Dr Michael Mosley death: Three theories behind popular TV doctor's tragic end in Symi

The tragic news of TV doctor Michael Mosley's death was confirmed over the weekend, ending any lingering hopes that he might be found alive. The nation now waits for further information on the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.

The 67-year-old disappeared last Wednesday after parting ways with his wife and friends at Agios Nikolaos beach on the Greek island of Symi. A massive search operation was initiated, involving police, firefighters with drones, Greek Red Cross workers, divers, a search dog and a helicopter.

They braved hazardous conditions and sweltering heat in their efforts to locate him. His remains were eventually discovered by a camera crew, and the heartbreaking news was confirmed by his wife, Dr Clare Bailey Mosley, prompting an outpouring of grief in the UK and globally.

A preliminary examination by a coroner has ruled out foul play, but additional tests are scheduled to be conducted on the father of four in Rhodes to determine the cause of death. In this article, we explore three prominent theories currently being discussed about what could have happened, reports the Mirror.

Could Dr Mosley have got lost?

His remains were discovered in a rocky area of St Michael's Marina, approximately a 30-minute walk from the village of Pedi, where Dr Mosley was last captured on CCTV. Earlier that day, he had been enjoying time with friends at Agios Nikolaos beach before setting off alone towards the centre of the island around 1.30pm.

When he didn't return to his accommodation by 7.30pm, his wife Clare raised the alarm. His body was later discovered beneath a fence surrounding a bar on Agia Marina beach, set against a backdrop of hilly, rocky terrain.

This has led to speculation that he may have lost his way during his walk, resulting in a fatal fall.

Did Dr Mosley faint during his walk?

Symi's mayor, Eleftherios Papakalodoukas, noted that the path taken by the well-loved father would have been perilous as temperatures soared to 35C yesterday. Without water, Dr Mosley's risk of dehydration and potentially fainting would have increased considerably.

With the severe heat on the island, it's plausible to consider fainting as a factor before the local coroner reaches a final verdict.

Did Dr Mosley fall down a cliff?

Another hypothesis, seemingly corroborated by CCTV footage, indicates that Dr Mosley might have tumbled down the rocky incline near where his body was eventually found on Sunday. The footage, retrieved from a beach bar at Agia Marina, appears to show the TV doctor descending a rocky slope next to a fence before disappearing from view.

In a statement, his wife mentioned: "We're taking comfort in the fact 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 circumstances surrounding Dr Mosley's death seem to suggest a tragic combination of all three theories, leading to the untimely demise of the much-loved co-host of Trust Me, I'm A Doctor. On Saturday, an emergency services helicopter was seen flying for hours over the mountainous search area on Symi, between Pedi Bay and Agia Marina. It hovered over the location where the body was later discovered.

Ilias Tsavaris, 38, the manager of Agia Marina bar, was among the first to spot the body along with journalists after the island's mayor noticed something near the bar's fence and alerted the staff.

The search operation was extensive, conducted under challenging conditions and high temperatures. It involved police, firefighters with drones, Greek Red Cross workers, divers, a search dog and a helicopter.

On Saturday, Greek authorities shifted their focus after CCTV footage from a house at the edge of a small marina in Pedi showed the presenter walking towards a mountain path around 2pm local time on Wednesday.

Sophie Laurimore, director of The Soho Agency which represented Mosley, expressed her "profound sadness" at his passing, describing him as a "wise, wonderful and lovely man". She added: "Our hearts are with Clare and the children. Michael was unique. The work he did was important. We will miss him dreadfully."