Popular Australian news anchor Nathan Templeton has tragically died suddenly after suffering a mysterious “medical episode” while walking his dog.
The Channel Seven news reporter was just 44 years old when he dropped dead on Monday evening.
The body of the 44-year-old father-of-two was found on a walking track near the Barwon River in Geelong on Monday evening.
Templeton leaves behind his wife Kate and their two young sons Jack and James.
Members of Templeton’s heartbroken family have broken their silence after the “adoring father” died unexpectedly.
“Our hearts are broken for an adoring father and a wonderful friend, who’ll be missed by many,” his family said in a statement on Wednesday.
Just a few days earlier, Templeton had shared photos to Instagram 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.
Excellent turnout at testing sites again this morning. Good work Vics 💪🏼. Hanging on today’s COVID numbers! Would love some zeros please.
— Nathan Templeton (@nathantemp7) May 25, 2021
Respected Channel Seven presenter Ann Sanders announced his death during the network’s 11.30 am bulletin.
Sanders remained composed as she delivered the sad news during the live broadcast.
“We’re sending our deepest condolences to his family and friends who remember Nathan as an adoring father and a wonderful friend,” she said.
Victoria Police investigators are currently preparing a report for the coroner.
Templeton’s body was found in parkland, believed to be Zillah Crawcour Park, near his home in Geelong.
He was reportedly walking his dog when he suddenly dropped dead.
“Emergency services were called to a park in Newtown about 2.30 pm where the man was located deceased,” said a spokesman.
“The death is not being treated as suspicious at this stage.”
His death is being blamed on a “medical episode” but no other details have been revealed.
No official cause of death has been made public.
Heavy 7-day lockdown, effectively same as the old stage 4. Over-40s now eligible for vaccinations. Should make it available to anyone who wants it. Get the jab people, ASAP.
— Nathan Templeton (@nathantemp7) May 27, 2021
Templeton had worked for Seven for over 12 years, including as the Melbourne correspondent for its breakfast show Sunrise, and in its sports department.
However, he had not been on-air for Sunrise since late 2022 and was working in a behind-the-scenes role last year.
Channel Seven’s managing director of sport, Lewis Martin, emailed the newsroom on Wednesday morning to advise staff of Templeton’s death.
“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.”
Even if you're under 40, call your GP and try to get the vaccine. You're not jumping the queue or denying anyone else, you're helping everyone. Just do it.
— Nathan Templeton (@nathantemp7) May 27, 2021
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.
Templeton’s friends and colleagues issued tributes on social media.
Journalist Roger Oldridge wrote:
“Almost everyone is labeled a ‘great bloke’ once they’re gone, but Nathan Templeton truly was.
“Viewers got to see the incredibly talented reporter; colleagues and friends got so much more.
“One of the funniest people you’d meet. So many great times.
“My heart goes out to those boys.”
Perth mayor and former Seven colleague Basil Zempilas shared a photo from their coverage of the Gold Coast games in 2018.
“This is how I’ll remember Nathan,” he wrote.
“Always happy, so reliable, incredibly hard-working, and just so good to have on the team.
“He was team first. Always.
“That smile made everyone smile, his colleagues, his friends, the athletes, the audience.
“We’ll miss you, little mate, my deepest condolences to Kate and the boys – your dad was a champion, we’ll never forget him.”
Former journalist Hamish Jones said he was one “one of the nicest guys in television news you could hope to meet.”
How much consultation does it take to build a desperately-needed quarantine facility? Mining camps go up in months. 500 dongas in a paddock, bit of power and water – bang. Perfection is the enemy of progress.
— Nathan Templeton (@nathantemp7) May 27, 2021
TV host Ryan Phelan said he was “heartbroken” by Templeton’s sudden passing.
“He was an incredibly talented and hardworking colleague but I will treasure our conversations post-Channel 7,” he wrote on X.
“Sending love to his young family.”
Seven presenter Rebecca Maddern, who grew up with Templeton in Geelong, wrote on Instagram:
“We are so very sad.
“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 news desk often and he was so much fun.
“Rest in peace, Nathan… we are heartbroken.”
Templeton studied journalism at Deakin University in Geelong where he earned a bachelor’s degree in communications.
He was part of Seven’s Olympic broadcast team in Tokyo and Rio and the 2018 Commonwealth Games, as well as the Australian Open and Australian Swimming Championships.
Prior to joining Seven, he was a sports reporter at Ten News Melbourne.
The experienced reporter also worked for the Geelong Football Club as a ground announcer for home games at GMHBA stadium.
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