The tragic story of Dr. Michael Mosley’s journey across the mountains in the harsh sun has come to light as questions arise about how rescuers missed him during a five-day search.
The Trek Across the Mountains
Dr. Mosley, a beloved health expert, embarked on a hike with just a small bottle of water in the scorching 37°C heat from Pedi to a hilltop overlooking Agia Marina on the Greek island of Symi.
He was later seen on CCTV near a beach restaurant, stumbling before descending a slope and disappearing from view. It is believed he continued around a fence before falling, where his body was discovered only 260 feet from a holiday resort.
Discovery of the Body
Dr. Mosley’s body was found at around 10:30 AM by a restaurant manager, Ilias Tsavaris, after the mayor of Symi saw something unusual from a water taxi.
Tsavaris saw the sun glinting off Dr. Mosley’s watch and confirmed it was him. The restaurant’s CCTV footage showed a customer walking near where Dr. Mosley lay, potentially missing a cry for help.
The Day of the Incident
Dr. Mosley left his wife at St. Nicholas beach on Symi at 1:30 PM last Wednesday. Police sources have ruled out foul play but are still determining the exact cause of death.
Dr. Mosley had set off with only a small bottle of water and no phone, planning to return to their apartment in Symi. He and his wife had arrived on the island just a day before for a week’s holiday.
A Heartbreaking Search
A search-and-rescue helicopter had circled the area on the day before Dr. Mosley’s body was found, raising questions about how he was missed.
His grown-up children retraced his steps, finding his body close to where they had been searching.
Final Moments Captured on CCTV
CCTV footage helped track Dr. Mosley’s movements from St. Nicholas to Pedi, capturing him at various points along the waterfront.
He was last seen heading towards the start of a trail to Agia Marina, taking a difficult mountain route instead of the main road.
Challenges of the Mountain Route
Dr. Mosley’s choice of the inland route from Pedi to Agia Marina involved a climb and descent in extremely high temperatures, making it a challenging trek.
His body was found in a rocky area after the mayor of Symi noticed something unusual from the sea.
Emotional Tribute from His Wife
Dr. Mosley’s wife, Dr. Clare Bailey, paid tribute to her “wonderful, funny, kind, and brilliant” husband, expressing gratitude for their life together and the support they received.
She praised the people of Symi for their efforts in the search.
The Scene of the Discovery
The area where Dr. Mosley’s body was found was close to a busy holiday spot. Emergency services and forensic teams arrived to recover the body, which was later taken to Rhodes for a postmortem.
Despite the search efforts, it remains unclear why he was not spotted sooner.
Remembering Dr. Michael Mosley
Dr. Mosley’s death has deeply affected his family, friends, and colleagues. Known for his contributions to health and wellness, he was a beloved figure whose work touched many lives.
Tributes from his wife, children, and colleagues highlight his impact and the legacy he leaves behind.