Featured Image Credit: BBC/PA
Topics: News, Celebrity, This Morning
Niamh Spence
CCTV footage appears to show Dr Michael Mosley falling close to where his body was discovered as his wife said he 'very nearly made it' to safety prior to his death.
Dr Clare Bailey Mosley confirmed the body discovered on Sunday morning (9 June) in a rocky area near Agia Marina beach on the Greek island of Symi was that of her husband, describing the loss as 'devastating'.
According to reports, footage from by a beach bar at Agia Marina shows what appears to be the TV doctor making his way down a rocky slope close to a fence before he falls out of view.
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Mosley went missing after leaving his wife and friends at Agios Nikolaos beach on Wednesday (5 June).
The footage shows that he appeared to have undertaken an 'incredible climb, took the wrong route and collapsed where he couldn’t be easily seen' before days later being found.
The news has sparked an outpouring of grief from his loved ones and fans of his work, with friends and colleagues praising him for innovating the world of science and health broadcasting.
Mosley first trained as a doctor in London before moving into the world of media, becoming a presenter, documentary maker, author and columnist. He presented many programmes and undertook scientific experiments, as well as being known for his work with the 5:2 diet.
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Announcing the news of his death, Dr Bailey Mosley said in a statement from his agent to the PA news agency: "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.
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"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 the 67-year-old.
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."
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Mosley’s four children joined their mother, a GP and cookery book writer, on Symi earlier this week to help with the search effort.
His body was found around mid-morning on Sunday beneath a fence that runs around a bar on Agia Marina beach in a hilly and rocky area.
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.
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Sophie Laurimore, director of The Soho Agency which represented Mosley, said it is with 'profound sadness' that they bid farewell to the 'wise, wonderful and lovely man'.
She said: "Our hearts are with Clare and the children. Michael was unique. The work he did was important. We will miss him dreadfully."