In a heartfelt tribute, Dr. Clare Bailey Mosley has honored her late husband, Dr. Michael Mosley, describing him as a “wonderful, funny, kind, and brilliant” man. The renowned TV and radio presenter was found deceased four days after he went missing on the Greek island of Symi. The 67-year-old father-of-four had set off on a walk from Agios Nikolaos beach on Wednesday, and his body was discovered on a hillside near Agia Marina beach bar on Sunday.
Dr. Bailey Mosley expressed her devastation in a statement confirming his death. “We had an incredibly lucky life together,” she said. “We loved each other very much and were so happy together.” She also mentioned how proud she was of their children and found immense comfort in the global outpouring of love and support.
Tributes have been flooding in for Dr. Mosley, a beloved broadcaster and author. Charlotte Moore, the BBC’s chief content officer, praised him as a “brilliant science broadcaster and programme maker” who had a unique talent for simplifying complex subjects. She highlighted his passion for engaging and entertaining audiences, inspiring many to lead healthier lives.
Dr. Saleyha Ahsan, co-presenter on “Trust Me, I’m A Doctor,” described him as a “national treasure” and a “hugely talented” individual. She commended his ability to make science accessible to everyone, not just a niche audience. Professor Brian Cox also paid tribute, calling Dr. Mosley a “mentor” to other science presenters.
Sophie Laurimore, director of The Soho Agency, which represented Dr. Mosley, described him as a “wise, wonderful, and lovely man.” She noted his gratitude for the public’s receptiveness to his ideas and the many scientists whose work he helped popularize. “Michael was unique,” she added.
Fans and colleagues alike have shared their admiration and sorrow. Glenis Shaw from New Zealand called Dr. Mosley her “absolute hero,” crediting him with teaching her how to be healthy. Judith, a teacher from Salisbury, mentioned using his documentaries to teach GCSE History for the past 16 years, calling him a “History teacher’s best friend.”
Dr. Mosley was reported missing after leaving Agios Nikolaos beach around 13:30 local time on Wednesday. CCTV footage showed him walking across rocky terrain in intense heat. “We’re taking comfort in the fact that he so very nearly made it,” his wife said. “He did an incredible climb, took the wrong route, and collapsed where he couldn’t be easily seen by the extensive search team.”
She also expressed gratitude to the “extraordinary” people on Symi who worked tirelessly to find her husband. Symi’s mayor, Eleftherios Papakalodouka, confirmed that the body was found as teams were searching the coastline. A bar manager discovered the body after the island’s mayor noticed something by the fence of the bar and alerted staff.
Dr. Mosley was found next to a fence, about a 30-minute walk from the village of Pedi, where he was last seen. A coroner has examined the body, and Greek authorities had been conducting an extensive search amid high temperatures. A police officer reportedly broke his leg during the recovery of the body.
Dr. Mosley studied medicine in London and qualified as a doctor. For the past two decades, he worked as a presenter, documentary maker, journalist, and author. He was known for his TV programmes, including “Trust Me, I’m a Doctor,” and BBC Radio 4’s “Just One Thing” podcast.
Chris van Tulleken, one of Dr. Mosley’s co-presenters on “Trust Me, I’m A Doctor,” called him “one of the most important broadcasters of the last few decades.” He credited Dr. Mosley with inventing a genre of science broadcasting. Prof Tim Spector, who appeared on Dr. Mosley’s podcast, described him as “humble, calm, and self-deprecating” in a tribute published in the Telegraph. “What I will miss most about Michael is not just his friendship and generosity but his amazing positivity,” he wrote.
Abramo Teodoro Balsamo told the BBC that the “Just One Thing” podcast “inspired me so much,” adding, “It’s a terrible loss, I cannot still believe it.” Tara Moore expressed her condolences to Dr. Mosley’s family, noting that the country was mourning his “untimely” death. “Michael Mosley was a household name,” she said. “He demonstrated cause and effect in a way that everyone could understand, and many people have improved their health as a direct result of Dr. Mosley.”
Dr. Mosley was also known for popularizing the 5:2 and the Fast 800 diets, which advocate intermittent fasting and low-carbohydrate meals. His diets attracted significant attention for their methods and scientific accuracy.
In a statement, the Foreign Office said it was supporting the family of a British man who died in Greece and was in contact with local authorities.
