Michael Mosley’s harrowing key mistake revealed in autopsy before tragic death in Greece

‘s decision to leave his mobile phone behind prior to his death in in June proved to be a key factor in his demise.

A new autopsy has concluded reason behind him leaving his phone at his holiday home was to “prevent it getting wet”.

The TV doctor died aged 67 after going missing on the Greek island of Symi. While the coroner’s report has revealed his exact cause of death is still unknown – with medics labelling it as “indeterminate” and “unascertainable” – it has given an insight into his movements before he died.

A document from the coroner said: “On the morning of June 5, they (the family) 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,” it continued. “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. Ultimately Michael’s death was classified as indeterminate, which we would describe as ‘unascertainable’,” it stated.

The popular celebrity medic was with his wife Clare on the island. The couple were wrapping up their joint tour, which had also spanned the UK, in which the couple revealed “how simple changes can transform your life, so we can all Eat well, Sleep better, and Live longer”.

Michael’s disappearance while on the walk back promted a four-day search by emergency services before his body was discovered.

Due to leaving his phone behind he was uncontactable and search parties were also unable to trace him through the find my phone function.

Recording his findings with an open verdict, Mr Butler detailed: “Michael Mosley collapsed and died on the 5th of June 2024 in a rocky area near Agia Marina Beach, Symi, Dodecanese, Greece.”

High temperatures were noted during the time of Michael’s collapse. His death was ruled out as homicide, suicide, or accident-induced injury.

Mr Butler mentioned in his report: “Michael’s death was most likely attributable either to heatstroke (accidental) or a non-identified pathological cause. There was nothing of note in toxicology.”

At the time of his death Chris Byrne, senior lecturer of sports and health sciences at Exeter University, told the Daily Express that “the tragic story of Michael Mosley illustrates the rare but potentially lethal effect of combining physical activity in high environmental heat.”

However, he also noted that there were a handful of unique circumstances to Mosley’s case that created a ” for disaster” observing his older age put him at risk for heat exertion because humans have less ability to regulate our body temperature as we age.

Additionally, he said that the doctor was out in “extreme” weather, noting that if a sporting event were to take place then that it would have been cancelled due to “high risk” of heat-related issues.