Michael Mosley seen in new CCTV 'falling over on rocky hillside' before body discovered

CCTV footage has captured the moment Dr Michael Mosley stumbled near the location where his body was later discovered, with his widow stating he "very nearly made it" to safety. The circumstances surrounding his death remain a mystery, as Greek authorities have transported his body to Rhodes for an autopsy.

Dr Clare Bailey Mosley has confirmed that the body found on Sunday morning in a rugged area close to Agia Marina beach on the island of Symi is indeed her husband, expressing that the loss is "devastating". Colleagues and the scores of fans who admired his health advice have since been paying their respects.

A beach bar's CCTV near Agia Marina has reportedly shown what seems to be the well-known TV doctor descending a rocky incline next to a fence before disappearing from the camera's view. His bag was located "20 feet" from where his body was recovered, having been identified by a film crew, reports the Mirror.

READ MORE: Dr Michael Mosley - popular TV personality who pushed boundaries

His wife has revealed that the 67-year-old, who vanished after parting ways with his wife and friends at Agios Nikolaos beach on Wednesday, appears to have attempted an "incredible climb, took the wrong route and collapsed where he couldn't be easily seen" by the search teams looking for him.

An initial coroner's report has dismissed any suspicion of criminal activity, but additional examinations are set to take place in Rhodes to ascertain the exact cause of death for the father-of-four.

The passing of the esteemed science broadcaster has deeply moved family, friends, and admirers of his work in television and film, with many paying homage to his contributions to science and health communication.

BBC's Trust Me, I'm A Doctor co-host Chris van Tulleken remembered him as "one of the most important broadcasters of the last few decades" expressing his respect and affection.

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

Van Tulleken extended his condolences to Mosley's family and commended Mosley's wife Clare, recalling their recent live show as "funny, informative, scientific, warm and centred around family".

Fellow Trust Me, I'm A Doctor presenter Dr Saleyha Ahsan called him "a national treasure" and lauded his talent for making complex scientific concepts understandable to the public.

Mimi Spencer, who collaborated with Mosley on The Fast Diet, celebrated him as an "immediately likeable, genuinely funny" individual with a zest for life, while physicist and broadcaster Brian Cox regarded him as a "mentor" to newcomers in the field of science media.

Mosley began his career in medicine in London before transitioning to media as a presenter, documentary filmmaker, author, and journalist.

Dr Bailey Mosley has released a heartfelt statement through her agent to the PA news agency, following the tragic passing of her husband: "I don't know quite where to begin with this."

She expressed her profound loss: "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."

Reflecting on the circumstances of his death, she said: "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 also expressed gratitude towards the local community: "We are so grateful to the extraordinary people on Symi" who dedicated themselves to the search, some working from dawn until dusk unasked.

Concluding her statement, Dr Mosley added: "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."

The couple's four children, who joined their mother on Symi earlier in the week, were part of the search effort for their father.

Michael Mosley's body was eventually found on Sunday morning beneath a fence near Agia Marina beach, set against a backdrop of challenging terrain.

Police were called to Agia Marina approximately 20 minutes after a body was found some 90 metres from the shore, with firefighters arriving shortly after 2pm local time to transport the body away from the island by boat.

On Saturday, an emergency services helicopter conducted extensive searches over the rugged terrain of Symi, between Pedi bay and Agia Marina, eventually hovering above the location where the body was subsequently discovered.

Ilias Tsavaris, 38, the manager of Agia Marina bar, reported spotting the body alongside reporters after the island's mayor noticed "saw something" near the bar's fence and informed the staff.

The search operation had been expansive, taking place under hazardous conditions and intense heat, involving police officers, firefighters equipped with drones, Greek Red Cross personnel, divers, a search dog, and a helicopter.

Greek officials redirected their efforts on Saturday following the emergence of CCTV footage from a residence at the edge of a small marina in Pedi, which captured the broadcaster walking towards a mountain trail around 2pm local time on Wednesday.

Sophie Laurimore, director of The Soho Agency which represented Mosley, expressed "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."