Channel 7 Sunrise reporter Nathan Templeton found dead in Geelong

Nathan Templeton, the Melbourne reporter for Channel 7’s morning show Sunrise, has been remembered as an ‘adoring father’ with a ‘passion for storytelling’ following his sudden death in Geelong.

Popular Channel 7 reporter Nathan Templeton has tragically died.

It’s understood the 44-year-old father of two was found dead near the Barwon River in Geelong about 2.30pm Tuesday after suffering a medical episode while out walking the dog.

Over the past couple of years, Templeton retreated from the limelight, to deal with personal issues.

Templeton leaves behind his wife Kate and their two young sons.

His family said in a statement on Wednesday: ‘Our hearts are broken for an adoring father and a wonderful friend, who’ll be missed by many’.

Just a few days earlier, Templeton had shared photos to social media of himself and his two young sons, eating chocolate eggs on Easter morning.

“Favourite morning of the year,” he captioned a series of family photos.

A longtime Channel 7 reporter, Templeton was much-loved within the media and sporting community.

The Melbourne correspondent for Seven’s morning talk show Sunrise, Templeton was once considered a star in their stable.

He made a name for himself as poolside reporter at the Olympic Games, and also worked for the Geelong Football Club as a ground announcer for home games at GMHBA stadium.

Sunrise reporter Nathan Templeton. Picture: Instagram

Templeton grew up around the Geelong area and was friends with former Cats stars such as premiership captain Cameron Ling.

Ling said he was saddened to hear about the passing of his good friend.

“He was a really loved Geelong person and great company who was outstanding in multiple roles he held in the media,” Ling said.

“He will be sadly missed and all my thoughts are with his family.”

Seven Network issued a statement early Wednesday expressing their sorrow at the sudden passing of the much-loved reporter.

“The tragic news of Nathan’s passing has left us all at Seven profoundly saddened,” Managing Director Seven Melbourne and Network Head of Sport Lewis Martin said.

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

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

Former Sunrise host David Koch told the Herald Sun on Wednesday he was shocked and deeply saddened by Nathan’s death.

“He was a much loved member of the Sunrise team,” Koch said.

“Hard working, and one of those blokes with a great sense of humour who cared for not only his colleagues but also viewers. He will be missed by us all and sending my love and prayers to his family.”

Nathan Templeton at the Tokyo Olympics in 2020. Picture: Supplied

There was an outpouring of emotion on social media from former colleagues and many in the football industry.

Former Sydney champion Jude Bolton wrote on X: “Saddened to hear the sudden passing of Nathan Templeton. Thoughts go out to all the family, to the Seven crew and his close friends”.

Perth broadcaster Tim Gossage recalled the time he worked with Templeton at Channel 10.

“So sorry to hear of the sudden passing of former Channel 10 colleague Nathan Templeton. Hardworking, humorous, respectful and much loved.”

Templeton had recently done a story where he arranged for terminally ill Geelong teenager, Bryce McKiernan, to meet his hero – wrestling superstar John Cena.

Director of PR firm Little Train, Bronny Lane, who worked closely with Templeton on the story, said he was “always a joy to work with”.

“What a difference Nathan made in his time on this planet. (He) was always kind and we had the absolute pleasure of working on some great stories,” she said.

“I’ll never forget how Nathan cried when Bryce met John. I’ll never forget that incredible moment he made happen. What an absolute champion taken way too soon.”

Templeton had recently completed a story where he arranged for terminally ill Geelong teenager, Bryce McKiernan, to meet his hero – wrestling superstar John Cena.

Fellow Channel 7 journalist Rebecca Maddern said the father of two was a “fine broadcaster”.

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

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

Maddern told the Herald Sun Templeton had a heart of gold.

“We will miss his uniquely raspy voice which became synonymous with bringing home our Australian swimmers at the Olympics,” Maddern said.

“I’ll miss hearing it – always. The world of TV can seem fickle but Nathan was a true professional and a genuine soul with a heart of gold.”

The father of Olympic and world champion Ariarne Titmus posted a message on Facebook praising Templeton’s “magic” poolside interviews.

“So sad to hear of the passing of Nathan Templeton,” Steve Titmus posted. “A colleague at 7 and a friend at the pool. His interviews with swimmers and their families were amazing and magic.

“Will be remembered as one of the best. Deepest condolences to his family and loved ones.”

Templeton worked with the Seven Network for 11 and a half years.

During his time he developed a great bond working poolside commentary with Olympic gold medallist Giaan Rooney.

Australian swimming champion Giaan Rooney also posted to Instagram to share her “devastation” over Templeton’s death.

Rooney told the Herald Sun on Wednesday she was devastated.

“I loved working with Nath,” she said.

“He was joyful, inclusive and genuinely thrilled to be there, but what I respected the most was that yes his job was to cover stories, but his subjects were always people first, athletes second.

“The care shown was typical Nath.”

Mayor of Perth and former colleague Basil Zempalis shared a photo from their coverage of the Gold Coast games in 2018 to social media with a tribute.

“This is how I’ll remember Nathan. Always happy, so reliable, incredibly hard working and just so good to have on the team,’ Zempalis wrote.

Tasmanian MP Jo Palmer, who worked with Templeton when he was a sports reporter at Southern Cross Austereo, said he was an “all round magnificent human”.

“Feeling such sadness today to learn we have lost a member of our old Southern Cross News team, our beautiful friend Nathan Templeton,” she said.

“Former Southern Cross Sports journalist, Sunrise presenter, all round magnificent human. Our hearts are with his young family.”

A Victoria Police spokesperson said a report would be prepared for the Coroner.

“Emergency services were called to a park in Newtown about 2.30pm (on Tuesday) where the man was located deceased,” the spokesperson said.

“The death is not being treated as suspicious at this stage.”