Specialist officers searching for missing former England rugby player Tom Boyce found his body near where he was washed away while trying to cross a flooded river, police said. did.
Concern for the 43-year-old former winger increased on Sunday after he failed to return home after being out with friends on Saturday.
His Toyota Hilux was recovered downstream of Abberwick Ford on the River Erne outside Alnwick, Northumberland, and police suspect he was swept away while trying to escape from the car.
River levels were particularly high over the weekend when Storm Dollar hit the UK.
A major search operation was launched involving Northumbria Police, drones, police helicopters, the Coastguard and mountain rescue teams from North Tyne and Northumberland National Park. Family and friends of the much-loved former rugby player also joined the search.
Northumbria Police said they were facing “extremely difficult conditions, particularly due to river currents and water levels that have risen significantly as a result of the unusually heavy rainfall that occurred over the weekend”.
Specialist officers from Northumbria Police Marine Unit made the sad discovery in the river near Abberwick Mill on Thursday.
The force said formal identification had not yet taken place, but Mr Boyce’s next of kin had been notified and they were being supported by specialist police officers.
Detective Chief Superintendent Helena Barron, of Northumbria Police, said: “This is a very sad development and our thoughts remain with Tom’s loved ones.
“I would like to thank all officers, partners and volunteers who assisted throughout the search operation, which took place under very difficult circumstances.
“We continue to ask people to respect the family’s privacy at this time.”
Officers believe no third party was involved and a report will be prepared for the coroner.
Rugby was flooded with messages from World Cup winner Matt Dawson and Laurence Dallaglio, whose sister died in the Marchioness accident on the River Thames in 1989. expressed shock and sadness.
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 moving to Gloucester in 2009.
He made 220 appearances in the Premiership before retiring in May 2013.
Mr Boyce, who grew up in Cornwall, is understood to have recently moved to Northumberland after living in London.
