The search continues for missing former England winger Tom Boyce. He is believed to have died while driving across a flooded river during the Dara storm. The 43-year-old man's car was recovered from the River Arun near Alnwick, Northumberland, where he had attempted to cross the river using shallow water.
Search teams will gather from the early hours of Wednesday morning and scour the riverbank from the shallows between Bolton and Abberwick to the sea at Alnmouth.
Shallow water gauges showed the river was still about a foot deep on Wednesday morning, but levels would have been much higher over the weekend when Storm Dollar hit the UK. A bouquet of red roses was left on the riverbank near the shallows.
Mr Boyce has not been seen since Saturday and the rumor of his death has shocked the rugby world. England World Cup-winning scrum-half Matt Dawson, who played with Boyce at Wasps from 2004 to 2006, posted a photo of Boyce on Instagram with the caption: “One of the great human beings in my life…I can't express my sadness right now.”…The entire Dawson family sends love and strength to Anna and the entire family. ”
“Our thoughts and prayers are with Tom Boyce's family and friends at this extremely difficult time,” England Rugby Union said in a statement on X. Gloucester Rugby also posted: “Gloucester Rugby is deeply saddened to hear the sad news regarding our former player and friend Tom Boyce.” Our thoughts and prayers go out to Tom's family and friends at this incredibly difficult time. ”
A Northumbria Police spokesperson said: “At this stage we suspect Tom was attempting to cross Abberwick Ford by car and the car was taken into the river and towed away.” Police officers later recovered his car, but unfortunately Tom has still not been found. It is believed that he was swept away while trying to escape and tragically died. ”
Police received a tip on Sunday morning that Boyce, who played as a winger or fullback during his career, had not returned home after a night out with friends. Northumbria Police Chief Superintendent Helena Barron said: “Police continue to support the family and ask that their privacy be respected.” Since concerns were raised about Tom, an extensive investigation has been underway, including sending specialist teams to search for him. ”
Specialist officers from the military's maritime division, police aviation, drones, and dog handlers took part in the search. Volunteers from North Tyne Mountain Rescue Team and Northumberland National Park Mountain Rescue Team are also working with Boyce's family and friends in the search.
The public is asked not to go to the scene to conduct their own search. A police spokeswoman said Mr Boyce's wife Anna and the entire family thanked police, friends and the community for all their help and support in the search for Mr Boyce.
Boyce won nine caps for England during his career and spent six years with Wasps from 2003 to 2009, helping them win European and domestic titles before moving from Bath and joining Gloucester in 2009. . He played in a total of 220 games. He played in the Premier League until retiring in May 2013.
