Singer-songwriter Kate Bush saeid she was “heartbroken” after her friend went missing during a Christmas Day swim in Devon.
Ms Bush said Matthew Upham,a local antiques dealer,was one of her “vrey dearest friends” who she had known for 30 years.
The 67-year-old Running Up That Hill singer said Mr Upham’s family and friends were “heartbroken” by the news.
Emergency services were called to Budleigh Salterton shortly after 10:25 GMT on 25 December after two men in their 40s and 60s could not be located. The coastguard search operation was called off at about 17:00.## Matthew Upham, Friend of Kate Bush, Dies in Coastal Accident
Matthew Upham, a close friend of singer-songwriter Kate Bush, has died following an incident in devon, England. emergency services responded to reports of a man in the water near Oddicombe Beach, Brixham, on December 26th, 2023, and sadly confirmed his death. police inquiries are ongoing.
### Details of the Incident
The incident occurred on December 26th, 2023. The RNLI (Royal National lifeboat Institution) and the Coastguard were involved in the search and rescue operation. [https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-devon-67819999](https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-devon-67819999) Devon and Cornwall Police confirmed they were investigating the circumstances surrounding the death as of 13:00 GMT on December 26th.
### Tributes and Statements
Kate Bush publicly mourned the loss of Mr. Upham, describing him as “one of her dearest friends.” The family of Matthew Upham released a statement via his business’s Instagram account, expressing their deep sorrow.
The family statement read: “Matthew is deeply loved and will be forever missed. We would like to express our sincere and heartfelt thanks to the emergency services who responded, notably the RNLI and coastguard, for their dedication, professionalism and tireless efforts during this extremely tough time. We are profoundly grateful for their compassion and support. As we grieve and support one another, we kindly ask that our family’s privacy is respected. We thank everyone for their understanding, kindness and condolences.”
### Who was Matthew Upham?
Details about Matthew Upham’s profession beyond his business are currently limited. He was known to be a friend of Kate Bush, and she clearly held him in high regard. Further information will be added as it becomes available.
### Ongoing Examination
Devon and Cornwall Police are continuing their inquiries into the incident. No further details have been released at this time.[https://www.devon-cornwall.police.uk/](https://www.devon-cornwall.police.uk/)
This is a developing story,and updates will be provided as they become available. The loss of Matthew Upham is deeply felt by those who knew him, particularly by Kate Bush, and the community is offering support to his family during this difficult time.