By Calum Jaspan
Nathan Templeton, a popular former reporter with Seven’s morning show Sunrise, has been found dead in a park near the Barwon River in Geelong.
The 44-year-old is reported to have suffered a medical episode while walking his dog.
Seven reporter Nathan Templeton at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021.Credit: X
Police confirmed they were called to a park in Newtown, Geelong, on Tuesday at 2.30pm. Templeton was found dead at the scene.
His death is not being treated as suspicious, and a report will be prepared for the coroner.
Templeton is survived by his wife and two young sons.
In a statement, his family said: “Our hearts are broken for an adoring father and a wonderful friend who’ll be missed by many.”
Templeton joined Seven from Network Ten in 2012 as a sports reporter for Seven News Melbourne. In 2016, he joined Sunrise as its Melbourne correspondent, a role he held until 2022.
He had left Seven before he died.
During his time on Sunrise, he travelled with Seven to cover the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro in 2016 and Tokyo in 2021.
Over the past six years, he also worked for the Geelong Football Club as a stadium announcer, and hosted events for the club, including its best and fairest awards.
Templeton was found unresponsive by the Barwon River after taking his dog for a walk.Credit: X
The Cats’ chief executive, Steve Hocking, said Templeton was a beloved member of the Geelong family.
“He brought his love for the Cats and football to his match-day role and created a great connection with fans with his knowledge, vibrancy and energy,” Hocking said.
“We extend our deepest sympathies and condolences to Nathan’s children, family and friends at this time.”
Lewis Martin, Seven Melbourne’s managing director and head of sport, said the tragic news had left Templeton’s former colleagues profoundly saddened.
“Nathan was a respected journalist whose passion for storytelling was evident in all his years reporting for Sunrise, 7NEWS and multiple Olympic Games,” Martin said.
“Our deepest condolences go out to his family, especially his two young sons, during this difficult time.”
A number of former colleagues from Seven, including retired Sydney Swans player and current Seven Network boundary rider Jude Bolton, and Perth Lord Mayor Basil Zempilas also shared their condolences on social network X.
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