Former Channel 7 crew member Sam Beattie found dead in his Sydney home

An “unsung hero” of the television industry was found dead in his Sydney home, prompting an outpouring of heartfelt tributes from friends and colleagues.

An “unsung hero” of the television industry was found dead in his Sydney home, prompting an outpouring of heartfelt tributes.

Sam Beattie was a sound recordist on Channel 7’s flagship current affairs show Sunday Night before it was axed by the network in late 2019.

According to the Daily Mail, the crew member died last week after a battle with depression. He was found at home and the death is not being treated as suspicious.

Sam Beattie was found dead in his Sydney home last week.

“In the world of television news and current affairs, it can often feel like it is all about the reporters appearing on the small screen,” the report read.

“But for every on-air type on the box, there is a dedicated team of producers, camos, soundos and editors working tireless behind-the-scenes to make the magic of television happen.”

Beattie was an “unsung hero” of television as well as an avid fisher and gardener.

Journalist Steve Pennells, who worked with him on Sunday Night, told the Daily Mail he was “deeply saddened” by the news.

“Sam was not only a brilliant sound recordist but also a kind and dependable colleague during my early years on Sunday Night,” Pennells told the outlet.

“I’ll never forget his calm professionalism and unwavering support, especially during a particularly challenging assignment in Lebanon.

“The crew are rarely the faces of a show like that but the magic you saw on screen had more to do with their hard work than any of us.

“Sam was one of the good ones. He was a joy to work with and will be greatly missed by everyone who was lucky enough to work alongside him.”

Sam Beattie was a sound recordist on former Channel 7 current affairs program Sunday Night.

Cameraman Andre Eavis was close friends with Beattie and took to social media to share a heartfelt tribute.

“I will miss you my friend,” Eavis wrote.

“I loved your dedication, your friendship and your entertaining company. This post is dedicated to you and all the people you made happy, there were so many.

“I was fortunate to be a friend. Rest in peace, Sam.”

In recent times, Beattie had worked as a freelancer on documentaries and reality TV programs.

Originally published as Former Channel 7 crew member Sam Beattie found dead in his Sydney home