent Helena Barron described the incident as “extremely tragic”. Barron had explained that conditions were extremely challenging due to high water levels and strong currents.

Tom Voyce had a remarkable career in rugby. The former winger won nine caps for England, playing for Bath, London Wasps and Gloucester. During his six years with Wasps he won both domestic and European titles. In total he played 220 Premiership games before ending his career in 2013.

The accident occurred during Storm Darragh, which hit the UK with winds of up to 150km/h and temperatures as low as -3 degrees Celsius. Two people were killed by falling trees and over 20,000 households were temporarily without power. The storm also led to massive restrictions on air and rail traffic.