Former Sunrise reporter Nathan Templeton’s heartbreaking final Instagram post has surfaced following the TV personality’s tragic death at the age of 44.
The popular Channel 7 reporter was found near the Barwon River in Geelong on Monday evening after suffering a medical episode while walking the dog.
Just a few days earlier, Nathan had shared photos on Instagram of himself and his two young children eating chocolate eggs on Easter morning.
“Favorite morning of the year,” he wrote in the caption, adding an egg and bunny emoji.
Since news of his tragic death, shattered fans have responded to the post with tributes to Nathan and his grieving family.
Former Sunrise reporter Nathan Templeton shared this photo of himself eating a chocolate egg with his young children on Easter morning, just days before his tragic death on Monday at the age of 44 (all pictured)
“These poor children,” one wrote, while another added: “I just read the news, I’m so incredibly sad. RIP, sending love to your family and loved ones.”
Templeton has worked for the Seven Network for more than a dozen years, including as a Melbourne correspondent for the breakfast show Sunrise, and in the sports department.
However, he has not been on the show’s air since late 2022 and worked behind the scenes last year.
Since news of his tragic death, shattered fans have responded to the post with tributes to Nathan and his grieving family
Ny Breaking Australia understands Templeton had long struggled with personal issues – including depression – and received support.
He is survived by his wife Kate and two young sons.
Channel Seven’s sports director Lewis Martin sent an email to the newsroom on Wednesday morning to inform staff of Templeton’s death.
The popular Channel 7 reporter was found near the Barwon River in Geelong on Monday evening after suffering a medical episode while walking the dog.
“The tragic news of Nathan’s death has left all of us at Seven deeply saddened.
“Nathan was a respected journalist whose passion for storytelling was evident throughout his years as a reporter for Sunrise, 7News and multiple Olympic Games.
Mr Martin said Templeton was “much loved across the network” and “across Australia” for his coverage of major sporting events.
“Our deepest condolences go out to his family, especially his two young sons at this difficult time,” he continued.
Templeton is pictured with his Sunrise co-stars L-R: Edwina Bartholomew, Samantha Armytage and Natalie Barr
“If you are affected by this news, you are not alone. Don’t hesitate to reach out to a friend, colleague or your manager.’
Templeton’s friends and colleagues paid tribute on social media.
Perth Mayor and former colleague Basil Zempalis shared a photo from their coverage of the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games.
‘This is how I will remember Nathan. Always happy, so reliable, incredibly hardworking and just so good to have on the team,” he wrote.
“He was team first. Always. That smile made everyone smile, his colleagues, his friends, the athletes, the audience.
Templeton had worked for the Seven Network for more than twelve years
‘We will miss you little friend, my deepest condolences to Kate and the boys – your dad was a champion, we will never forget him.’
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’ by Templeton’s death.
“He was an incredibly talented and hardworking colleague, but I will cherish our conversations after Channel 7,” he wrote on X.
“Sending love to his young family.”
Templeton has not been seen on Sunrise since 2022, but was still working behind the scenes in 2023
Sports commentator Tim Gossage said he was hardworking, humorous, respectful and well-liked throughout the industry.
Sky News reporter Simon Love said Templeton was a ‘ripping guy’.
‘Always at the top of his game and a great source of advice and friendship along the way. Thoughts with his family,” he said.
Templeton studied journalism at Deakin University in Geelong, where he obtained 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.
Before joining Seven, he was a sports reporter at Ten News Melbourne.
The veteran presenter also worked for the Geelong Football Club as a ground announcer for home games at the GMHBA Stadium.