AFPSinger-songwriter Kate Bush said she was “heartbroken” after her friend went missing during a Christmas Day swim in Devon.
Ms Bush said Matthew Upham, a local antiques dealer, was one of her “very dearest friends” who she had known for 30 years.
The 67-year-old Running Up That Hill singer said Mr Upham’s family and friends were “heartbroken” by the news.
Emergency services were called to Budleigh Salterton shortly after 10:25 GMT on 25 December after two men in their 40s and 60s could not be located. The coastguard search operation was called off at about 17:00.
In a tribute on the official Kate Bush website, the singer said: “He [Mr Upham] was one of those people who touched everyone he met.
“He was extraordinarily kind, thoughtful and lived life to the full.
“He was also a great deal of fun.”
She described Mr Upham, who was aged in his 60s, as a “very strong swimmer” who had a great love for kayaking and understood the sea should be respected.
“It’s so tragic that he lost his life this way,” Ms Bush said.
“The world has lost someone incredibly special.
“Thank you Matthew, for being one of the best friends anyone could have.”
She added: “His family are heartbroken and along with many of his friends, so am I.”
Social mediaThe family of Mr Upham issued a statement on his business’s Instagram account, describing him as a “beloved” family member.
“Matthew is deeply loved and will be forever missed,” it continued.
“We would like to express our sincere and heartfelt thanks to the emergency services who responded, particularly the RNLI and coastguard, for their dedication, professionalism and tireless efforts during this extremely difficult time.
“We are profoundly grateful for their compassion and support.
“As we grieve and support one another, we kindly ask that our family’s privacy is respected. We thank everyone for their understanding, kindness and condolences.”
The has approached Devon and Cornwall Police for more information.
The latest update from the force on 26 December at 13:00 GMT was police inquiries were ongoing.