Dr Michael Mosley, 67, was tragically found dead days after going missing while on holiday with his wife, Dr Clare Bailey, on the Greek island of Symi. The beloved TV personality was well known for appearing on The One Show and This Morning to share his expertise, popularised the 5:2 diet, and was also a popular podcaster.
The search for Dr Mosley
A widespread search on the Greek island of Symi, where Michael was vacationing with his wife Clare and a friend, took place after Clare raised the alarm when she realised that Michael had failed to return to their villa after leaving the beach early on Wednesday 5 June. The search took place over four days, where Michael's body was very sadly found around 100 yards from a restaurant and around 150 yards from an area that his four children has previously been searching in, having flown to Greece to help with the rescue operation. His body was spotted by British journalist David Blackmore, who had been on a boat at the time.
He told The Telegraph: "The boat then left the marina area and travelled to the caves, but on the way I saw something on the rocks. ‘What’s that there?’ I asked the cameraman, not realising at first that it was a body. It was a very dark colour, black, and the rest of that area is all shrubby grey and green. It was then that the photographer asked me if it could be a body."
David continued: "At this point the shock set in. He turned the phone to me and just said: ‘Look’. It was very clear to us at that point that it was a male body. The man’s arm was thrown across his chest and his watch glinted in the sun." He added: "I didn’t want to believe it. We all still hoped he’d turn up alive somewhere else and that something else had happened. My heart sank when I saw the umbrella – it had to be him.”
Dr Mosley's cause of death
According to an autopsy report, the TV doctor, who was known for appearing on This Morning and The One Show, did not sustain any injuries, and so it ruled out reports that he may have suffered a heavy fall, or was harmed by any criminal activity.
The autopsy report also confirmed that he passed away on the same day that he went missing at around 4 pm, around two hours after he had been reported missing. His exact cause of death is still yet to be established due to the condition of his remains - but the autopsy has concluded that it was due to natural causes.
CCTV footage has been uncovered showing Michael walking down a rocky slope, and walking at a slow pace while trying to reach the beach of Agia Marina, nearby to where he was found.
Michael's wife's statement
His wife Dr Bailey shared a statement in the hours following the discovery of his body, saying: "I don’t know quite where to begin with this. It’s devastating to have lost Michael, my wonderful, funny, kind and brilliant husband. We had an incredibly lucky life together.
"We loved each other very much and were so happy together. I am incredibly proud of our children, their resilience and support over the past days.
"My family and I have been hugely comforted by the outpouring of love from people from around the world. It’s clear that Michael meant a huge amount to so many of you.
We’re taking comfort in the fact that he so very nearly made it. He did an incredible climb, took the wrong route and collapsed where he couldn’t be easily seen by the extensive search team.
"Michael was an adventurous man, it’s part of what made him so special.
"We are so grateful to the extraordinary people on Symi who have worked tirelessly to help find him. Some of these people on the island, who hadn’t even heard of Michael, worked from dawn till dusk unasked. We’re also very grateful to the press who have dealt with us with great respect.
"I feel so lucky to have our children and my amazing friends. Most of all, I feel so lucky to have had this life with Michael. Thank you all."