England Rugby Star Over Legal Limit When Car Washed Away

The 43-year-old died trying to cross the River Aln in Northumberland in his Toyota Hilux in December. Coroner Andrew Hetherington ruled the death accidental, noting Mr Voyce had not taken his usual route home. He said flooding would have made the road appear flat, though the ford dropped 6ft (1.83m).

The inquest heard Mr Voyce had been at a shoot in Glanton on 7 December before visiting the Queens Head pub. Brother-in-law Hugh Wood said he noticed no ill-effects and Mr Voyce left around 23:45 GMT. Landlady Lisa Chisholm said he drank about four bottles of cider, “was good conversation,” and “stood at the end of the bar in good spirits.”

Mr Voyce set off during the storm for his home eight miles away in Alnwick. Det Con Victoria Henderson said he drove over the ford at speed, breaking his number plate, became stuck, and was washed away despite trying to reverse. The Toyota was later found in reverse gear. It was unclear if he tried to escape the vehicle or was swept away by the water.

His body was recovered on 12 December in “deep water” at Old Abberwick Mill. Det Con Henderson suggested the high water may have created a mirage, making the ford look flat.

Pathologist Clive Bloxham said Mr Voyce’s blood alcohol level – 215mg per 100ml, nearly three times the 80mg limit – would have impaired his coordination and judgment but was not causal to his death.

He said: “You would expect him to have a significant degree of intoxication with this level and impaired decision-making prior to his death.”