Tom Voyce's wife pays tribute to him after body found in Northumberland river confirmed as his
The wife of former England rugby player Tom Voyce has said “absolutely devastated and heartbroken doesn’t even describe how we feel”.
Northumbria Police have today (13 December) confirmed that a body found in the River Aln in Northumberland is that of Mr Voyce.
He is believed to have been swept away by the river, after attempting to cross Abberwick Ford in his car during Storm Darragh last weekend.
Extensive searches were subsequently carried out by Northumbria Police and a range of partners, including from the National Police Air Service, North of Tyne Mountain Rescue Team and Northumberland National Park Mountain Rescue Team.
Tom’s family and friends were also involved in the search.
Tom's wife Anna Voyce has released the following tribute to him: “Absolutely devastated and heartbroken doesn’t even describe how we feel.”
“My main focus now is our son Oscar having done what he asked, ‘find Daddy’.
“All of Tom’s family were involved in the search. I will be forever grateful to my brothers Hugh and Jamie, Aidan Philipson and Garry Whitfield for coordinating the search party working alongside the police teams.
“Tom would be blown away by the amount of people that were out there helping. We have all been overwhelmed by the support of friends, many travelling from far afield to help with the search.
“We are just so lucky to live in such a special community that pulled together to find Tom.“
“Tom was fully immersed in Alnwick Rugby Club and was much-loved by Oscar’s under 7’s team which he coached with gusto, giving back to the game that gave him so much.
“Oscar is immensely proud of his Daddy and he was the best father and role model that Oscar could have asked for.“
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