The tragic discovery of BBC presenter Dr. Michael Mosley’s body on the Greek island of Symi has left many in shock. After a four-day search, Greek authorities have revealed that the cause of his death was natural. The 67-year-old medical journalist and documentary producer was found on June 9, lying face up near a fence by an island bar. His wife, Dr. Clare Mosley, had reported him missing on June 5 after he failed to return from a short hike.
Greek police spokesperson Konstantia Dimoglidou confirmed that the initial autopsy showed no signs of injury, indicating that Mosley died from natural causes. The position of his body further supported this conclusion. The time of death was estimated to be around 4 p.m. on June 5, the same day he went missing. Authorities have ordered a toxicology and histology report to gather more details.
Dr. Mosley had separated from his wife during their vacation to take a hike around 1:30 p.m. local time. When he did not return, his wife raised the alarm, leading to an extensive search operation. His body was eventually found near a fence by an island bar, suggesting he had taken a wrong route during his hike. Clare Mosley noted that he had undertaken an incredible climb but collapsed in a location that was not easily visible to the search teams.
In a heartfelt statement, Clare Mosley expressed her devastation at losing her “wonderful, funny, kind, and brilliant” husband. She shared that they had a very happy life together and were deeply in love. The couple’s adult children, Alex, Jack, Dan, and Kate, have also been comforted by the outpouring of love and support from people around the world.
Tributes have poured in for Dr. Mosley, who was known for his work on shows like “Trust Me, I’m a Doctor” and the BBC Radio 4 podcast “Just One Thing.” BBC’s chief content officer, Charlotte Moore, praised him as a brilliant science broadcaster who made complex subjects accessible and engaging. Dr. Saleyha Ahsan, his co-presenter on “Trust Me, I’m a Doctor,” described him as a “national treasure” and a “hugely talented” man who had a passion for explaining science to a broader audience.
Professor Brian Cox referred to Dr. Mosley as a mentor to other science presenters, while Sophie Laurimore, director of The Soho Agency, called him a “wise, wonderful, and lovely man.” Many BBC News readers have also shared their tributes, highlighting the significant impact he had on their lives. Glenis Shaw from New Zealand described him as her “absolute hero,” while Judith, a teacher from Salisbury, mentioned using his documentaries to teach GCSE History for the past 16 years.
Dr. Mosley’s adventurous spirit was evident in his final moments. CCTV footage showed him walking towards rocky hills in intense heat, and he was last seen near Pedi’s marina heading north-east. Despite the extensive search efforts, including drones, helicopters, boats, divers, and sniffer dogs, he was found only after several days.
Symi’s mayor, Eleftherios Papakalodoukas, who was actively involved in the search, confirmed that the body was found near the coastline. A bar manager discovered the body after the mayor noticed something by the fence and alerted the staff. A police source told BBC News that Dr. Mosley had been dead for several days when he was found.
Dr. Mosley studied medicine in London and qualified as a doctor before transitioning to a career as a presenter, documentary maker, journalist, and author. He was known for popularizing the 5:2 and Fast 800 diets, which advocate intermittent fasting and low-carbohydrate meals. His work has inspired many to lead healthier lives.
Chris van Tulleken, one of Dr. Mosley’s co-presenters, described him as “one of the most important broadcasters of the last few decades” and credited him with inventing a genre of science broadcasting. Prof Tim Spector, a friend of 20 years, remembered him as “humble, calm, and self-deprecating,” and praised his amazing positivity.
The Foreign Office has stated that it is supporting Dr. Mosley’s family and is in contact with local authorities. The loss of Dr. Michael Mosley is deeply felt by his family, friends, colleagues, and the many people whose lives he touched through his work.
