Kate Bush “heartbroken” after close friend dies at sea during Christmas Day swim: “The world has lost someone incredibly special”
Kate Bush has paid tribute to her friend Matthew Upham after he tragically died while swimming in Devon on Christmas Day.
At 10.25am on Christmas Day, emergency services were called to Budleigh Salterton beach and managed to safely rescue most of the group of swimmers. Sadly, two men in their 40s and 60s could not be found.
Upham, who was an antiques dealer in his 60s, was later identified by his family on social media as one of the missing men.
Now, Bush has taken to her website to pay a heartfelt tribute to Upham, who she described as one of her “very dearest friends”.
Her emotional statement began, “As you might have heard on the news, Matthew Upham was one of the swimmers who went missing in the sea in Devon on Christmas Day.”
She continued, “Matthew was one of my very dearest friends. I’d known him for thirty years. “He was one of those people who touched everyone he met. He was extraordinarily kind, thoughtful and lived life to the full. He was also a great deal of fun.”
Bush then stated that his family and friends, including herself, are “heartbroken” by his sudden and unexpected passing.
The ‘Running Up That Hill‘ singer added, “Matthew was a very strong swimmer. He had a great love for kayaking. He understood that the sea should be respected. It’s so tragic that he lost his life this way.
She concluded by writing, “The world has lost someone incredibly special. Thank you Matthew, for being one of the best friends anyone could have.”
Upham’s family previously took to Instagram to write, “Our family is heartbroken by the loss of our beloved family member Matthew Upham, who was reported missing on Christmas Morning. Matthew is deeply loved and will be forever missed.”
They added, “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 profoundly grateful for their compassion and support.”
Devon and Cornwall Police have yet to name the other man who went missing on Christmas Day at Budleigh Salterton beach.
Never Miss A Beat
The Far Out Music Newsletter
All the latest music news from the independent voice of culture.
Straight to your inbox.