Former Sunrise reporter Nathan Templeton’s heartbreaking final Instagram post emerged following the TV personality’s tragic death at age 44.
The popular Channel 7 reporter was found near the Barwon River in Geelong on Monday night after suffering a medical episode while walking the dog.
A few days earlier, Nathan had shared photos on Instagram of him and his two young children eating chocolate eggs on Easter morning.
“Favorite morning of the year,” she wrote in the caption, adding an egg and bunny emoji.
Since news of his tragic passing, devastated fans have commented on 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 age 44 (all pictured).
“These poor kids,” one wrote, while another added: “I just read the news and I’m incredibly sad.” RIP, sending love to your family and loved ones.’
Templeton had worked for the Seven Network for more than 12 years, including as Melbourne correspondent for its morning show Sunrise, and in its sports department.
However, he had not been on the show since late 2022 and was working in a behind-the-scenes role last year.
Since news of his tragic passing, devastated fans have commented on the post with tributes to Nathan and his grieving family.
Daily Mail Australia understands Templeton had been dealing with long-standing personal issues, including depression, and had been receiving support.
He leaves behind his wife Kate and two young children.
Channel Seven managing director of sport Lewis Martin sent an email to the newsroom informing staff of Templeton’s death on Wednesday morning.
The popular Channel 7 reporter was found near the Barwon River in Geelong on Monday night after suffering a medical episode while walking the dog.
‘The tragic news of Nathan’s death has left us all at Seven deeply saddened.
‘Nathan was a respected journalist whose passion for storytelling was evident in all his years reporting for Sunrise, 7News and multiple Olympic Games.
Martin said Templeton was “well-liked across the network” and “throughout Australia” for his coverage of major sporting events.
“Our deepest condolences go out to his family, especially his two young children during this difficult time,” he continued.
Templeton is pictured with her Sunrise LR co-stars Edwina Bartholomew, Samantha Armytage and Natalie Barr.
‘If this news affects you, you are not alone. Don’t hesitate to reach out to a friend, colleague or his manager.’
Templeton’s friends and colleagues paid tribute on social media.
Perth Mayor and former colleague Basil Zempalis shared a photo from his coverage of the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games.
‘This is how I will remember Nathan. Always happy, very reliable, incredibly hardworking and so good to have on the team,” he wrote.
‘He was team first. Always. That smile made everyone smile, his teammates, his friends, the athletes, the public.
Templeton had worked for the Seven Network for more than 12 years.
“You will be missed little friend, my condolences to Kate and the children. Your father was a champion, we will never forget him.”
Former journalist Hamish Jones said he was “one of the nicest TV news guys you could ever hope to meet”.
Television presenter Ryan Phelan said he was “heartbroken” by Templeton’s death.
“He was an incredibly talented and hard-working colleague, but I will treasure our conversations after Channel 7,” he wrote on X.
‘Sending love to your young family.’
Templeton hasn’t been at Sunrise since 2022, but was still working behind the scenes in 2023.
Sportscaster Tim Gossage said he was hard-working, funny, respectful and well-liked throughout the industry.
Sky News reporter Simon Love said Templeton was a “heartbreaking guy”.
‘Always on top of his game and a great source of advice and friendship along the way. Thoughts with your family,’ she said.
Templeton studied journalism at Deakin University in Geelong, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in communications.
He was part of the Olympic Sevens 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 experienced broadcaster also worked for the Geelong Football Club as a home match announcer at GMHBA Stadium.