Sunrise host Natalie Barr breaks down during heartbreaking tribute to Channel 7 star Nathan Templeton

Sunrise host Natalie Barr has broken down in tears as the show paid a heartfelt tribute to the show’s former Melbourne reporter Nathan Templeton, following his shock death this week.

Templeton, a long-time Sunrise reporter and father-of-two, was found near the Barwon River in Geelong on Tuesday afternoon after suffering a medical episode while out walking his dog.

To commemorate their late colleague, Sunrise played a montage of Templeton’s time on the program.

A grief-stricken Barr could not hold back her tears as she thanked the seasoned journalist, known to the team as ‘Tempo’, for “brightening everyone’s lives”.

“We know you had more stories to tell them (our viewers). We are sorry you can’t tell them,” she said.

“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 conducted himself on-air.”

Fellow Sunrise presenter Edwina Bartholomew penned her own tribute to Templeton on Wednesday evening, sharing a behind the scenes video of the journalist interviewing Australian basketball star Patty Mills.

“This is how I will remember Nathan. His gravelly voice. His intense passion for all things sport, especially his poolside interviews,” she wrote.

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

She said the 44-year-old “adored” his young sons Jack and James and “will be missed.”

Devastated and glowing tributes have flowed from across the media industry in the wake of the loss.

Journalist Roger Oldridlabeledge said though most people are remembered as a “great bloke”, that label has never fit a man better than Templeton.

“Viewers got to see the incredibly talented reporter; colleagues and friends got so much more. One of the funniest people you’d meet. So many great times. My heart goes out to those boys,” he said.

Perth mayor and former Seven colleague Basil Zempilas shared a photo with Templeton from their coverage of 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games, writing the journo was “always happy, so reliable, incredibly hard working” and the ultimate team player.

“He was team first. Always. That smile made everyone smile, his colleagues, his friends, the athletes, the audience,” Zempilas said.

“We’ll miss you, little mate, my deepest condolences to Kate and the boys — your dad was a champion, we’ll never forget him.”

Templeton had worked for Channel 7 since 2012 for 11 and a half years and covered major events including the Olympic Games, Commonwealth Games — where he was renowned for his poolside interviews — and Australian Open. He previously worked for Network 10.

Channel Seven’s managing director of sport, Lewis Martin, emailed the newsroom on Wednesday morning to advise staff of Templeton’s death.

“The tragic news of Nathan’s passing has left us all at Seven profoundly saddened,” he said.

“Nathan was a respected journalist whose passion for storytelling was evident in all his years reporting for Sunrise, 7NEWS 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.”