Matt Doran returns to Weekend Sunrise in good spirits from personal leave – after disappearing while covering the tragedy of the Hunter Valley bus crash
Matt Doran returned from personal leave on Sunday to host Weekend Sunrise, nearly two weeks after disappearing while covering the Singleton bus crash.
The veteran crime reporter, 40, was in good spirits as he co-hosted the breakfast show with Monique Wright, 50.
Looking good in a tailored suit and slicked back hair, the Melbourne native looked refreshed and ready to tackle the day’s news stories.
Neither Matt nor Monique commented on his disappearance act in Hunter Valley or subsequent personal leave from Sunday’s show.
Doran took unscheduled personal leave last week after provoking a frantic police investigation when he failed to show up for work the previous Tuesday.
Matt Doran, 40, (pictured) returned from personal leave on Sunday to host Weekend Sunrise nearly two weeks after disappearing while covering the Singleton bus crash
The veteran crime reporter was in good spirits as he co-hosted the breakfast show with Monique Wright, 50 (left)
According to The Daily TelegraphDoran was “at home prioritizing his health” after he disappeared while on assignment in the Hunter Valley, was temporarily replaced by journalist Michael Usher on Weekend Sunrise.
The high-profile Sydney journalist was reported missing after failing to show up for his 5:30am shift to provide live coverage of the Hunter Valley bus crash from the area.
After a desperate police search, including at his hotel in Singleton, officers found the star reporter a short time later in a local cafe.
Earlier, locals had seen Doran drive away from the home of newly married couple Mitchell Gaffney and Maddy Edsell, whose marriage was at the center of the tragedy.
It comes after Doran took some unscheduled personal leave and sparked a frantic police investigation when he failed to show up for work the previous Tuesday
An eyewitness recalls the surprising way he spoke to members of the Singleton Roosters football team, for whom several wedding guests played.
“He seemed distracted when he was interviewing. He didn’t want to be there,” the source told Daily Mail Australia.
When the star reporter failed to answer calls, texts and emails ahead of his scheduled appearance on Sunrise, a producer went to see him at his hotel in Singleton, but there was no knock on his door.
Insiders have suggested that several factors may have contributed to his disturbing behavior, one of which states that Doran may have been struggling with the confrontational nature of the bus crash tragedy.
High-profile Sydney journalist was reported missing after failing to show up for his 5:30am shift to provide live coverage of the Hunter Valley bus crash from the area