Kate Bush has expressed her profound sorrow, stating she is “heartbroken” after her buddy disappeared throughout a Christmas Day swim in Devon.
Matthew Upham, a 63-year-old antiques supplier, stays lacking following a large-scale rescue operation initiated on Christmas Day morning within the seaside city of Budleigh Salterton. The alarm was raised after a number of people encountered difficulties within the stormy water.
While quite a few swimmers have been efficiently pulled from the difficult situations and obtained medical consideration – some requiring hospitalisation as a precaution – two males, one in his forties and one other in his sixties, couldn’t be positioned.
The 67-year-old “Running Up That Hill” artist confirmed the information on her web site on Sunday, writing: “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. 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.”
The Daily Mail reported Mr Upham had tried to avoid wasting a girl in misery earlier than being swept away.
Bush added: “The world has lost someone incredibly special. Thank you, Matthew, for being one of the best friends anyone could have.”
An announcement posted to the Instagram account of Mr Upham’s enterprise stated his household are “heartbroken by the loss”.
It added: “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.”
Commenting on the submit, a buddy of the antiques supplier described Mr Upham as “the kindest person”.
They wrote: “The world will miss such a shining star.”
Another described him as “a beautiful man with the sweetest soul and only had kind words to say about everyone”, whereas one other stated he was “a bringer of joy and an inspiration”.
According to his web site, which linked to the Instagram account, Mr Upham ran appointment-only Matthew Upham Antiques in town’s excessive avenue.
The enterprise traded for 4 a long time in London earlier than transferring to the seaside city.
In a Facebook submit shared on Thursday afternoon, East Devon District Council urged locals to “think twice before taking the plunge this festive season”.
The native authority stated chilly water shock, robust currents and unpredictable climate situations can flip a “quick dip into a serious emergency”.
The coastguard stated after “extensive shoreline and offshore searches”, its search was stood down at 5pm on Christmas Day.
Devon and Cornwall Police have beforehand stated the households of the boys have been being saved knowledgeable of developments.
On Boxing Day, a police spokesperson stated “both men remain missing” following the incident and “inquiries are ongoing”.
Various Christmas and Boxing Day swims in Devon and Cornwall have been cancelled this 12 months due to a yellow climate warning for wind which lined elements of the South West and Wales.