Sunrise reporter Nathan Templeton found dead in Geelong

The news that a popular Sunrise reporter tragically died was broken by a Channel 7 veteran in a devastating on-air moment.

In a devastating on-air moment a Channel Seven veteran has announced the tragic death of Sunrise reporter Nathan Templeton.

The 44-year-old father of two was found near Barwon River in Geelong on Tuesday afternoon after suffering a medical episode. It is understood he was walking his dog at the time.

He leaves behind his wife Kate and their two young sons Jack and James.

In a statement police said: “Emergency services were called to a park in Newtown about 2.30pm (on Tuesday) where the man was located deceased.

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

Sunrise reporter Nathan Templeton. Picture: Instagram

Templeton was a popular reporter on Seven’s Sunrise and made a name for himself as poolside reporter at the Olympic Games.

On Wednesday, Seven presenter Anne Sanders announced his death live on air during the network’s 11:30am bulletin.

She remained composed as she broke the news.

“We’re sending our deepest condolences to his family and friends who remember Nathan as an adoring father and a wonderful friend,” she said.

Anne Sanders breaking the news on-air.

Templeton on Sunrise.

Sunrise posted a message on its Facebook page.

“Love you Tempo,” it read. ️

“The tragic news of Nathan’s passing has left us all at Sunrise and Seven profoundly saddened.

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

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

Templeton’s 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”.

In his most recent social media posts, he shared pictures of his two sons Jack and James opening their Easter eggs.

“Favourite morning of the year,” he wrote alongside the picture a week ago.

He had worked for the Seven Network for more than 12 years.

However, he had not been on-air for the show since late 2022 and was working in a behind-the-scenes role last year.

Channel Seven’s managing director of sport, Lewis Martin, sent an email to the newsroom advising staff of Templeton’s death on Wednesday morning.

“The tragic news of Nathan’s death has left us all at Seven profoundly saddened,” the internal message said.

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

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Templeton in hotel quarantine eager to get back to sons Jack and James.

Templeton getting ready for a live cross to Sunrise. Picture: Supplied

Templeton on Sunrise.

Mr Martin said Templeton was “much-loved right across the network” and “right around Australia’ for his coverage of major sporting events.

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

“If you are impacted by this news, you are not alone. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to a friend, colleague or your manager.”

Templeton was understood to be a popular presence in the newsroom.

In one incident in 2021, he shot back at Georgia Love after she sent out a group memo to her Channel 7 newsroom imploring them on the use of the American pluralisation “surgeries”.

It’s understood the grammar sledge was fired off after a bulletin read by well-respected reporter Melina Sarris.

In a leaked email titled “Grammar note”, Love started her missive with “Hi friends!”:

“Just a note on using the word ‘surgery’ – it doesn’t need to be pluralised. You have surgery, not “a surgery”, so you don’t have “surgeries”…. Ie. “all elective surgery is cancelled.”

Alternatively, can use ‘operations’ or ‘procedures’. Eeeeeeeeeeveryone (sic) does it, it’s just one of those bug bears that’s incorrect but has snuck into our language.”

Much-loved senior reporter and all around “great guy” Templeton shot back a reply-all, also starting with “Hi friends”:

Wayne Carey and Nathan Templeton. Picture: Julie Kiriacoudis

Templeton was popular with his colleagues.

“Just a note to say this note is not helpful or reasonable.

Please carry on your great work and forget about it.

You’re all doing a great job under difficult circumstances.

Keep it going – we love you. Xxx”

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

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

“He was team first. Always. That smile made everyone smile, his colleagues, his friends, the athletes, the audience.

Mayor of Perth and former colleague Basil Zempalis shared a photo.

“We’ll miss you little mate, my deepest condolences to Kate and the boys - your dad was a champion, we’ll never forget him.”

One of Templeton’s former colleagues Jim Wilson wrote: “Deeply saddened at the passing of a man who I admired and respected enormously.Nathan Templeton was truly one of the best people I’ve worked with and thoughts with his family and loved ones.”

Tributes from Sunrise viewers have also poured in after the news of Templeton’s death broke on Wednesday.

“Omg such a lovely guy can’t believe this was only talking to him at footy on Easter Monday,” one person wrote.

“Absolutely devastating, I’m officially speechless,” another wrote.

“RIP buddy..you were a ripper bloke. Always happy,” wrote a third.

Police will prepare a report for the Coroner