The sporting and media industries have paid tribute to television reporter Nathan Templeton, who has died at the age of 44.
It is understood Templeton was found in a park near the Barwon River on Tuesday, having had a medical episode while walking his dog. His death is not being treated as suspicious.
He is survived by his wife and two children.
Templeton spent a quarter of a century in the media, with his first main on-air role at Ten News in Melbourne beginning in 2004.
In 2012, he switched to Channel Seven, where he covered a number of Olympic and Commonwealth Games and also tennis and AFL. In particular he became known for his work as a poolside reporter talking to Australia’s swimmers before and after races.
Templeton also spent six years as a Melbourne correspondent for the Sunrise breakfast program.
He had not been in an on-air role since 2022.
His family released a statement on Wednesday, saying simply: “Our hearts are broken for an adoring father and a wonderful friend, who’ll be missed by many”.
Australian Olympic Committee president Ian Chesterman paid tribute to Templeton on behalf of the Olympic team and the many athletes he had met.
“He loved his involvement at the Olympic Games and working with our Olympic sports and athletes at many events and activities,” Chesterman said.
“Nathan was always a friendly face, knowledgeable and totally fair. Many in the Olympic family will have a very heavy heart as Nathan was one of the really good people we got to work with who really cared about our athletes.”
Sunrise posted a message on the show’s Facebook feed, saying “Love you Tempo”. ️
“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.
“Our deepest condolences go out to his family, loved ones and especially his two young sons, during this difficult time.”
His former colleague at Channel 10, sports broadcaster and newsreader Stephen Quartermain, was one of those to pay tribute to Templeton.
“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,” Quartermain posted on X, formerly Twitter.
Templeton, who lived in Geelong and was a fan of the Cats’ AFL team, was a ground announcer and MC at Kardinia Park for six years.
“He brought his love for the Cats and football to his matchday role, and created a great connection with fans with his knowledge, vibrancy and energy,” Geelong CEO Steve Hocking said in a statement.
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