Kate Bush has paid tribute to a close friend who died during a Christmas Day swim in Devon.
Antique dealer Matthew Upham went missing at a beach along with another man in Budleigh Salterton. HM Coastguard had responded to reports of “people in difficulty” in the water before the search was called off later that day, reports Sky News.
Writing on her official website, Bush said: “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.
“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. His family are heartbroken and along with many of his friends, so am I.”
“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.
