Family pay tribute to ‘deeply loved’ antiques dealer who went missing during Christmas Day swim in Devon
He was named by the family of one of two men who were swept away at sea while swimming in Devon on Christmas Day.
Local antique shop owner Matthew Upham was reported missing on Thursday morning following a “truly tragic incident” in Budleigh Salterton.
Emergency services were called to the scene upon the notice of many people trapped between large waves on the beach. Many were taken to safety, but a man in his forties and a man in his sixties were missing and unlocated as of Boxing Day.
After a comprehensive search, the operation was completed on Thursday afternoon and the families of the missing persons were informed.
Mr. Upham’s family wrote in a statement on his company’s Instagram page on Friday: “Our family is deeply saddened by the loss of our beloved family member, Matthew Upham, who was reported missing on Christmas morning.
“Matthew is much loved and will be forever missed.”
He continued: “We would like to express our sincere and heartfelt thanks to the emergency services who responded, particularly the RNLI and the coastguard, for their dedication, professionalism and tireless efforts during this extremely difficult time.
“We are deeply grateful for their compassion and support. We ask that our family’s privacy be respected as we grieve and support each other. We thank everyone for their understanding, kindness, and condolences.”
It is feared that a second man in his 40s, whose name has not been disclosed, drowned while trying to save himself. Daily Mail.
Mr Upham ran Matthew Upham Antiques, available by appointment only, on Budleigh Salterton’s high street, offering “a stunning range of chandeliers from various parts of Europe”.
The website also states that the chandeliers offered by the business “beautifully complement our 18th-century furniture collection, creating a harmonious blend of timeless elegance.”
The store had been based in London for four decades before moving to the seaside town.
Commentators heaped praise on the businessman, describing him as “the kindest person” and “a shining star”.
The incident occurred during the Met Office yellow weather warning for wind for south-west England and parts of Wales on Thursday. Police urged the public to avoid swimming in the water on Boxing Day.
Footage of the day shows several people trying to get out of the water as large waves crashed onto the shore.
Mike Brown, 60, who swims at Budleigh Salterton on Christmas Day most years, told the BBC that Thursday’s conditions were the “worst” he had ever seen.
A resident of the neighborhood said that he “couldn’t get out” after swimming in the sea and that “two very brave men” helped him.
Detective Superintendent Hayley Costar, of Devon and Cornwall Police, said: “Emergency services are responding to a truly tragic incident in Budleigh Salterton today.
“Our thoughts are with the families and friends of the two men who are now missing and everyone who witnessed and was affected by the incident. “The local community will have seen a significant amount of emergency services in the area throughout the day as extensive investigations continue.
“As darkness fell, some of these searches were suspended and some police investigations on the ground continued this evening.”
Coast Guard rescue teams coming from surrounding areas were assisted by search and rescue helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft, as well as police and ambulance personnel.
