CCTV footage has captured the moment Dr Michael Mosley stumbled near the location where his body was later discovered, with his widow stating he "very nearly made it" to safety. The circ*mstances surrounding his death remain a mystery, as Greek authorities have transported his body to Rhodes for an autopsy.
Dr Clare Bailey Mosley has identified the body found on Sunday morning in a rugged area close to Agia Marina beach on the Greek island of Symi as her husband, expressing that the loss is "devastating". Colleagues and numerous followers of his health advice have been paying their respects.
A beach bar's CCTV system reportedly shows what seems to be the well-known TV doctor descending a rocky incline by a fence before disappearing from the camera's view. His bag was subsequently located "20 feet" from where the beloved health guru was discovered, after being noticed by a film crew, reports the Mirror.
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His bereaved wife remarked that the 67 year old, who vanished after parting ways with his wife and companions at Agios Nikolaos beach on Wednesday, appears to have attempted an "incredible climb, took the wrong route and collapsed where he couldn't be easily seen" by the search teams involved in the emergency effort.
Preliminary findings by a coroner suggest there was no foul play involved, but additional examinations are set to take place in Rhodes to establish the exact cause of death for the father-of-four.
The passing of the esteemed science broadcaster has deeply moved his family, friends, and a legion of fans who admired his work in science and health communication.
BBC's Trust Me, I'm A Doctor co-host Chris van Tulleken honoured him as "one of the most important broadcasters of the last few decades" acknowledging his significant contributions.
"Michael wasn't just a rock solid friend, he was an incredibly generous human to everyone he worked with," Van Tulleken expressed on X, formerly Twitter.
Van Tulleken extended his heartfelt thoughts to Mosley's family and commended Mosley's wife Clare, recalling their recent live show as "funny, informative, scientific, warm and centred around family".
Fellow presenter on Trust Me, I'm A Doctor, Dr Saleyha Ahsan, celebrated him as "a national treasure" and lauded his talent for making complex scientific concepts understandable to the public.
Mimi Spencer, who collaborated with Mosley on The Fast Diet, remembered him as "immediately likeable, genuinely funny" and full of "innate enthusiasm about life". Meanwhile, physicist and television host Brian Cox regarded him as a "mentor" to those new to the field of science media.
Mosley's career trajectory took him from medical training in London to becoming a prominent figure in media as a presenter, documentary filmmaker, author, and columnist.
Dr Bailey Mosley has released a heartfelt statement through her agent to the PA news agency following the tragic passing of her husband: "I don't know quite where to begin with this."
She expressed her profound loss: "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."
Reflecting on the circ*mstances of his death, she said: "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."
The family has also expressed immense gratitude towards the local community: "We are so grateful to the extraordinary people on Symi" who dedicated themselves to the search, some working from dawn until dusk unasked.
"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."
Earlier in the week, Mosley's four children, who are supporting their mother, arrived on Symi to assist in the search.
Michael Mosley's body was found on Sunday morning beneath a fence near Agia Marina beach, a location characterised by its challenging hilly and rocky landscape.
Police were called to Agia Marina approximately 20 minutes after a body was found some 90 metres from the shoreline, with firefighters arriving shortly after 2pm local time to transport the body away from the island by boat.
On Saturday, an emergency services helicopter conducted extensive searches over the rugged terrain of Symi, between Pedi bay and Agia Marina, eventually hovering above the location where the body was subsequently discovered.
Ilias Tsavaris, 38, the manager of Agia Marina bar, reported spotting the body near journalists after the island's mayor noticed something unusual by the bar's fence and informed the staff.
The search operation had been expansive, contending with perilous conditions and intense heat, involving police officers, firefighters equipped with drones, Greek Red Cross personnel, divers, a search dog, and a helicopter.
Greek officials redirected their efforts on Saturday following the emergence of CCTV footage from a residence at the edge of a small marina in Pedi, which captured the presenter walking towards a mountain path around 2pm local time on Wednesday.
Sophie Laurimore, director of The Soho Agency which represented Mosley, expressed "profound sadness" at the loss of the "wise, wonderful and lovely man".
She said: "Our hearts are with Clare and the children. Michael was unique. The work he did was important. We will miss him dreadfully."
