Ex-England Rugby Player Tom Voyce Dies in Northumberland Flooding

The 43-year-old was swept away while attempting to cross a flooded ford during Storm Darragh, leaving his family and community devastated.

Tom Voyce, a former England rugby international, died after his car was swept away by the River Aln near Alnwick, Northumberland, during heavy rainfall caused by Storm Darragh.
The 43-year-old attempted to cross Abberwick Ford, where water levels rose to six feet during the storm, far exceeding safe crossing conditions.
A large search operation involving emergency services, local volunteers, and family members led to the discovery of Voyce's body several days later downstream from the ford.
His wife, Anna Voyce, expressed gratitude for the community's support during the search and paid tribute to her husband, emphasizing his role as a devoted father and respected local figure.
Experts highlighted the dangers of driving through flooded fords, noting that such incidents are the leading cause of flood-related deaths in the UK, exacerbated by increasingly frequent extreme weather events linked to climate change.