A travel expert has said that tragic health guru Michael Mosley’s fatal walk across a Greek island was a ‘tragic misadventure’. The diet and wellbeing doctor, 67, collapsed and died of natural causes on the day he went missing on the Greek island of Symi, according to police.
His body was found on Sunday in a rocky area near Agia Marina beach, after his disappearance was reported on Wednesday. Greek police spokeswoman Konstantia Dimoglidou told the BBC that an initial post-mortem examination has been carried out, which confirms there were no injuries on his body.
Speaking on GB News travel expert Simon Calder said the sad episode highlights the dangers of undertaking strenuous activities overseas. Presenter Nana Akua said: “It does highlight the dangers. If you are somewhere unfamiliar are the things that you must make sure that you have with you. because I was so upset listening, thinking I wished that he’d taken a mobile phone. What are the main things that you need to make sure, especially in that kind of heat that you take with you?”
Mr Calder replied: “He was the sort of person who was very, very good at understanding risks at knowing the issues that he could possibly face. And I can just see that he thought ‘It’s a beautiful day’. Yes, it’s hot but he’s confident in his own abilities because he’s shown time and time again that he’s a great survivor so I can see that he would set off like this, I think all of us, looking at the terrain that there is the extreme heat which currently is affecting Symi and other parts of the eastern Mediterranean.
“You would I think, now think again, and consider, am I properly equipped? Have I got all I need in case there’s a fall or I feel weak or whatever? But ultimately, it’s a beautiful island. It was a fine day. He felt that he wasn’t too far from, safety. It was just, I’m so sorry to say misadventure. Something went tragically wrong. And it has ended with the loss of a great husband, a great father and a great communicator who helped us all, improve our health.”
Ms Dimoglidou told the BBC that the position of his body means Dr Mosley died of natural causes. She also said toxicology and histology reports will take place.
Footage reportedly found 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. Calypso Haggett, chief executive of The Fast 800 weight-loss programme, an intermittent fasting diet that Mosley popularised, said he was a “shining light for the whole team” and his “incredible legacy” will “energise a continuous movement for better health”.
The statement from the late broadcaster’s business partner also said: “He and his work motivated us every day and we remain so inspired by his energy, passion, humour, knowledge and kindness. He was a great communicator and had a unique ability to convey complex messages in a simple, easy-to-understand way that encouraged many people to make positive changes in their lives. I know this is how he will be remembered.
“I had the great privilege of knowing Michael both professionally and personally. He really, truly was one of a kind and will be terribly missed by everyone.”