URGENT UPDATE: Iconic singer Kate Bush is heartbroken after her close friend, Matthew Upham, a 63-year-old antiques dealer, went missing during a Christmas Day swim in Devon. Matthew was one of two swimmers who vanished in rough sea conditions at Budleigh Salterton around 10:25 AM on December 25, 2023.
Emergency services launched a major search operation shortly after reports of swimmers in distress. The HM Coastguard deployed RNLI lifeboats from Exmouth, Teignmouth, and Torbay, along with rescue helicopters and police crews. The search was complicated by severe weather, with a Met Office yellow warning for strong winds impacting the region.
Matthew’s disappearance has sent shockwaves through the community. In a poignant tribute, Bush described him as someone who brought “kindness and light” into the lives of those around him. “Matthew was one of my very dearest friends. He was extraordinarily kind, thoughtful and lived life to the full,” she shared, noting that he was an experienced swimmer who loved kayaking.
The incident occurred during what was meant to be a celebratory charity swim, which had transitioned into a more informal gathering of locals and visitors. While several swimmers were successfully rescued, Matthew and another man in his 40s remain unaccounted for. Matthew’s family expressed their grief, stating he was “deeply loved and forever missed.”
Authorities are urging swimmers to stay out of the sea due to ongoing stormy conditions and dangerously low temperatures, as the local community grapples with this tragedy. Bush’s heartfelt statement highlights the deep emotional impact of this loss, stating, “It’s so tragic that he lost his life this way. The world has lost someone incredibly special.”
The search continues as friends, family, and local residents rally together in hope for a miracle. Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.
