Michael Mosley's autopsy reveals heartbreaking detail about TV doc's untimely death

The body of TV doctor Michael Mosley was discovered four days after he went missing on the Greek island of Symi.

By Leah Stanfield, Assistant Showbiz Editor

Michael Mosley: TV doctor's final steps on Greek island retraced

Michael Mosley’s autopsy has reportedly revealed that he died just yards from safety on June 5 after walking in extreme heat.

According to local media, the autopsy was completed today in Rhodes with initial findings revealed he passed away at 4pm, and appeared to have rested his hand on a terrace before passing away, showing just how close he was to being found.

The autopsy also reportedly shows that it doesn't appear Dr Mosley sustained any injuries that indicate foul play, but concluded the condition of the remains have made it difficult to establish the exact cause of death, listing his cause of death as "natural causes".

Michael’s wife, Dr Clare Bailey Mosley, confirmed his body had been discovered on Sunday morning in a rocky area near Agia Marina beach on the Greek island of Symi.

The 67-year-old had been reported missing on Wednesday after he left Agios Nikolaos beach to go for a walk at around 13:30 local time.

CCTV footage appeared to show the TV doctor making his way down a rocky slope close to a fence before he falls out of view.

His widow said Michael appeared to have undertaken an "incredible climb, took the wrong route and collapsed where he couldn't be easily seen" by emergency search teams.

Dr Michael Mosley

Dr Michael Mosley's body was discovered four days after he went missing in Greece. (Image: Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)

Michael Mosley and his wife Clare

Michael Mosley's wife Clare confirmed his body was discovered on Sunday. (Image: Instagram)

An initial examination by a coroner ruled out foul play.

His death sparked an outpouring of grief from his loved ones and fans of his science programmes and films, with friends and colleagues praising him for innovating the world of science and health broadcasting.

His co-presenter on BBC series Trust Me, I'm A Doctor, Chris van Tulleken, hailed him as "one of the most important broadcasters of the last few decades" as he paid tribute.

Van Tulleken wrote on X: "Michael wasn't just a rock solid friend, he was an incredibly generous human to everyone he worked with.”

Michael Mosley infographic

Michael Mosley's body was found in a rocky area four days after he was reported missing. (Image: PA)

Dr Saleyha Ahsan, who also presented on Trust Me, I'm A Doctor, described him as "a national treasure" and a "hugely talented" man who had an ability to explain complex science in an accessible way to everyone.

Physicist and TV presenter Brian Cox said he was a "mentor" to many of those starting out within science broadcasting.

Mosley first trained as a doctor in London before moving into the world of media, becoming a presenter, documentary maker, author and columnist.

Announcing the news of his death, Dr Bailey Mosley said in a statement: "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."

She said the family are also "so grateful to the extraordinary people on Symi" who worked "tirelessly" to help find Mosley, with some working from dawn until dusk unasked.

Mosley's four children joined their mother, a GP and cookery book writer, on Symi earlier this week to help with the search effort.

His body was discovered around mid-morning on Sunday beneath a fence that runs around a bar on Agia Marina beach, which is surrounded by hilly, rocky terrain.

Police arrived at Agia Marina around 20 minutes after the body was discovered about 90 metres from the coastline, with firefighters later arriving just after 2pm local time to take the body away from the island on a boat.

Agia Marina bar manager Ilias Tsavaris, 38, first saw the body alongside journalists after the island's mayor "saw something" by the fence of the bar and alerted staff.

The search effort had been widespread, operating in dangerous conditions and high temperatures, and included police, firefighters with drones, Greek Red Cross workers, divers, a search dog and a helicopter.

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