Sunrise host Nat Barr gets emotional over late colleague’s shock death

The long-time host became choked up while paying tribute to a colleague who died suddenly.

Sunrise host Natalie Barr broke down live on-air while paying tribute to her breakfast show colleague who died suddenly this week.

Nathan Templeton, 44, suffered a medical episode while on a walking track near the Barwon River in Geelong on Monday evening.

The morning show honoured the late reporter during Thursday's program with a picture montage highlighting his best moments with the show.

“We know you had more stories to tell [our viewers]. We are sorry you can’t tell them,” Barr said while fighting back tears.

Natalie Barr broke down in tears as she remembered her Sunrise colleague Nathan Templeton on Thursday's breakfast show following his shock death aged 44. Picture: Sunrise

“Our hearts go out to our family, your two little boys, Kate, and everyone who knew you inside this building and across the Seven Network.

“But also so many of you who have written in and just said that you felt like you knew him because of how he … How he conducted himself on-air.

“Thank you, Tempo, for brightening our lives. We are so fortunate to have known you and worked alongside you. You will be missed.”

TV presenter Nathan Templeton was found dead in Geelong on Monday evening. Picture: Instagram

L—R (back) Edwina Bartholomew, Nathan Templeton, (front) Samantha Armytage and Natalie Barr. Picture: Supplied

Sunrise news reporter Edwina Bartholomew shared a social media tribute to Mr Templeton on Wednesday evening, saying she will always remember his “intense passion”.

“This is how I will remember Nathan. His gravelly voice. His intense passion for all things sport, especially his poolside interviews,” she said in a post to Instagram.

“He had a knack for getting the best out of athletes, even when they were disappointed in their own performance.”

The 44-year-old father had pulled away from the spotlight in recent years to deal with some personal issues, Herald Sun reported.

Templeton had been a reporter with Channel 7 for a number of years and was “loved within the media and sporting community”.

Mr Templeton was well known as the poolside reporter at Olympic Games. Picture: Instagram

(L-R) Monique Wright, Natalie Barr, David Koch and Nathan Templeton on the set of Sunrise.

During Channel 7’s Olympic Games coverage he was well known as the poolside reporter and worked for the Geelong Football Club as a ground announcer during home games.

Earlier this week, Friends and colleagues took to social media to share their grief at the tragic news with fellow television reporter Stephen Quartermain writing on X (formerly Twitter): “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.”

Former Sydney Swans player and AFL commentator Jude Bolton wrote, “Saddened to hear the sudden passing of Nathan Templeton. Thoughts go out to all family, to the Seven crew and his close friends.”

Channel 10 news presenter Tim Gossage said, “So sorry to hear of the sudden passing of former Channel 10 colleague Nathan Templeton. Hard working, humorous, respectful and much loved.”