A Devon community is in mourning after a 63-year-old man vanished during a Christmas Day swim after heroically entering the water to rescue a woman in distress.
A Fatal Attempt to Save a Life
Matthew Upham, a respected antiques dealer from Budleigh Salterton, remains missing after a large-scale rescue operation was launched on the morning of 25 December. Police confirmed that several people were pulled from the choppy waters, with some requiring hospital treatment, but two men—one in his 40s and Mr Upham in his 60s—could not be found.
In a moving tribute, local dressmaker and friend Gail Williams revealed that Mr Upham's disappearance was the result of a selfless act. "My dear friend put others before himself on Christmas Day, seeing a woman in trouble Matthew, on true form, went to help along with the other unnamed man," she stated. "They entered the water to save them and sadly paid the price in the place he loved so much."
A Community Mourns a 'True Hero'
Ms Williams described Mr Upham as a valued and upstanding member of the community and an accomplished sea swimmer who spent hours in the water most days. She first met him seven years ago when he visited her shop with his mother for clothing alterations.
"His loss has affected so many far and wide," she added. "He leaves behind his lovely family and his loving friends, we will forever miss him." The singer Kate Bush also paid tribute, calling Mr Upham one of her "very dearest friends" of 30 years. In a statement on her website, she described him as extraordinarily kind, thoughtful, and a strong swimmer with a great love for kayaking who understood the sea must be respected.
Search Called Off as Warnings Issued
Following extensive shoreline and offshore searches by the Coastguard, the operation was called off at 5pm on Christmas Day. Devon and Cornwall Police confirmed that both men remain missing and that their families are being updated.
The tragic incident prompted East Devon District Council to issue a stark safety warning on Facebook on Christmas Day afternoon, urging people to "think twice before taking the plunge this festive season." The council highlighted the risks of cold water shock, powerful currents, and unpredictable weather, which can turn a quick dip into a serious emergency.
Mr Upham ran Matthew Upham Antiques by appointment on the town's High Street, having relocated the business from London after four decades. The incident led to the cancellation of several other planned Christmas and Boxing Day swims across Devon and Cornwall due to a yellow weather warning for wind.
