The former English rugby star Tom Voyce is presumed dead after his car was recovered from a flooded river.

The Northumbria police believe Voyce was swept away during Storm Darragh while trying to cross the River Aln in Northumberland.

Rugby star presumed dead

The former rugby player was reported missing Sunday morning after a night out with friends. It is believed he tried to cross Abberwick Ford when he got lost in the flood.

“Officers have since recovered his car, but sadly Tom is yet to be found,” police said in a statement on X. “It is believed in his attempts to escape he has been swept away and tragically died.”

"This is an extremely tragic incident, and our thoughts are very much with Tom’s loved ones at this time. Our officers continue to support his family and we would ask that their privacy is respected. Extensive inquiries have been ongoing since concerns were raised for Tom, including deploying specialist teams to search for him," Chief Superintendent Helena Barron said.

Trained teams of specialists are scouring the terrain for Voyce, police said. Northumbria Police's Marine Section, the National Police Air Service, drones and dog handlers are working with North of Tyne Mountain Rescue, along with family and friends.

"This is down to the conditions, including the river flow and the level being significantly heightened due to the exceptionally heavy rain we experienced over the weekend," Barron said.

"Sadly, we can therefore not provide any timescales around this."

Tributes pouring in

Hailing from Cornwall, Voyce played for Bath, Wasps, and Gloucester before he retired in 2013. The wingback or fullback won nine caps for England during his career.

The sad news of his apparent death is being mourned by the rugby world.

"Gloucester Rugby is desperately sad to hear the distressing news regarding our former player and friend, Tom Voyce," Gloucester said. "Our thoughts and prayers go out to Tom's family and friends at this incredibly difficult time."

Matt Dawson, Voyce's former Wasps teammate who played on England's winning World Cup team in 2003, wrote on Instagram, "One of life's wonderful humans… I can't express my sadness right now… All the Dawsons send their love & strength to Anna and the whole family."

England Rugby wrote, "Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of Tom Voyce at this extremely challenging time."