The family of Matthew Upham, one of two men missing after a Christmas Day swim in Devon, has paid tribute to him, saying he is 'deeply loved and forever missed'. The 40-year-old ran an antiques business in Budleigh Salterton.
Emergency services were called to Budleigh Salterton beach at 10.25am on Christmas Day after concerns were raised for people in the water. Several swimmers were brought safely to shore, but two men – Upham and another in his 60s – could not be found.
The coastguard search was stood down at 5pm on Christmas Day, but police onshore inquiries continued. On Boxing Day, police confirmed both men were still missing and urged people not to enter the water. A police presence remains at the scene.
Detective Superintendent Hayley Costar of Devon and Cornwall Police described the incident as 'truly tragic' and urged anyone planning sea swims to reconsider, noting that weather warnings had led to the cancellation of several official and unofficial swims.
Witness Julia Robb described 'very cold and windy' conditions with waves of at least 6ft. She expressed shock for the community, saying, 'It is a sad thing to happen on what had been such a positive morning.'
