Antiques Shop Owner Matthew Upham Missing After Being Swept Out to Sea

The disappearance of antiques dealer Matthew Upham during a Christmas Day swim in Devon has cast a profound shadow over the seaside town of Budleigh Salterton, where he was a well-known and respected figure. Mr Upham, a local business owner in his forties, was reported missing following a tragic incident on Christmas morning when strong storm-driven waves overwhelmed swimmers taking part in a seasonal sea dip. Despite an extensive multi-agency search involving emergency services from across the region, he has not been found, and his family has since paid tribute to a man they describe as “deeply loved” and “forever missed.”

The incident occurred amid hazardous weather conditions, with a Met Office yellow warning for wind covering large parts of southwest England. Witnesses and officials have since described the sea state as particularly dangerous, with powerful waves and difficult exit conditions that left several swimmers struggling. While a number of people were escorted safely back to shore, two men were swept away by the sea. As of Boxing Day, both remained missing, and the formal search operation was stood down after emergency teams exhausted all viable avenues.

For the close-knit Budleigh Salterton community, the loss is deeply personal. Mr Upham was not only a familiar presence on the town’s high street but also a figure known for his kindness, creativity, and dedication to his craft. Tributes from friends, customers, and fellow residents have continued to pour in, reflecting the widespread sense of grief and disbelief that has followed the events of Christmas Day.

The Christmas Day Incident and Search Efforts

Emergency services were called to Budleigh Salterton beach on Christmas morning after reports that several swimmers were in difficulty amid large and violent waves. The traditional Christmas Day swim, a long-standing custom in many coastal communities, draws participants each year, often despite cold temperatures. This year, however, conditions were far from typical. Strong winds and turbulent seas created a dangerous environment, catching swimmers off guard and making it exceptionally difficult for them to return safely to shore.

According to Devon and Cornwall Police, multiple people were reported to be struggling in the water. Coastguard rescue teams, RNLI lifeboats, police officers, and ambulance crews were quickly deployed to the scene, supported by search and rescue helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft. Several swimmers were successfully assisted out of the water, but two men, one in his forties and another in his sixties, were swept away by the force of the sea.

Mr Upham was later identified by his family as one of the missing men. Reports have suggested that another man, also believed to be in his forties, may have been attempting to help him when both were overwhelmed by the waves, though this has not been formally confirmed by authorities. What is clear is that the conditions were severe, with eyewitness footage showing people struggling against the surf as waves crashed heavily onto the pebbled beach.

The search continued throughout Christmas Day, involving extensive air and sea operations. As daylight faded and conditions remained challenging, emergency services made the difficult decision to conclude the active search on Thursday afternoon. Families of the missing men were informed, and while some land-based enquiries continued into the evening, hopes of a positive outcome diminished.

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Detective Superintendent Hayley Costar of Devon and Cornwall Police described the event as a “truly tragic incident,” acknowledging both the scale of the emergency response and the emotional impact on the local community. She emphasised that the thoughts of the police and partner agencies remained with the families and friends of the missing men, as well as with those who witnessed the incident or were directly affected by it.

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In the aftermath, police urged members of the public to avoid entering the water on Boxing Day, reinforcing warnings about ongoing dangerous conditions. Local residents with experience of the Christmas swim tradition echoed these concerns. Mike Brown, a 60-year-old who has taken part in the Budleigh Salterton Christmas Day swim for many years, told the BBC that the conditions were the worst he had ever encountered, describing how he himself was unable to get out of the sea without help from others.

Tributes to a Respected Antiques Dealer and Community Figure

Matthew Upham was widely known beyond Budleigh Salterton for his work as an antiques dealer specialising in European chandeliers and 18th-century furniture. He ran Matthew Upham Antiques, an appointment-only business located on the town’s high street, where his carefully curated collection reflected decades of expertise and a distinctive eye for timeless design. His shop had originally been based in London for around forty years before relocating to the Devon coast, a move that brought his business and passion into the heart of the local community.

On Friday, Mr Upham’s family shared a statement via his company’s Instagram page, confirming his identity as one of the missing men and expressing their heartbreak at his disappearance. They described him as a “beloved family member” who was “deeply loved and will be forever missed,” words that have resonated with many who knew him personally or through his work.

The family also extended their gratitude to the emergency services involved in the search, singling out the RNLI and the coastguard for their dedication, professionalism, and tireless efforts during what they described as an extremely difficult time. They expressed profound appreciation for the compassion and support shown to them and asked for privacy as they grieve together.

Tributes from customers and friends quickly followed, with many describing Mr Upham as exceptionally kind, generous with his knowledge, and deeply committed to his craft. Commenters referred to him as a “shining star” and “the kindest person,” highlighting not only his professional achievements but also his warmth and humanity. For many, his antiques shop was more than a business; it was a place where stories were shared, and where his enthusiasm for history and design left a lasting impression.

His website reflected this philosophy, describing how his chandeliers, sourced from across Europe, were chosen to complement his collection of 18th-century furniture and create a harmonious sense of timeless elegance. This attention to detail and respect for craftsmanship mirrored the way he approached relationships, according to those who knew him, making his loss all the more deeply felt.

Community Impact, Safety Concerns, and Ongoing Reflections

The tragedy at Budleigh Salterton has prompted renewed discussion about safety during seasonal sea swims, particularly when weather warnings are in place. While such swims are often seen as festive traditions rooted in camaraderie and resilience, the events of Christmas Day have underscored the unpredictability of the sea and the risks posed by severe weather conditions.

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At the time of the incident, a Met Office yellow warning for wind was active across parts of southwest England and Wales, signalling potentially hazardous conditions. Police and emergency services have since reiterated the importance of heeding such warnings, urging the public to avoid entering the water when conditions are unsafe. The powerful waves witnessed that day, combined with strong winds, created a situation that even experienced swimmers found difficult to manage.

For the Budleigh Salterton community, the incident has been both shocking and sobering. The sight of extensive emergency services along the seafront on Christmas Day, a time typically associated with celebration and togetherness, left a lasting impression on residents and visitors alike. Many have spoken of the bravery shown by those who attempted to help others in the water, as well as the professionalism of the rescue teams who responded.

As the formal search has now concluded, the focus has shifted toward supporting the families and loved ones of those missing. The loss of Matthew Upham, in particular, has highlighted the deep connections that exist within smaller communities, where individuals are known not just by name but by the roles they play in the lives of others.

While investigations and inquiries on land have continued, there remains a collective sense of mourning and reflection. The tragedy serves as a reminder of the sea’s power and the need for caution, even during cherished traditions. For those who knew Matthew Upham, however, the focus remains on remembering a man whose life was defined by creativity, generosity, and a genuine love for his family, his work, and his community.

As tributes continue to be shared and memories recalled, Budleigh Salterton stands united in grief, honouring a life that touched many and acknowledging the profound loss felt by all who knew him.