Voyce was over drink-drive limit during storm - inquest

Voyce Over Drink-Drive Limit During Fatal Storm Incident, Inquest Hears

An inquest into the tragic death of former England rugby star Tom Voyce has revealed that he was over the legal drink-drive limit when his vehicle was swept into a river during a severe storm. The harrowing details emerged during a hearing where a coroner was presented with evidence surrounding the circumstances of Voyce's final moments.

The court heard that Voyce, 42, was driving his Range Rover through floodwaters in the Cotswolds when the vehicle was overcome by the torrent and entered the River Avon near the village of Charlton Kings, Gloucestershire, on the evening of October 17th. His body was recovered the following day. The inquest, presided over by HM Senior Coroner for Gloucestershire, David Dooley, heard testimony from police officers, forensic experts, and witnesses.

Alcohol Found in Voyce's System

A post-mortem examination conducted after Voyce's body was recovered found that he had 126mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood. The legal limit for driving in England and Wales is 80mg per 100ml. This finding has cast a somber light on the events leading up to the fatal incident, raising difficult questions about personal responsibility and the devastating consequences of driving under the influence, particularly in hazardous conditions.

Detective Sergeant Lee Whatley, who led the police investigation, told the inquest that Voyce's vehicle was found submerged in the river, approximately 100 metres downstream from where it entered the water. He described the scene as "chaotic" and "extremely dangerous" due to the force of the floodwaters. The powerful storm, which brought torrential rain and caused widespread flooding across the region, significantly hampered rescue efforts and contributed to the perilous conditions.

"The conditions were absolutely dreadful," Sergeant Whatley stated. "The river was in flood, and the visibility was poor. It's a testament to the bravery of the emergency services that they were able to recover Mr. Voyce's body at all."

A Tragic End to a Prominent Career

Tom Voyce was a well-known figure in the world of rugby, having earned 10 caps for England between 2001 and 2006. He also enjoyed a successful club career, playing for clubs such as London Wasps, Gloucester, and Harlequins. His untimely death sent shockwaves through the sporting community, with many expressing their grief and disbelief.

The inquest heard that Voyce had been at a pub earlier in the evening. Evidence presented suggested that he had consumed alcohol before embarking on his journey. The decision to drive in such adverse weather, compounded by the presence of alcohol, has become a central focus of the investigation.

The coroner was also informed about the specific location where Voyce's vehicle entered the river. It was noted that this stretch of road is known to be susceptible to flooding during heavy rainfall. Witnesses who were in the area at the time described the water levels as exceptionally high, making driving extremely hazardous.

The Role of the Storm and Alcohol

The inquest is tasked with determining the cause and manner of Voyce's death. While the storm undeniably played a significant role, the presence of alcohol in his system introduces a complex layer of contributing factors. The coroner will need to consider whether Voyce's judgment was impaired by alcohol, potentially leading him to misjudge the depth and force of the floodwaters.

"We are looking at all the circumstances," Coroner David Dooley commented during the proceedings. "The weather conditions were extreme, but we also have to consider the evidence regarding alcohol consumption. It's a tragic situation, and our aim is to establish the facts as clearly as possible."

The impact of driving under the influence, even when the intention is not malicious, can have devastating consequences. This case serves as a stark reminder of the inherent dangers, particularly when combined with unpredictable and severe weather events. The force of moving water, even seemingly shallow floodwaters, can be immense and capable of overwhelming a vehicle.

Expert Testimony on Floodwaters

Forensic evidence presented at the inquest included details about the structural integrity of Voyce's vehicle and the hydrodynamics of the floodwaters. Experts explained how rapidly moving water can exert significant pressure, capable of lifting and displacing even heavy vehicles like SUVs. The rapid ingress of water into the cabin would have created a terrifying and disorienting environment for anyone inside.

The inquest is expected to continue hearing evidence over the coming days. The family of Tom Voyce has been represented at the proceedings, and their presence underscores the profound personal loss that this incident represents. The hope is that the inquest will provide a measure of closure for them, while also serving as a vital public health message.

Broader Implications and Public Safety

The tragic death of Tom Voyce raises important questions about public awareness regarding the dangers of driving in flood conditions and the consequences of drink-driving. While the legal limit exists to protect lives, this incident highlights how even being slightly over the limit can have catastrophic outcomes when combined with other risk factors.

Authorities often issue warnings during periods of severe weather, urging people to stay at home if possible and to avoid non-essential travel. The decision to drive through floodwaters, especially when impaired by alcohol, represents a significant gamble with life. It is a sobering thought that a moment of potentially poor judgment, coupled with extreme weather, could lead to such a devastating loss.

As the inquest progresses, the focus will remain on piecing together the precise sequence of events. The findings of the coroner will be crucial in understanding how this tragedy unfolded and in potentially offering recommendations to prevent similar incidents in the future. The memory of Tom Voyce, a talented athlete and a father, will undoubtedly remain at the forefront of the proceedings.

The investigation will meticulously examine every piece of evidence, from the toxicology reports to the eyewitness accounts and the forensic analysis of the scene. The aim is to provide a comprehensive and impartial account of the circumstances that led to Tom Voyce's untimely demise. The public will be keenly awaiting the coroner's verdict, which will undoubtedly resonate with broader messages about road safety and responsible decision-making, especially in the face of nature's fury.