SWIMMER WHO DIED ON CHRISTMAS DAY NAMED AS FATHER OF TWO
A father of two has been named as the second swimmer who died during a Christmas Day swim off the coast of Devon.
Exeter coroners’ court has opened an inquest into the death of Tom Johnson, 47, who lost his life after going missing during the open-water swim at Budleigh Salterton.
Matthew Upham, a 63-year-old antiques dealer, also died after he was swept out to sea as other swimmers were rescued from the waters after getting into difficulty.
Deborah Archer, the coroner, said Johnson’s body was found at Sandy Bay, Exmouth, three miles west of Budleigh Salterton, on Jan 20. He was born in Boston, Lincs, and was a PE teacher at New Hall School in Boreham, Essex.
Johnson had entered the water in an attempt to rescue other swimmers who were experiencing difficulties, witnesses said.
Gail Williams, a friend of Upham, said last month that the two men had tried to help after “seeing a woman in trouble”. She added: “They entered the water to save them, and sadly paid the price. It is beyond imaginable what [they] went through in the sea.”
Johnson’s cause of death is not yet known, Ms Archer said before the hearing was adjourned.
An online fundraiser to support his family has raised more than £30,000. The page said the “inspirational teacher” had been a member of staff at New Hall School, an independent boarding school, for more than 17 years.
“During that time, he made an outstanding contribution to the sport department, with a particular focus on the prep divisions, where he inspired countless pupils with his enthusiasm, dedication, and love of sport,” the fundraiser said.
“Tom was an inspirational teacher and a deeply respected colleague. His passion for sport, commitment to young people and his warm, generous spirit left a lasting impression on students, parents and staff. He brought energy, kindness and humour to everything he did, and he will be greatly missed by the New Hall community.”
An inquest into the death of Upham, who was described as a “very strong swimmer”, is yet to be opened after his body was found at Exmouth beach on Jan 25.
Kate Bush, the singer, who was a friend of Upham, described him as “incredibly special” and said he “lived life to the full”.
Upham had swum out to help a woman in difficulty when “a huge wave crashed into him and dragged him under”, an unnamed friend told the Mail On Sunday.
2026-02-04T15:35:40Z