Kate Bush ‘heartbroken’ over friend missing at sea

Singer-songwriter Kate Bush said she was “heartbroken” after her friend went missing while swimming in Devon on Christmas Day.

Mrs Bush said local antiques dealer Matthew Upham was one of her “closest friends” whom she had known for 30 years.

The Running Up That Hill singer, 67, said Mr Upham’s family and friends were “heartbroken” by the news.

Shortly after 10:25 GMT on December 25, emergency services were called to Budleigh Salterton after two men in their 40s and 60s could not be located. The coast guard’s search operation was stopped around 17:00.

One tribute on the official Kate Bush websitethe singer said: “He [Mr Upham] He was one of those people who touched everyone he met.

“He was extraordinarily kind, thoughtful and lived life to the fullest.

“It was also a lot of fun.”

He described Mr Upham as a “very strong swimmer” who loved kayaking and understood the need to respect the sea.

“It’s tragic that he lost his life this way,” Mrs. Bush said.

“The world has lost someone incredibly special.

“Thank you, Matthew, for being one of the best friends anyone could ever have.”

He added: “His family is heartbroken and so am I, along with many of his friends.”

Mr Upham’s family released a statement on the business’s Instagram account, describing him as a “loved” family member.

“Matthew is much loved and will be forever missed,” she continued.

“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 deeply grateful to them 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.”

The BBC has contacted Devon and Cornwall Police for more information.

The last update from the force, at 13:00 GMT on 26 December, was that police investigations were continuing.