Body found in river is confirmed as England rugby star Tom Voyce after car was swept away – as his wife pays tribute

A BODY found in a river has been confirmed as that of England rugby star Tom Voyce, whose car was swept away during a storm.

The 43-year-old's car slipped into the River Aln in Northumberland on Sunday as Storm Darragh swept across the UK.

His family and friends were involved in the subsequent search effort before the grim discovery yesterday.

Paying tribute, his wife Anna Voyce said: "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'.

 "Oscar is immensely proud of his Daddy and he was the best father and role model that Oscar could have asked for.

"Tom was proud, and cherished, his rugby memories and as an adopted 'Northumbrian' local he leaves a hole in so many of our hearts."

Last night, Mike Tindall paid tribute to his former England teammate and "incredible" friend.

"He epitomised rugby as a game for all shapes and sizes, punching well above his weight," Mike said in an Instagram statement shared by The Good The Bad & The Rugby podcast.

Mike continued: "His ability to break tackles and his durability were exceptional. He was a great character off the pitch."

Fellow former England star James Haskell added that Voyce was "a teammate, a friend and an incredible player," as well as "someone he admired who always punched above his weight. He will be sorely missed by everybody."

Chief Superintendent Helena Barron, of Northumbria Police, said: “This is an extremely sad development and our thoughts very much continue to be with Tom’s loved ones.

“I would like to thank all of our officers, partners and volunteers for their assistance throughout the searches which have been conducted in very challenging circumstances.

“We would continue to ask that people respect the family’s privacy at this time.”

Members of the Police Marine Unit had been working at the scene at Abberwick Ford, near Alnwick, this week.

Cops were alerted after ex-wing Voyce did not return home following an evening with friends on Saturday.

He is believed to have attempted to cross the ford in his car, which was then been pulled along with the current of the river, police say.

The car was initially recovered, and searches continued for Voyce who was feared to have been swept away.

Volunteers from the North of Tyne Mountain Rescue were also searching alongside Voyce’s family and friends.

Members of the public were asked not to attend the scene to conduct their own searches.

A Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service (NFRS) spokesperson said it was called to the scene at 2.10pm on Sunday by Northumbria Police.

A statement added: "We attended with our Swift Water Team and provided portable lighting units to assist the search.

“Our teams also secured the car to the bankside. NFRS has since been stood down by the police.

“Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the missing person at this incredibly difficult time.”

The former wing won nine caps for England and played for Bath, London Wasps and Gloucester during a successful career.

His six years at Wasps included winning European and domestic titles

Voyce made a total of 220 Premiership appearances before retiring in May 2013.