Tom Wyse: Body found in river confirms missing rugby star

The wife of former England rugby star Tom Voice has said she is “absolutely devastated and heartbroken, it doesn’t even describe how we feel” after his death.

A body found in floodwaters in an area of ​​Northumberland has been confirmed as that of a missing 43-year-old man.

The former England international was reported missing on Sunday and police believe he tried to cross Aberwickford near the village of Bolton in a vehicle which was then swept away by the current.

Anna Wyse paid tribute to her husband, saying: “My focus now is that our son Oscar did what he said, ‘Find Daddy’.”

Northumbria Police confirmed on Thursday that its marine unit had discovered a body near Aberwick Mill following an extensive search.

“Tom would be blown away by the number of people who were out there helping,” Mrs Wyse said.

“We have all been overwhelmed by the support from friends, many traveling from far and wide to help with the search.

“We are very fortunate to live in such a special community that Tom came together to find.”

Since moving from London to Northumberland in 2019, Mr Vice left his role at Investec to set up his own business, Trevow Vegetation Management.

Mrs Wyse said: “Tom was completely immersed in Alnock Rugby Club and loved Oscar’s under-7 team which he coached with enthusiasm, giving back to the game that gave him so much. gave something

“Oscar is extremely proud of his daddy and he was the best father and role model Oscar could have asked for.”

Alnwick Rugby Football Club said it was “deeply saddened” by his death.

“The senior players couldn’t have enjoyed his sessions more and he has coached Minnie in recent years, and I know he will be greatly missed.

“Our thoughts are with his wife Anna, son Oscar, mother Christine, sister Emily and the rest of his family.

“A great rugby player and an even better man.”

Mr Wyse, from Truro in Cornwall, played for Wasps, Bath and Gloucester before retiring from the game in 2013.

England head coach Steve Borthwick also paid tribute.

He described Mr Vice as “an amazingly gifted rugby player and a really lovely man”.

“Tom left a lasting impression on everyone he had the pleasure of knowing and created memories that will live with all who saw him play,” he said.

“On behalf of everyone at England Rugby, we send our deepest condolences to Tom’s family, friends and loved ones. Our thoughts are with him at this incredibly difficult time.”