Second Victim Named in Devon Christmas Swim Tragedy
A father-of-two has been formally identified as the second victim of a devastating Christmas Day swimming tragedy that unfolded on the Devon coast. PE teacher Tom Johnson, 47, lost his life in what witnesses describe as a heroic attempt to rescue 63-year-old antiques dealer Matthew Upham from treacherous sea conditions at Budleigh Salterton.
Dangerous Conditions During Festive Plunge
The pair were among dozens of swimmers who had taken part in the traditional Christmas Day cold water plunge, with some participants wearing festive Santa hats. Within seconds of entering the water, swimmers encountered serious difficulties due to enormous swells generated by high winds that battered the east Devon coastline.
Hundreds of spectators gathered on the pebble beach watched in horror as events unfolded. Witnesses reported seeing swimmers being knocked over by massive waves while others struggled to escape thick foam. Some participants required hospital treatment after being helped back to shore amid the rough conditions.
Chain of Rescue Attempts
The tragedy began when Matthew Upham, who had initially made progress back toward safety, spotted a woman in distress beyond the surf line. The experienced swimmer and daily sea user turned back to assist her, only to be caught himself by a powerful wave that dragged him beneath the surface.
It is believed that Tom Johnson then entered the water in a brave attempt to rescue the struggling antiques dealer. Witnesses reported losing sight of both men in the turbulent conditions.
Coroner Opens Inquest into Teacher's Death
Devon coroner Deborah Archer has formally opened an inquest into Tom Johnson's death at an Exeter hearing. She revealed that the married teacher's body was discovered at Sandy Bay in Exmouth on January 20th, nearly a month after the Christmas Day incident.
'Thomas entered the water with other members of the public for a swim at Budleigh Salterton on December 25th,' Miss Archer told the hearing. 'While in the water, those watching from the beach lost sight of him and he was not seen to emerge from the water.'
The precise cause of death remains undetermined at this stage, with the inquest adjourned for further investigation.
Community Mourns Respected Educator
Tom Johnson taught physical education at the prestigious New Hall School in Boreham, an independent boarding institution with annual fees reaching £46,000. He had been a valued member of the school community for over seventeen years.
A fundraising campaign established to support his grieving family has already raised £30,000. Tributes on the fundraising page describe Johnson as an inspirational teacher who made an outstanding contribution to the school's sports department.
'Tom was a valued and cherished member of our New Hall community,' read one message. 'He inspired countless pupils with his enthusiasm, dedication and love of sport. His passion for sport, commitment to young people, and his warm, generous spirit left a lasting impression.'
Antiques Dealer Remembered as Selfless Swimmer
Matthew Upham, who ran an antique business specialising in chandeliers after relocating from Fulham to Devon, has been remembered as an exceptionally fit and experienced sea swimmer. Friends of thirty years have described him as incredibly selfless, noting that he had practically swum those waters every day.
'When he saw that woman in distress, there was only going to be one outcome,' a close friend told the Daily Mail. 'He'd actually made it out of danger initially and was about to reach the beach but turned back when he saw the woman struggling.'
The woman Upham attempted to rescue eventually made it back to shore safely.
Celebrity Tribute and Family Statement
Singer Kate Bush, a close friend of Matthew Upham for three decades, paid emotional tribute to the antiques dealer on her website. The Running Up That Hill singer, who has lived in Devon since 2005, described Upham as 'extraordinarily kind, thoughtful and lived life to the full.'
'He was a very strong swimmer,' Bush wrote. 'He understood that the sea should be respected. It's so tragic that he lost his life this way.'
The Upham family released a statement through the Instagram account of his Budleigh Salterton antique shop, expressing their heartbreak and gratitude to emergency services. His nephew Major Harley Upham wrote: '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.'
Emergency Response and Ongoing Investigation
Exmouth and Beer Coastguard rescue teams, RNLI lifeboats, and a search and rescue helicopter were all deployed in the immediate aftermath of the incident to search for the missing men. The inquest into Matthew Upham's death has yet to be formally opened, while the hearing into Tom Johnson's death continues to examine the circumstances surrounding this tragic Christmas Day event.
The community continues to mourn both men, with flowers left at the beach where the annual swim tradition turned to tragedy. Both victims are remembered not only for their tragic deaths but for their courageous attempts to assist others in perilous conditions.
