Channel 7 Sunrise reporter Nathan Templeton remembered for team spirit, talent as tributes flow

Tributes are flowing for respected Channel 7 reporter Nathan Templeton who has been remembered as one of the “nicest guys in television” as his family revealed their heartbreak at his sudden death.

The Sunrise personality and father-of-two was reportedly walking his dog near the Barwon River in Geelong, where his body was discovered on Tuesday afternoon.

The 44-year-old is understood to have died after suffering a medical episode.

In a statement on Wednesday, Templeton’s family said: “Our hearts are broken for an adoring father and a wonderful friend, who’ll be missed by many”.

Colleagues and friends rallied together with heartfelt tributes on social media after the news broke.

Templeton’s Channel 7 colleague Basil Zempilas shared a picture of the pair at the 2018 Gold Coast games and praised him for always being a team player.

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

“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.”

Sunrise addressed the tragedy on its Facebook page, referring to him by his nickname Tempo.

“Love you Tempo,” the post 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.”

Sky News political reporter Simon Love also paid tribute to a “ripping bloke”.

“Vale Nathan Templeton. A ripping bloke - always at the top of his game and a great source of advice and friendship on the road. Thoughts with his family,” he said.

Geelong Cats, which employed Templeton as a ground announcer before his TV career started, released a statement on X, formerly known as Twitter.

“We are saddened to hear of the sudden and tragic passing of Nathan Templeton. We extend our deepest sympathies and condolences to Nathan’s children, family and friends at this time,” the club wrote.

“Rip, thank you for being the voice at all Geelong home games. You’ll always have a special place in our heart,” a fan added.

Templeton’s death has also rocked his former colleagues at Network 10. He worked at the network as a sports reporter in Melbourne.

“Prior to his arrival at Seven, Templeton was a long-time and beloved member of the 10 News First team,” a post on X read.

Journalist Stephen Quartermain said he couldn’t believe the news on Wednesday morning.

“Hard to comprehend Nathan Templeton is gone. So young, vibrant, talented and cheeky. That’s how I’ll remember him. Vale and rest in peace,” he wrote on X, alongside a photo of the pair.

Former journalist Hamish Jones said he was “one of the nicest guys in television news you could hope to meet”.

TV presenter Ryan Phelan said he was “heartbroken”.

“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.”

3AW football host Matt Granland described Templeton as a “kind and gentle soul taken way too soon”.

Nine News reporter Corey Norris said: “So saddened to hear the passing of Nathan Templeton. Brilliant broadcaster, even better bloke.”

Templeton has worked for Channel 7 since 2012 and covered major events including the Olympic Games, Commonwealth Games and Australian Open.

He studied journalism at Deakin University in Geelong, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in communications.

Seven Melbourne managing director Lewis Martin confirmed the tragic news in a staff email on Wednesday.

“The tragic news of Nathan’s passing has left us all at Seven profoundly saddened,” he said.

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

He was based out of Seven’s Melbourne headquarters but was well known and much-loved right across the network, and through his work on Sunrise and major sporting events, right around Australia.

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