Second man who went missing after Christmas Day swim in Devon named
The inquest into Tom Johnson's death was opened and adjourned today
Last updated 4th Feb 2026
A second swimmer who went missing during a Christmas Day swim in Devon has been named as father of two and teacher Tom Johnson.
47-year-old Mr Johnson and 64-year-old Mathew Upham went missing in the sea at Budleigh Saltern after getting into difficulty.
Mr Johnson, has been described as a "much-loved teacher" who taught at PE at New Hall School in Chelmsford, Essex.
His body was found on the 20th of January on Sandy Bay near Exmouth.
The inquest into Mr Johnson's death was opened and adjourned today (February 4th).
The body of Mr Upham, an antiques dealer, was found on January 25.
A fundraiser has been set up to support the family of Mr Johnson and at the time of writing it has raised over £30,000.
The Go Fund Me 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."
The inquest into Mr Upham's death is yet to be opened.
His family have said he was "deeply loved and forever missed".