A second swimmer who went missing during a Christmas Day sea swim in Budleigh Salterton has been identified as Tom Johnson, a 47-year-old teacher and father of two.
Emergency services launched a major search after two men were reported missing in the water at Budleigh Salterton shortly after 10:25 GMT on Christmas Day. The coastguard operation was stood down at around 17:00.
An inquest into Mr Johnson’s death was opened on Wednesday by coroner Deborah Archer, who confirmed his body was discovered at Sandy Bay near Exmouth on 20 January. Mr Johnson, originally from Boston in Lincolnshire, lived in Chelmsford, Essex, and worked as a PE teacher at New Hall School in Boreham. The Exeter hearing was told he had built a long career in education before relocating to Essex.
Colleagues and former students have paid tribute, remembering him as a devoted teacher and a caring family man.
The second man, antiques dealer Matthew Upham, 63, was found on 25 January.
Addressing the inquest, Ms Archer said Mr Johnson had entered the sea with other swimmers on 25 December, but was later lost from sight by people watching from the beach and did not return to shore. She added that the exact cause of death has yet to be determined.
A fundraising appeal set up to support Mr Johnson’s family has raised more than £30,000.
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