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Following the sad death of Dr Michael Mosley, a bereavement expert has shed light on the ‘unique’ grief that such tragedy brings – particularly given the star was such a hero to many
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Michael Mosley: The Mirror retraces TV doctor’s final steps
Michael Mosley’s devoted wife took ‘comfort’ in knowing her husband ‘very nearly made it’. But the presenter’s tragic death will no doubt have a profound effect on the close-knit family.
The TV doctor sadly died on a solo hike on the picturesque Greek island of Symi, where he and his wife Dr Clare Bailey had been enjoying their holiday. After he failed to return to their hotel, worried Clare sounded the alarm, leading to a desperate search for his whereabouts. Heartbreakingly, his body was found on Sunday morning by a local cameraman, who was left devastated that he could not deliver happier news.
For those left behind, including wife Clare, there is now further anguish in store, with psychologist and grief expert Dr Mark Rackley warning that the diet guru’s loved ones are dealing with a painfully ‘unique’ situation in many ways.
Complete ‘shock’
Dr Mark, who runs mental health podcast I Have Issues, told the Mirror that Michael’s family will likely still be ‘in shock’ given the sudden nature of his death.
Dr Mark explained: “When the hope is dashed and you’re dealing with the reality, that’s like somebody pouring a bucket of cold water over your head. You’re thrown into a situation you don’t want, so you don’t want to give up your hope. You don’t want the reality of the situation to hit. So that adjustment isn’t quick. That can take quite a while.”
He continued: “When we’re in shock, it’s basically our brain’s way of protecting us from the awfulness of what’s actually happening. So we [often] go into a very practical mode.
“[People] can go into kind of very, almost like basic, ways of functioning. So they just continue with their tasks. And it’s not that that person doesn’t care, that’s the brain’s way of just dealing with the situation in a very low level way where the person’s just getting through. But as soon as that then drops, the shock drops, then the enormity of what has happened will hit the person.”
Public grief
Michael was widely liked and admired, with many having turned their lives around thanks to his sound wisdom on all things health and nutrition. Although wife Clare has drawn some “comfort” from knowing how much he meant to people, dealing with bereavement in the public eye is a far different experience, and brings about certain challenges.
Dr Mark said: “If this was to happen to somebody who wasn’t in the public eye, then the family can just get on with that very privately. But because Michael was in the public eye, the family are also having to deal with the media interest, understandably in this case. So, again, [it’s] very, very challenging and very unique as well to have to go through all of that.”
Gratitude amid grief
Michael and Clare’s four adult children, Alexander, Jack, Daniel, and Katherine, flew over to support their mother and join in the frantic search – scouring an area just 150 yards away from where their father’s body was finally found.
Clare made a heartbreaking statement after her husband’s remains were discovered by a fence in a rocky area of the island – just 50 yards away from a beachside bar.
Describing the news as ‘devastating’, the mother-of-four shared: “I don’t know quite where to begin with this. It’s devastating to have lost Michael, my wonderful, funny, kind and brilliant husband. 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. My family and I have been hugely comforted by the outpouring of love from people from around the world. It’s clear that Michael meant a huge amount to so many of you.”
If you’re struggling and need to talk, the Samaritans operate a free helpline open 24/7 on 116 123. Alternatively, you can email jo@samaritans.org or visit their site to find your local branch
Do you have a story to share? Email me at julia.banim@reachplc.com