Kate Bush has shared that a close friend of hers, an antiques dealer named Matthew Upham, is among the individuals feared to have lost their lives after participating in a Christmas Day swim. The disappearance of Upham, aged 63, has left Bush heartbroken as she described him as an exceptionally kind and thoughtful person whom she had known for many years.
Following concerns about a group getting into trouble in the water due to stormy conditions, emergency services were called to Budleigh Salterton beach in Devon on Christmas Day at 10.25 am. While several swimmers were safely rescued, Matthew Upham and another man in his forties are still missing.
In a heartfelt tribute, Upham’s family expressed their deep love and eternal sorrow for their loss. Bush, who resides in Devon, also paid respects to Upham, highlighting his impactful presence in her life and the community. She remembered him as a vibrant individual who cherished kayaking and understood the importance of respecting the sea.
The HM Coastguard swiftly responded to reports of individuals in distress in the Budleigh Salterton area, deploying RNLI lifeboats and various rescue resources. Due to adverse weather conditions, several Christmas and Boxing Day swimming events in Devon and Cornwall were canceled this year, with swimmers advised to avoid the sea due to the ongoing risks posed by the inclement weather.
Despite its past status as an organized charity event, the Christmas swim at Budleigh Salterton has transitioned into an informal gathering attended by local residents and some visitors. The tragic incident has prompted authorities to caution against sea activities in the region, emphasizing safety in light of challenging weather conditions.