Tom Voyce plays for England against Australia in Brisbane in 2004. Voyce’s car was swept away by floodwaters and he was feared dead. (Getty Images: David Rogers)
In short:
Tom Voyce is feared dead after his car was swept away in flooding in the River Alne in England.
Police found Voyce’s car but not the former football star.
Voyce played nine Test matches for England between 2001 and 2006.
Former England rugby international Tom Voyce is suspected to have died after he went missing after his car was fished out of a flooded river in Britain, police said on Tuesday.
Northumberland Police believe Voyce, 43, was trying to cross a section of the River Arne near the town of Alnwick, about 48 kilometres north of Newcastle, when his car became stuck in the current.
Police said in a statement: “Officers have located his car but sadly Tom has not yet been found.
“It is believed he was swept away by floodwaters while trying to escape and died.”
Police received a report Sunday morning that Voyce had not returned home after going out with friends the previous night.
Police said they had conducted an extensive investigation.
Voyce played as a winger and defender and was capped nine times by England between 2001 and 2006. He played for Wasps between 2003 and 2009, winning European and domestic titles. He also played for Bath and Gloucester, playing 220 Premier League games before retiring in May 2013.
England Rugby said in a statement: “Our thoughts and wishes are with the family and friends of Tom Voyce at this extremely challenging time.
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Associated Press