UPDATE: Kate Bush is devastated following the disappearance of her close friend, Matthew Upham, a 63-year-old antiques dealer, who went missing during a Christmas Day sea swim in Devon. This urgent situation unfolded on December 25, 2023, when Upham was among two swimmers reported missing in challenging sea conditions.
The HM Coastguard received emergency calls shortly after 10:25 AM and promptly launched a significant rescue operation. Lifeboats from the RNLI in Exmouth, Teignmouth, and Torbay were dispatched, along with helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft, as well as police and ambulance crews, to search the waters off Budleigh Salterton.
The incident occurred amidst a severe weather warning from the Met Office, which cautioned against strong winds affecting the South West and Wales. Due to these conditions, several Christmas and Boxing Day swims across Devon and Cornwall were canceled, and swimmers were advised to avoid the sea.
While emergency services managed to rescue several swimmers, both Upham and another man in his 40s remain unaccounted for. In an emotional tribute, Upham’s family expressed their grief, describing him as “deeply loved and forever missed.”
“As you might have heard on the news, Matthew Upham was one of the swimmers who went missing in the sea in Devon on Christmas Day,” Kate Bush stated. “Matthew was one of my very dearest friends. I’d known him for thirty years. He was one of those people who touched everyone he met.”
Bush continued, highlighting Upham’s kindness and love for life, saying, “He was extraordinarily kind, thoughtful, and lived life to the full. His family are heartbroken, and along with many of his friends, so am I. It’s so tragic that he lost his life this way. The world has lost someone incredibly special.”
This tragic incident has sent shockwaves through the community, highlighting the risks associated with swimming in severe weather conditions. As the search continues, local authorities remind the public to respect the sea and prioritize safety.
Authorities are still working to locate Upham and his fellow swimmer. Updates on the search efforts will be provided as they become available.
