Nat Barr breaks down in tears live on air – forcing producers to abruptly cut to an ad break

Sunrise presenter Nat Barr has broken down in tears during a live broadcast, forcing producers to take a commercial break.

Her tearful outburst came after an emotional letter was read out from South Australian Police Commissioner Grant Stevens, whose son Charlie died after suffering an irreversible brain injury when he was allegedly hit by a car at Schoolies.

The hosts learned that Commissioner Stevens signed the heartfelt note saying his son’s death meant so much more than just a number on a tragic list.

Barr appeared unable to say anything as she choked back tears as her co-host Matthew Shirvington, known to viewers as Shirvo, was forced to take over the segment.

The story had a particular impact on Barr, who has two sons, Lachlan, 22, and Hunter, 18. Hunter, who graduated from high school earlier this year, was said to have been celebrating school week at the time the police chief’s son died .

“I have to be honest with you, it’s extremely difficult to get through it without shedding a tear, even if you knew Charlie or not,” Shirvo said.

‘Understanding losing a teenage child. Nat and I are in that position with teenage children, it’s extremely difficult.”

Shirvo, who also seemed to become emotional, then read a line from the letter.

“You lived a life and gave so much to so many. You are a force of nature, we will never forget your beautiful, cheeky, disarming smile.’

In a broken voice, Barr added, “Well said Shirvo. We will be right back.’

It comes after the Sunrise presenter revealed she had become emotional over the fact her youngest son Hunter was about to graduate from high school.

The host said she will “cry” at his final meeting next week.

Speaking to a pregnant Miranda Kerr on Sunrise that morning, Barr told the Australian model to make the most of her four boys’ childhoods.

“Today is my last child’s last day of school, so I know it’s going to be busy, but make the most of it,” she told the beauty, who is expecting her fourth child with CEO Evan Spiegel.

“Because then you’re going to cry like I do next week when they have their meeting.”

Barr (pictured with her eldest son Hunter, 22, and husband Andrew) became emotional after a letter to Charlie Stevens, written by his grieving father, was read out on the show

South Australia Police Commissioner Grant Stevens, whose son Charlie died after suffering an irreversible brain injury, revealed his son was the youngest of five children

Commissioner Stevens’ letter described how loved Charlie was.

‘I’m writing this as I sit in a bedroom with dirty clothes on the floor, an unmade bed, six drinking glasses in a row on the bedside table, an empty KFC box next to the glasses, cupboard doors left open and a row of skateboards leaning on the wall – it’s a mess and it’s perfect. This is where 101 lived,” he wrote.

101 refers to the 101st life lost on South Australian roads this year.

‘101 is Charles Stevens – Charlie, Charlie Boy, Chas, Links, Steve. You lived life and gave so much to so many. You were a force of nature and we will never forget your beautiful cheeky, disarming smile,” said Commissioner Stevens.

“Son, brother, grandson, uncle, nephew, cousin, friends, colleague, teammate. So much more than just a number in a tragic way.”

Charlie Stevens, 18, was waiting with friends for a bus to Schoolies parties in Victor Harbor when he was hit by Dhirren Randhawa, also 18, in Goolwa, south of Adelaide, about 9pm on Friday.

Mr Stevens died in hospital 22 hours later, while Mr Randhawa was arrested a short time later on a nearby street after allegedly fleeing the scene.

South Australia Police Commissioner Grant Stevens has written an emotional letter to his youngest son Charlie, who died after suffering an irreversible brain injury when he was allegedly hit by a car at schoolchildren (the couple are pictured)

Charlie Stevens (pictured) remembered as a ‘beautiful boy’ by devastated loved ones

Randhawa was later charged with causing death by dangerous driving, aggravated driving without due care, leaving the scene of an accident after causing death and failing to actually answer questions.

More to come.