The wife of TV doctor and columnist Michael Mosley said it is "devastating" to have lost her "wonderful, funny, kind and brilliant husband" as she confirmed he has been found dead on the Greek island of Symi after going missing on Wednesday.
His body was discovered in a rocky area beside Agia Marina on Symi after an extensive search led by emergency workers, around a 30-minute walk from the village of Pedi where Dr Mosley was last seen on CCTV.
The 67-year-old TV personality was with his wife and friends at Agios Nikolaos beach on Wednesday, before going alone for a walk to the centre of the island.
In a statement, Dr Clare Bailey Mosley said: "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 that 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."
She said the family are also "so grateful to the extraordinary people on Symi" who worked "tirelessly" to help find Dr Mosley, with some working from dawn until dusk unasked.
Dr Bailey 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."
Dr Mosley's four children joined their mother, a GP and cookery writer, on Symi earlier this week to help with the search effort.
His body was discovered around mid-morning on Sunday beneath a fence that runs around a bar on Agia Marina beach, which is surrounded by hilly, rocky terrain.
The search effort had been widespread, operating in dangerous conditions and high temperatures, and included police, firefighters with drones, Greek Red Cross workers, divers, a search dog and a helicopter.
Dr Mosley first trained as a doctor in London before moving into the world of media, becoming a presenter, documentary maker, author and columnist.
During his career he presented a host of science programmes and films including the series Trust Me, I’m A Doctor, which looked at healthcare in Britain, and hosted a Radio 4 podcast, titled Just One Thing, where he revealed tips to help improve your health.
Tributes have been paid to Dr Mosley after the news broke, with his co-presenter on Trust Me, I'm A Doctor describing him as "a national treasure" and a "hugely talented" man.
Academic and broadcaster Alice Roberts shared three pictures on social media with Mosley, with whom she first worked with on her 2009 TV series Human Journey.
The fragility of life is so shocking. I've known Michael Mosley for many years - as a tv producer specialising in science and medicine. He was the executive producer of my 2009 series Human Journey. When he started presenting as well as producing, we made several science… pic.twitter.com/spUEVy2ctk
— Prof Alice Roberts💙 (@theAliceRoberts) June 9, 2024
Source: Press Association
