Decorated Darwin sportsman Warren Berto dies in single vehicle rollover near Pine Creek

WARREN Berto, a decorated Darwin sportsman, has been identified as the man who died in a single vehicle rollover just south of Pine Creek

Warren Berto, right, shared the prestigious Nichols Medal with Jarred Ilett

WARREN Berto, a decorated NTFL player, has died in a single vehicle rollover just south of Pine Creek.

The 35-year-old leaves behind a wife and three children.

It is understood he was driving to Katherine for work when the rollover occurred.

Authorities were notified of the crash on the Stuart Hwy at 4pm Monday by a passing motorist.

Pine Creek health clinic staff, St John Ambulance paramedics from Katherine and emergency services worked to free Mr Berto from the wreck.

Mr Berto, the sole occupant of the Toyota HiLux, had to be cut free.

St John Ambulance Territory duty manager Craig Garraway said he was rushed to the Pine Creek Health Clinic to be stabilised but died at 5.30pm.

“The patient was quite critical so they took them to the clinic to try to stabilise them but there was nothing they could do,” Mr Garraway said.

Mr Garraway said he understood the crash victim was trapped in the car for some time before help arrived.

The Major Crash Investigation Unit have travelled to Pine Creek to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash.

Palmerston Magpies Football Club took to social media today to share the club’s sadness over its former star player’s death.

Warren Berto playing for the MacKillop Sharks in the NRLNT competition

“The PMFC is currently mourning for one of our own who was tragically taken away from us too early,” the posted read.

“Warren Berto — “Wazza” it was a great privilege to have you as a part of this great club, you will be sadly missed by all.

“On behalf of the PMFC we would like to send our deepest condolences to the Peckham, Berto and Huddleston family at this sad time.”

Mr Berto, while playing for the Nightcliff Football Club, tied with Jarred Ilett in the 2007/2008 football season for the Nichols Medal.

Mr Berto also played rugby league for the MacKillop Sharks.

• LIMITED TIME OFFER! SIGN up for Kayo plus NT News in our best ever subscription deal for sport lovers

The rollover closed the Stuart Hwy until 11.30am Tuesday but motorists were able to continue travelling via a detour through the town of Pine Creek.

Police would like anyone who may have witnessed the Toyota HiLux with registration 730701 travelling on the highway around 4pm, prior to the crash, to contact them if they have information that might help with the investigation.

• NT NEWS subscription special offer: $1 for first 28 days

The road toll now stands at seven compared to 11 at the same time last year.