Body found on Devon beach after swimmers went missing on Christmas Day
A body has been found on a beach in Devon after two swimmers went missing on Christmas Day.
Emergency services were called to Exmouth Beach shortly before 3pm on Sunday following reports of a possible body sighting near the shore.
Police said a man’s body was later found. They added that while no formal identification had yet been made, the family of a 64-year-old man from Budleigh Salterton had been informed of the discovery.
It comes after antiques dealer Matthew Upham had difficulty attending a Christmas Day swimming event with an unnamed 47-year-old man.
Another body was found on Tuesday as part of the search for two swimmers who went missing at Budleigh Salterton Beach on December 25.
Police said the discovery was made at around 8.45am in Sandy Bay, Exmouth.
Although official identification has not yet been completed, the person is thought to be a 47-year-old man.
Police are also yet to confirm whether the body of the 64-year-old man found on Sunday is Mr Upham.
Emergency services were called to Budleigh Salterton at 10.25am on Christmas Day after being alerted to concerns about 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.
Mr 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.”
Singer Kate Bush, who was a friend of Mr. Upham, paid tribute to him in a post on her website.
“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 incredibly kind, thoughtful and lived life to the fullest. He 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 loved canoeing. He understood that the sea had to be respected.”
