Michael Mosely: Inquest confirms cause of death after Greek island tragedy
Michael Mosley’s inquest has finally come to a conclusion regarding his death after he went for a walk on the Greek island of Symi and never returned to his family.
The broadcaster went missing earlier this year and a search team by the emergency services was launched to find the star who had been reported missing by his wife Claire Bailey.
After four days of extensive searching, the star’s body was found near the entrance to a cave and just a short walk from a major beach, the mayor of the island has said.
Now, it has been reported that the star’s death has been “indeterminate” and “unascertainable” by senior coroner for Buckinghamshire, Crispin Butler.
He added that it “was most likely attributable either to heatstroke (accidental) or non-identified pathological cause”.
Writing up his findings, Butler noted that Mosley’s death was not found to be a result of homicide, suicide, or an accident related to injuries.
A document from the coroner said family evidence confirmed details of the trip, and that they were staying with friends – it read: “On the morning of June 5, they travelled to Pedi Beach, arriving late morning.
“Michael had intentionally left his mobile phone back at the house to prevent it getting wet on the ferry. Later in the afternoon, Michael decided he was going to walk back home rather than take the ferry.
“He had his rucksack, one litre of water and a biscuit, and had a hat and umbrella. Michael was described as looking energetic and cheerful as he set off,” the findings document said.
It added: “Ultimately Michael’s death was classified as indeterminate, which we would describe as ‘unascertainable’.”
The findings of the inquest mean the results are left at an open conclusion, as Butler continued in his findings: “Michael Mosley collapsed and died on the 5th of June 2024 in a rocky area near Agia Marina Beach, Symi, Dodecanese, Greece.
“There had been high temperatures during this time. Michael’s death was not found to be due to homicide, suicide or an accident related to injuries.
“Michael’s death was most likely attributable either to heatstroke (accidental) or a non-identified pathological cause. There was nothing of note in toxicology.
“No medical cause of death could be ascertained, meaning Michael’s death may have been due to a medical event or as a result of a non-traumatic accident.”
Mosley was most known for popularising the 5:2 diet, a form of intermittent fasting, through his book The Fast Diet, as well as his many documentaries on the BBC.
Shortly after his death, the broadcaster honoured the doctor-turned-science broadcaster with a day dedicated to him.
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Mosley had presented BBC Radio 4’s Just One Thing, and the BBC series Trust Me, I’m A Doctor, which looked at healthcare in Britain.
The star would often push his body during various programmes, to really show the effects certain illnesses have on the human body.
In a 2014 documentary, he ingested tapeworms for six weeks, whilst a year later he made two black puddings out of his own blood to showcase its nutritional value.