Heartless anti-vaxxers have hijacked the tragic death of Channel Seven news reporter Nathan Templeton to falsely claim he had died from the Covid-19 jab.
The body of the 44-year-old father-of-two was found on a dog walking track near the Barwon River in Geelong on Tuesday afternoon.
Templeton leaves behind his wife Kate and their two young sons Jack and James.
‘Our hearts are broken for an adoring father and a wonderful friend, who’ll be missed by many,’ his family said in a statement on Wednesday.
Within hours of the journalist’s tragic death, conspiracy theorists began to claim the vaccine had killed him.
That’s despite Mr Templeton suffering a medical episode, with a report currently being prepared for the coroner.
Daily Mail understands Templeton had been grappling with long-standing personal issues, including depression, and had been receiving support.
Anti-vaxxers falsely claimed the sudden death must be linked to the Covid jab.
‘As far as COVID-19 mRNA Vaccine sudden deaths go, walking the dog may not be such a bad way to go,’ one wrote.
Popular Channel Seven Sunrise and sport reporter Nathan Templeton has died after suffering a medical episode on the Barwon River in Geelong
But anti-vaxx trolls have hijacked his tragic death to falsely claim he had died from the Covid-19 jab
Others shared former social media posts Templeton made encouraging people to get jabbed during Victoria’s many lockdowns, citing it as evidence that he died from the jab.
‘Sadly Nathan was a victim of failed science,’ wrote one on Facebook.
‘Not sharing to rub it in or “we told you so”, sharing to raise awareness to those who still asleep.’
Another responded to a story about Templeton’s death with the sarcastic comment, ‘But remember, it’s safe and effective!’, followed by a series of skull and syringe emojis.’
But the sick claims have been slammed by many Aussies.
‘Jumping to conclusions, go back under your rock,’ one said.
Another added: ‘Another stupid comment rather than respect for someone just passed. Pushing a rubbish agenda.’
A third said: ‘Show some f***ing respect. Keep your “theories” to yourself. Nobody wants to hear them.’
A fourth said: ‘Please stop this kind of talk show, some respect for his shattered family and friends.’
Just a few days before his death, Templeton had shared photos to Instagram of himself and his two young sons eating chocolate eggs on Easter morning.
‘Favourite morning of the year,’ he captioned a series of family photos.
Respected Channel Seven presenter Ann Sanders announced his death during the network’s 11.30am bulletin yesterday morning.
Sanders remained composed as she delivered the sad news during the live broadcast.
‘We’re sending our deepest condolences to his family and friends who remember Nathan as an adoring father and a wonderful friend,’ she said.
Victoria Police are preparing a report for the coroner after Templeton’s body was found in parkland, believed to be Zillah Crawcour Park, near his home in Geelong.
Channel Seven newsreader Ann Sanders broke the news during the 11.30am news bulletin
Nathan Templeton and Sunrise co-stars Edwina Bartholomew, Samantha Armytage and Natalie Barr
‘Emergency services were called to a park in Newtown about 2.30pm where the man was located deceased,’ said a spokesman.
‘The death is not being treated as suspicious at this stage.’
Templeton had worked for Seven for more than 12 years, including as the Melbourne correspondent for its breakfast show Sunrise, and in its sports department.
However, he had not been on-air for Sunrise since late 2022 and was working in a behind-the-scenes role last year.
Daily Mail understands Templeton had been grappling with long-standing personal issues, including depression, and had been receiving support.
READ MORE: Sunrise reporter Nathan Templeton’s heartbreaking final post before TV personality was found dead after suffering a medical episode
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 aged 44 (all pictured)