Is Kate Bush Heartbroken Over Her Missing Friend at Sea?

The tragic disappearance of Matthew Upham during a Christmas Day swim in Devon has deeply affected his close friend, singer-songwriter Kate Bush. Upham, a local antiques dealer, was described by Bush as one of her "very dearest friends" and a person who brought joy to everyone he met. His family and friends are devastated by the news, and emergency services continue to investigate the incident.

Last updated: 26 December 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

As of 26 December, police inquiries regarding Matthew Upham's disappearance are ongoing. Emergency services were called to Budleigh Salterton at approximately 10:25 GMT on Christmas Day after reports that two men, aged in their 40s and 60s, could not be located following their swim. Despite extensive search efforts, the coastguard operation was concluded by 17:00 GMT on the same day. The situation remains distressing for Upham's family and friends, who are seeking privacy during this challenging time.

Key takeaways

Matthew Upham, a well-loved antiques dealer and close friend of Kate Bush, went missing during a Christmas swim.
Emergency services conducted a search operation, but it was called off after several hours.
Kate Bush has publicly expressed her grief and shared fond memories of Upham.

Timeline: how we got here

The following key events outline the timeline leading up to the current situation regarding Matthew Upham:

25 December 2023, 10:25 GMT: Emergency services are alerted to a missing persons report in Budleigh Salterton.
25 December 2023, 17:00 GMT: The coastguard search operation is called off after extensive efforts.
26 December 2023: Police confirm that inquiries are ongoing regarding Upham's disappearance.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

As of 26 December, police are actively investigating the circumstances surrounding Matthew Upham's disappearance, but no new information has been released to the public. The family has requested privacy as they navigate their grief.

What was already established

Matthew Upham was known for his kindness, strength, and love for the sea. Kate Bush has shared heartfelt tributes, reflecting on their long friendship and his impact on those around him. Emergency services have acknowledged their efforts but have yet to provide definitive updates on Upham's status.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

This tragic incident highlights the risks associated with outdoor activities during winter and the importance of safety measures when engaging in swimming or water sports. It has resonated with many in the community, drawing attention to the need for awareness regarding conditions at sea.

Businesses and jobs

As an antiques dealer, Matthew Upham's business may face challenges during this period of mourning, particularly as his family navigates both grief and the operations of his shop. The local economy may feel the impact of such a beloved community figure's absence.

Policy and regulation

While this specific incident may not directly impact regulations, it serves as a reminder for local authorities to promote safety awareness in coastal areas, especially during peak holiday periods when swimming may seem appealing.

Numbers that matter

Two: The number of men reported missing during the Christmas Day swim.
30: The number of years Kate Bush has known Matthew Upham.
17: The time when the coastguard search operation was concluded on 25 December.

Definitions and jargon buster

RNLI: Royal National Lifeboat Institution, a charity that provides lifeboat search and rescue services in the UK.
Coastguard: A maritime safety organisation responsible for search and rescue operations at sea.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

In the immediate weeks following the incident, Upham's family will likely focus on grieving and memorialising their beloved family member. The ongoing police investigation may provide further clarity regarding the circumstances of his disappearance.

Medium term (1–6 months)

As time passes, there may be calls for increased awareness of safety measures when swimming in winter months. Potential community initiatives may arise in response to this tragedy to honour Upham's memory and educate others.

Signals to watch

Updates from Devon and Cornwall Police regarding the investigation.
Community responses or vigils held in memory of Matthew Upham.
Potential announcements from local authorities regarding water safety campaigns.

Practical guidance

Do

Stay informed about local water conditions and safety guidelines.
Support local businesses affected by such tragedies.
Engage with community safety initiatives.

Don’t

Don’t swim alone or in unfamiliar waters, especially during winter.
Don’t ignore local advice about swimming conditions.
Don’t hesitate to lend support to grieving families in your community.

Checklist

Check local weather and sea conditions before swimming.
Ensure you are familiar with the area where you intend to swim.
Consider swimming with a buddy for safety.
Be aware of emergency services contact information in case of emergencies.
Participate in local safety training or awareness sessions.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

As investigations are still ongoing, details surrounding Matthew Upham's disappearance remain uncertain. There may be varying accounts of the events that led to the incident, and it is important to approach new information with caution, particularly regarding safety measures and emergency responses in similar situations.

Bottom line

The disappearance of Matthew Upham is a heartbreaking event for his family, friends, and the broader community. It serves as a tragic reminder of the risks associated with swimming in winter and the need for heightened awareness around water safety. As the investigation continues, support for his family and community initiatives on safety may emerge.

FAQs

Who was Matthew Upham?

Matthew Upham was a local antiques dealer and a close friend of singer-songwriter Kate Bush, known for his kindness and love of the sea.

What happened to Matthew Upham on Christmas Day?

Matthew Upham went missing during a Christmas Day swim in Budleigh Salterton, prompting a search operation by emergency services.

What has Kate Bush said about Matthew Upham?

Kate Bush expressed her heartbreak over Upham's disappearance and shared fond memories of their friendship, highlighting his exceptional character.