Body found in search for missing Christmas Day swimmers at Budleigh Salterton
A body has been found during the search for two swimmers who went missing off the Devon coast on Christmas Day.
Devon and Cornwall Police said the discovery was made at Sandy Bay in Exmouth at around 8.45am on Tuesday.
The man in question is thought to be a 47-year-old man who disappeared while attending a Christmas Day swimming event in Budleigh Salterton.
While his relatives have been informed, official identification has not yet been completed.
The man got into trouble with antiques dealer Matthew Upham, 63, whose name has not been released, at Budleigh Salterton Beach on Christmas Day.
Inspector Ryan Doyle said: “This discovery is very sad news, following the sad and tragic incident on Christmas Day.
We have spoken to his family and continue to support them during this difficult time.
“They understandably wanted their privacy to be respected.
“The family of the second missing man has also been informed and is providing support.
“Our thoughts remain with them.”
Emergency services were called to Budleigh Salterton at 10.25am on Christmas Day following concerns for people in stormy water.
A number of people were brought safely to shore and checked by paramedics or taken to hospital as a precaution, but two men, aged in their 40s and 60s, could not be located.
Upham’s family wrote in a statement on his company’s Instagram page: “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.”
Singer Kate Bush, who was also a friend of Mr. Upham, paid tribute to him in a post on her website on Sunday.
“Matthew was one of my closest friends. I knew him for 30 years,” she said.
“He was one of those people who touched everyone he met.
“He was extraordinarily kind, thoughtful and lived life to the fullest.
“He was also a very funny person.
“His family is heartbroken and so am I, along with many of his friends.
“Matthew was a very strong swimmer. He loved canoeing. He understood that the sea had to be respected.”
