Kate Bush Shattered as Close Friend Matthew Upham Vanishes After Swim in Budleigh Salterton

A Heartbreaking Loss

Kate Bush has expressed deep sorrow after one of her closest friends, Matthew Upham, went missing during a Christmas Day swim. The 63-year-old antiques dealer was part of a group that encountered difficulties while swimming in the sea near Budleigh Salterton on December 25. A rescue operation was launched, but two men, aged in their 40s and 60s, were not found. Others were rescued and taken to the hospital.

The singer, known for her hit "Running Up That Hill," shared a statement on her website following the news. She revealed that Matthew was one of her dearest friends and described him as someone who touched everyone he met.

A Life Well-Lived

Bush said: “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. Matthew was one of my very dearest friends.”

She added: “I’d known him for 30 years. He was one of those people who touched everyone he met. He was extraordinarily kind, thoughtful and lived life to the full. He was also a great deal of fun. His family are heartbroken and along with many of his friends, so am I. Matthew was a very strong swimmer. He had a great love for kayaking. He understood that the sea should be respected.”

It is reported that Mr Upham was swept away while trying to help a woman in distress. Bush concluded: “The world has lost someone incredibly special. Thank-you Matthew, for being one of the best friends anyone could have.”

Family’s Grief and Gratitude

A statement from his family also reflected their heartbreak. It read: “Matthew is deeply loved and will be forever missed. We would like to express our sincere and heartfelt thanks to the emergency services who responded, particularly the RNLI and coastguard, for their dedication, professionalism, and tireless efforts during this extremely difficult time. We are profoundly grateful for their compassion and support.”

A Beloved Figure

Comments on an Instagram post highlighted how much the antique seller was loved. One friend described him as “the kindest person.” They added: “The world will miss such a shining star.” Others referred to him as “a bringer of joy and an inspiration,” with another saying he was “a beautiful man with the sweetest soul and only had kind words to say about everyone.”

Upham ran an appointment-only antiques business. The high street store offered "a captivating assortment of chandeliers sourced from various regions across Europe." He operated the business from London for four decades before moving to Devon.

Warnings and Ongoing Search

Following the tragic events, East Devon District Council advised locals to “think twice before taking the plunge this festive season.” The local authority warned that cold water shock, strong currents, and unpredictable weather conditions can turn a “quick dip into a serious emergency.”

The Coastguard confirmed that after “extensive shoreline and offshore searches,” its search was stood down at 5pm on Christmas Day. On Boxing Day, a Devon and Cornwall Police spokesman stated that "both men remain missing" following the incident and "inquiries are ongoing."

Several swims were cancelled across the county during the Christmas period due to a yellow weather warning for wind.