Michael Mosley's wife says he 'so very nearly made it' in statement after his tragic death
Clare Bailey has tragically announced the death of her husband, the esteemed TV doctor and columnist Michael Mosley, on the Greek island of Symi, revealing he "so very nearly made it."
Dr Mosley's body was found on Sunday morning after he went missing on Wednesday while on holiday.
In a heartfelt statement, Dr Bailey Mosley expressed her profound grief over the news, saying: "I don't know quite where to begin with this. It's devastating to have lost Michael, my wonderful, funny, kind and brilliant husband."
She continued: "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."
Dr Bailey Mosley also acknowledged the global support they've received, saying: "My family and I have been hugely comforted by the outpouring of love from people from around the world.", reports the Express.
"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."
She continued: "Michael was an adventurous man, it's part of what made him so special. We are so grateful to the extraordinary people on Symi who have worked tirelessly to help find him."
"Some of these people on the island, who hadn't even heard of Michael, worked from dawn till dusk unasked."
"We're also very grateful to the press who have dealt with us with great respect. 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 body was discovered in a rugged area next to Agia Marina on Sunday morning, following an intensive search by emergency services.
Authorities had previously warned that rescuers were facing "dangerous" conditions as they desperately searched for Mosley in the intense heat.
It's believed the body may have been there for several days.
In an update on Sunday morning, Mayor Eleftherios Papakaloudoukas said: "During our search, and as we were approaching a cave next to the Agia Marina beach, we were shooting along the coastline with cameras."
"We saw an object next to a fence on the beach and when we zoomed in we realised that it was Michael Mosley's body. He had probably fallen from a short cliff of about 10 metres."
The cameraman who found the body was visibly emotional during a heartfelt interview in which he expressed his condolences to the doctor's family.
"I'm really sorry for the family, I'm sorry that I'm the one to find him. I wish we had better news," he said.
Tributes have since flooded in from his fellow TV colleagues, with Jeremy Vine describing him as an "amazing man" who was "so rare", adding: "We're all going to miss him so much."
Piers Morgan, Julia Hartley-Brewer and Anne Diamond also shared their sadness over the news.
Dr Mosley, best known as a renowned TV presenter who has starred in numerous BBC and Channel 4 documentaries, is also a regular guest on The One Show on BBC One and hosts the podcast, Just One Thing.
