Former Sunrise reporter Nathan Templeton has been found dead.

The Herald Sun reports the 44-year-old’s body was found near Geelong’s Barwon River on Monday night.

He apparently suffered a medical episode while walking his dog.

“Police will prepare a report for the coroner following the death of a 44-year-old Newtown man on Tuesday 9 April,” Victoria Police have told The Australian.

“Emergency services were called to a park in Newtown about 2.30pm where the man was located deceased.

“The death is not being treated as suspicious at this stage.”

Templeton’s family also released a statement.

“Our hearts are broken for an adoring father and a wonderful friend, who’ll be missed by many,” it said.

Templeton and his wife had two young sons.

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Templeton, who joined the Seven Network in 2012, was being mourned on social media on Wednesday.

“Hard to comprehend Nathan Templeton is gone,” wrote Network Ten sports presenter Stephen Quartermain.

“So young, vibrant, talented and cheeky. That’s how I’ll remember him.”

Former Victorian premier Jeff Kennett offered his own tribute.

“My heart goes out to his family, particularly his young children. Rest in peace,” he said.

Templeton had been a Melbourne correspondent and occasional sports presenter for Seven’s flagship breakfast TV show until stepping out of the limelight in 2022 to deal with personal issues. He had remained in behind-the-scenes roles.

“The tragic news of Nathan’s passing has left us all at Seven profoundly saddened,” Seven Melbourne managing director Lewis Martin said in an email to staff on Wednesday.

“Nathan was a respected journalist whose passion for storytelling was evident in all his years reporting for Sunrise, Seven News 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.”

Templeton had also previously worked for Network Ten and for the Geelong Football Club as a ground announcer for home games. Ten paid its own tribute on Wednesday, describing Templeton as a “long-time and beloved member” of its team.