Edwina Bartholomew has paid a heartbreaking tribute to her Sunrise colleague who tragically died earlier this year.
On Monday, the breakfast show host, 41, paid tribute to several celebrities who died in 2024.
They included global names such as James Earl Jones, Shannen Doherty, Donald Sutherland, Dame Maggie Smith and Liam Payne, as well as local stars such as John Blackman and George Negus.
As they concluded the in memoriam, Edwina mentioned a loss that hit “close to home”: Sunrise reporter Nathan Templeton, who died in April at age 44 after suffering a medical episode while walking his dog.
“Nathan Templeton has spent the last 12 years with us at Channel Seven, bringing humor and heart to every story he covered,” he said in a voiceover as a montage of clips of the Seven star played.
“Tempo, we miss you every day.”
Edwina Bartholomew (back left) has paid a heartbreaking tribute to her Sunrise colleague Nathan Templeton (back right), who tragically died earlier this year.
Templeton’s body was found on a footpath near the Barwon River in Geelong in April.
The father-of-two leaves behind his wife Kate and their two young sons, Jack and James.
“Our hearts are broken for an adoring father and wonderful friend, who will be missed by many,” his family said in a statement at the time.
A few days earlier, Templeton had shared photos on Instagram of him and his two young children eating chocolate eggs on Easter morning.
“Favorite morning of the year,” she captioned a series of family photos.
Respected Channel Seven presenter Ann Sanders announced her death during the 11.30am bulletin
Sanders maintained his composure as he delivered the sad news during the live broadcast.
“We send our deepest condolences to his family and friends who remember Nathan as a doting father and wonderful friend,” he said.
During Monday morning’s Sunrise show, Edwina mentioned that Nathan’s loss hit “close to home.”
Nathan died in April at age 44 after suffering a medical episode while walking his dog.
His body was found on a footpath near the Barwon River in Geelong.
Templeton had worked for Seven for more than 12 years, including as Melbourne correspondent for its morning show Sunrise, and in its sports department.
However, he had not been on air at Sunrise since late 2022 and was working in a behind-the-scenes role last year.
Daily Mail Australia understands Templeton had been dealing with long-standing personal issues, including depression, and had been receiving support.
Channel Seven managing director of sport Lewis Martin emailed the newsroom on Wednesday morning informing staff of Templeton’s death.
“The tragic news of Nathan’s death has left all of us at Seven deeply saddened,” the internal message read.
“Nathan was a respected journalist whose passion for storytelling was evident in all his years reporting for Sunrise, 7News and multiple Olympic Games.”
Martin said Templeton was “well-liked across the network” and “throughout Australia” for his coverage of major sporting events.
“Our deepest condolences go out to his family, especially his two young children during this difficult time,” he continued.
‘If this news affects you, you are not alone. Don’t hesitate to reach out to a friend, colleague or your manager.’
Channel Seven general manager of sport Lewis Martin said Templeton was “well-loved across the network” and “across Australia” for his coverage of major sporting events.
“The tragic news of Nathan’s death has left all of us at Seven deeply saddened,” his internal message read.