Michael Mosley post mortem confirms how TV doctor died as 'criminal act' ruled out

Michael Mosley's post mortem has ruled out any "criminal act" involved in the TV doctor's death. The popular health expert was found dead on Sunday after disappearing while on holiday on the Greek island of Symi.

The 67-year-old had set off for a solo walk on Wednesday afternoon but never came home. His panicked wife, Dr Clare Bailey, had a major search launched before his body was found by a camera crew.

The grim discovery sparked numerous theories about the final moments of the presenter, who was known for his appearances on This Morning and BBC Radio 4's Just One Thing.

A coroner in Rhodes has since found Dr Mosley died at 4pm on the day he went missing, just two-and-a-half hours after he set off for his hillwalk alone. It was also found he died after sitting down and passing out in the extreme 40C heat.

Greek publication ProTherma claims the coroner believes Dr Mosley sat down with his hand on a nearby terrace, seemingly casting doubt on previous reports he had fallen down a small cliff.

The post mortem appears to rule out any foul play, as he did not have any injuries that indicated criminal activity. A police source told The Mirror interim findings suggest it is impossible to determine an exact cause of death, due to the advanced decomposition of the body.

They said: “The way the body was positioned suggests that first he sat down and then he died. There is no indication that he was hit by something in the head for example, or that he collapsed while walking."

CCTV footage from the Agia Marina resort shows Dr Mosley stumbling over the rocky terrain for several minutes before then falling out of view. The police source said: “The area is one of the hottest ones in the region and the local temperature between Wednesday and Sunday was sometimes north of 40C.

“This accelerated the decomposition of the body rapidly - it is the equivalent of being dead for twenty days indoors. The autopsy is finished but the official report has not been filed yet. Coroner has let the police know of the findings and this is where this information comes from.”

Cops, fire crews with drones, Greek Red Cross workers, a dog team, divers, and a helicopter were all mobilised as part of the huge search operation last week.

A statement from Dr Bailey following her husband's death read: “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 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. We are so grateful to the extraordinary people on Symi who have worked tirelessly to help find him. Some of these people on the island, who hadn’t even heard of Michael, worked from dawn till dusk unasked.

“We’re also very grateful to the press who have dealt with us with great respect. 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.”

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