A former England rugby player died after his car was swept away during a severe storm, with evidence showing he was almost three times over the drink drive limit, an inquest has revealed.
Tom Voyce, 43, drowned while attempting to cross a swollen river in his Toyota Hilux during Storm Darragh in December 2024. His body was found days later in deep water following a major search operation.
The inquest at County Hall, Morpeth, Northumberland, heard that Voyce had attended a shooting event at his brother-in-law's farm on December 7, 2024, before spending the evening at the Queen's Head pub in Glanton. toxicology tests revealed his blood alcohol level was 215 milligrams per 100 milliliters, far exceeding the legal limit of 80 milligrams.
"This level of alcohol would have significantly impaired his coordination and judgment, contributing to the tragic incident," said Dr. Clive Bloxham, the pathologist who conducted the autopsy.
Voyce's car was found in reverse gear, suggesting he may have attempted to retreat after the vehicle stalled in the floodwater. The force of the storm swept the Hilux into a mill pond, where it was discovered submerged in two meters of water.
Witnesses described Voyce as being in good spirits at the pub, with no visible signs of intoxication. However, the toxicology results indicated a high level of alcohol, likely from consuming several bottles of cider earlier in the evening.
The coroner, Andrew Hetherington, ruled the death as accidental, attributing it to the extreme weather conditions and Voyce's decision to navigate the flooded ford. Local roads were heavily flooded, with wind gusts reaching up to 30mph, creating treacherous driving conditions.
Voyce's widow, Anna, expressed her devastation, stating, "Absolutely devastated and heartbroken doesn't even describe how we feel." The couple had recently moved to Northumberland, where Voyce had established a business after retiring from rugby in 2013.
Voyce, who played for England and clubs including Bath, Wasps, and Gloucester, was a well-known figure in the rugby world. His colleagues, including World Cup winners Matt Dawson and Lawrence Dallaglio, expressed their shock and sadness following the tragedy.
The coroner also recommended that Northumberland County Council and Northumbria Police consider installing barriers at the ford to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Tom Voyce's life and career were marked by success on the rugby field and a subsequent career in banking. His sudden and tragic death has left his family, friends, and former teammates deeply mournful.
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