Tragedy as Channel 7 reporter found dead while walking his dog

Sunrise reporter Nathan Templeton has tragically died, reportedly while walking his dog.

The Herald Sun reports the 44-year-old father of two was found near Barwon River in Geelong on Monday evening after suffering a medical episode.

Sunrise reporter Nathan Templeton. Picture: InstagramSource: Supplied

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

It is understood he had retreated from the limelight over the past few years to deal with personal issues.

Templeton on Sunrise.Source: Supplied

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.

Nathan Templeton in hotel quarantine eager to get back to sons Jack and James.Source: SuppliedTempleton getting ready for a live cross to Sunrise. Picture: SuppliedSource: SuppliedTempleton on Sunrise.Source: Instagram

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.”

He was a popular colleague.Source: SuppliedAnd loved by viewers.Source: Supplied

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 KiriacoudisSource: News Corp AustraliaTempleton was popular with his colleagues.Source: News Corp Australia

“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”

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

- more to come