Former England rugby star Tom Boyce, 43, is feared to have tragically died after his car crashed into the River Alne on Sunday, according to Northumbria Police.
“We are searching for a man who is believed to have entered the River Aln near Alnwick,” police said in a statement on Tuesday evening.
“An extensive investigation is underway following reports on Sunday that former England rugby international Tom Boyce, 43, had not returned home from a night out with friends the previous evening.”
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of Tom Boyce at this extremely difficult time,” reads a post on
Gloucester added: “We are deeply saddened to hear the heartbreaking news about our former player and friend. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Tom’s family and friends at this incredibly difficult time.”
Tom attempted to cross Abberwick Ford in his car but is believed to have been swept away by the river.
His car has since been recovered, but there is still no sign of Tom. There are concerns that he may have been swept away while trying to escape and tragically drowned.
The incident occurred during the Darragh storm which brought severe weather to England over the weekend, leading to numerous flood warnings.
Specialist officers from Northumbria Police Marine Corps, National Police Air Service, drone and dog handlers, volunteers from North Tyne Mountain Rescue and Boyce’s family and friends took part in the search.
Northumbria Police Chief Constable Helena Barron said: “This is an extremely tragic incident and our thoughts are with Tom’s loved ones at this time.”
“After concerns were raised about Tom, an extensive investigation was carried out, including the deployment of a team of experts to search for him.”
Boyce is from Cornwall but has been living in Alnwick since 2020. He won nine caps for England between 2001 and 2006, retiring in 2013.
During his illustrious career, he played for major clubs such as Bath, Gloucester, Wasps and London Welsh, displaying his talents as a winger or full-back. After retirement, Voyce worked at Investec Bank.
