Body found in hunt for Kate Bush’s ‘very dearest friend’ who got into trouble in the water on Christmas Day

A body was found during the search for Kate Bush’s ‘best friend’, who disappeared while swimming on Christmas Day after trying to save a woman in danger.

Antiques dealer Matthew Upham, 64, went to the beach off Budleigh Salterton in Devon on the morning of December 25.

He was among dozens of people taking a cold dip in the sea; but within seconds it encountered serious difficulties due to huge waves caused by strong winds.

Devon and Cornwall Police said a body was found near the shores of Exmouth Beach shortly before 3pm on Sunday.

“Formal identification has not yet taken place but the family of a 64-year-old man from Budleigh Salterton have been informed of this development,” police added.

Mr Upham and a 47-year-old man are feared to have drowned after several other swimmers were pulled from the water by rescuers.

The other man’s body was found on the shores of Sandy Bay in Exmouth on Wednesday.

Singer Kate Bush, who knew Mr Upham for 30 years, paid tribute to her ‘best friend’ following the tragedy.

Kate Bush, 67, who has lived in Devon since 2005, said she ‘lived life to the fullest’ as she paid tribute to her friend of 30 years

Emergency services were called to the beach at Budleigh Salterton at 10.25am on Christmas Day following concerns about swimmers.

The Running Up That Hill singer wrote on her website: ‘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.

‘His family is heartbroken and so am I, along with many of his friends. Matthew was a very strong swimmer. He had a great passion for skiing.

‘He understood that the sea had to be respected. It’s very tragic that he lost his life like this.

‘The world has lost someone incredibly special. Thank you, Matthew, for being one of the best friends a person could ever have.’

Reports at the time suggested that Mr Upham was struggling in the water and had nearly reached shore when he spotted a woman in distress beyond the surf line.

A friend of 30 years previously told the Mail: ‘Matthew swam to reach her but as he did so a large wave hit him and dragged him under the water. He hasn’t been seen since.

‘He was an extremely fit man and swam these waters almost every day, but more than that he was an incredibly dedicated person.

‘So when he saw that woman in distress, the only outcome was that he would swim straight to get to her rather than save himself.

‘From what I am told, he had initially managed to escape danger and was about to reach the beach but turned back when he saw the woman struggling.

Picture: Flowers left on the beach where Mr Upham went for his annual swim with friends on Christmas Day morning

‘His friends with him watched him move towards her, but when the wave came it was so strong it dragged him away, he really didn’t stand a chance.

‘The woman eventually made it back to shore but Matthew remains missing and hopes of finding him alive are quickly fading.

‘I think it’s important for people to know that the reason he went missing was because he went out to save someone; He was a very strong swimmer who knew the coastline like the back of his hand and was not one to recklessly put himself at risk.’

Mr Upham ran his antiques business in Fulham for many years before moving to Devon and specializing in chandeliers. He has also appeared in various YouTube videos about antiques.

His family posted on social media on Boxing Day to remember him and thank emergency services for their efforts.

His nephew, Major Harley Upham, wrote on the Instagram account of the antique shop in Budleigh Salterton: ‘Our family are 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 missed forever.

‘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 so 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.’