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.
“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.”
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”.
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.”