Former England Rugby Player Tom Voyce Nearly Triple Drink-Drive Limit When Drowning Accident Occurred in Northumberland River

Tom Voyce, a former England rugby player, died after his vehicle was swept away while trying to cross a swollen ford during Storm Darragh in December 2024. An inquest revealed that Voyce had a blood alcohol level of 215 milligrams per 100 milliliters, nearly three times the legal drink-drive limit, which likely impaired his coordination and judgment. He had spent the day shooting with his brother-in-law before drinking at a local pub, and chose not to take his usual route home due to the storm conditions. Voyce's body was found days later submerged in two meters of water, and the cause of death was ruled as immersion, with no signs of external injuries. Despite the high alcohol level, the coroner concluded the death was accidental. Witnesses noted the challenging weather conditions, including water-logged roads and strong winds, when Voyce attempted the crossing.