Former Sunrise presenter Nathan Templeton’s body found in Geelong

Geelong dad and former Channel 7 reporter Nathan Templeton is being remembered as a “hardworking” man and with a passion for storytelling after his body was found by the Barwon River.

Nathan Templeton died in Geelong on Tuesday. Picture: Supplied

Former Channel 7 reporter Nathan Templeton is being remembered as a “hardworking” man with a passion for storytelling after his body was discovered along the Barwon River.

The father-of-two, who was raised in the Geelong region, was found dead on a walking track near a park in Newtown about 2.30pm on Tuesday.

The circumstances surrounding the grim discovery are still being determined, however a police spokeswoman confirmed officers were not treating his death as suspicious.

It is understood Templeton, 44, may have suffered a medical episode.

In a statement, his family said: “Our hearts are broken for an adoring father and a wonderful friend, who’ll be missed by many.”

Nathan Templeton was found dead on a walking track along the Barwon River. Picture: Alison Wynd

He was a well-known presenter for Channel 7’s morning news program Sunrise and 7 News’ sports team.

Templeton grew up in Grovedale and was living in Newtown.

He was a former student at Geelong College, completed a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism at Deakin University and was studying social media marketing at the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology.

Friend and Geelong Cats champion Cameron Ling knew Templeton since their teenage years.

“He was such a great bloke,” he said.

“He was remarkably good at his job, he was so talented and likeable.

“Some of his interviews poolside at the Olympics really captivated the joy and emotions of the athletes.”

Ling said his most enjoyable memories with Templeton were away from the spotlight and simply “spending time with him”.

“I used to love my surfing and he tried a few times going for a surf with me … he was always willing to have a go and loved being around his mates,” he said.

Ling said Templeton was a proud of his Geelong roots.

“No matter where he was around the world, he was a proud Geelong person,” he said.

“It’s just so sad.”

TV presenter Nathan Templeton was found dead in Geelong on Tuesday April 9. Picture: Instagram

His former colleagues took to social media to pay tribute to a “hardworking” and “respectful” man.

Channel 7 presenter Rebecca Maddern, who is also from Geelong and grew up with Templeton, posted a touching tribute to Instagram for her late friend.

“We are so very sad,” she wrote.

“Nathan loved the Geelong Cats as much as me, we went to the same school, worked at the same network and … he was a fine broadcaster, especially poolside at the Olympics where he truly excelled.

“We shared the newsdesk often and he was so much fun.

“Rest in peace Nathan … we are heartbroken.”

Rebecca Maddern (right) has paid tribute to Templeton on social media. Picture: Mike Dugdale

Templeton began his career as a casual journalist at the Geelong Advertiser in 2003, before joining the Colac Herald in 2004 as a reporter and sports editor.

He worked at Network 10 from 2008 to 2012 before joining Channel 7 in 2012, covering major sporting events including the Australian Open and the Olympics.

Templeton was a ground announcer and MC at the Geelong Cats’s home games at GMHBA Stadium for six years.

Cats chief executive Steven Hocking said he was a “loved member of the Geelong family”.
“He brought his love for the Cats and football to his matchday role, and created a great connection with fans with his knowledge, vibrancy and energy,” he said.

“We extend our deepest sympathies and condolences to Nathan’s children, family and friends at this time.”

Nathan Templeton was a popular presenter for Channel 7. Picture: Instagram

Seven Melbourne managing director and network head of sport Lewis Martin said: “The tragic news of Nathan’s passing has left us all at Seven profoundly saddened.”

“Nathan was a respected journalist whose passion for storytelling was evident in all his years reporting for Sunrise, 7 News and multiple Olympic Games,” he said.

“Our deepest condolences go out to his family, especially his two young sons, during this difficult time.”

Former Sydney Swans player and 7 AFL commentator Jude Bolton said he was “saddened” to hear of Templeton’s death.

“Thoughts go out to all family, to the Seven crew and his close friends,” he wrote on social media.

A police spokeswoman said officers would prepare a report for the coroner.

Originally published as Former Sunrise presenter Nathan Templeton’s body found in Geelong