Tributes have flooded in for respected sports reporter Sam Landsberger, with some of Australia’s top sports stars revealing their shock and sorrow after he died when he was struck by a truck in Melbourne on Tuesday.
Leading Herald Sun journalist Landsberger, 35, was rushed to The Alfred hospital following the traffic accident in Richmond but couldn’t be revived.
Emergency services were called to the scene after reports of a collision involving a truck and a pedestrian at the intersection of Bridge Rd and Church St about 10.20am.
Landsberger was crossing the road at the time and it is believed he was on the way to work when he was hit by the truck.
The driver of the truck stopped at the scene and spoke to police about the circumstances of the collision.
The 45-year-old, from Seaford in Melbourne’s south-east, was uninjured and was released by police pending further enquiries.
Landsberger had worked at NewsCorp for the past 14 years and was a likely candidate to eventually become the paper’s chief AFL writer as well as being a regular contributor to Fox Footy, offering his deep insights into the game.
News of his death has struck the AFL and sporting communities, with many offering tributes to the beloved journalist.
AFL Chief Executive Officer Andrew Dillon said the football industry was deeply shocked and distressed following Landsberger’s death.
News Corp sports journalist Sam Landsberger was killed after he was hit by a truck on Tuesday morning
Landsberger, 35, has been celebrated for his impressive career and tireless work ethic (pictured, with fellow footy reporter Lauren Wood)
Aussie cricketer Glenn Maxwell paid his respects to Sam Landsberger on social media
Cricket Australia passed on their condolences to the Landsberger family on X
‘Sam has been taken from his family and friends in a terrible tragedy today and all our love and care go out to them in this time of greatest need,’ he said.
‘Across more than a decade, Sam has been building his impressive journalistic career and was respected for both his tenacity for chasing a story and his incredible passion for the game.
‘We know his death has had a devastating impact on those who worked with Sam at News and Foxtel and his many friends across the football and media industries.
‘We send our sincere condolences to Sam’s family and to his work colleagues but also our thoughts are with all those across the football industry and the football media for whom Sam was both colleague and friend.’
Australian cricketer Aaron Finch shared his condolences on X, formally known as Twitter.
‘So sad to hear the news of Sam Landsberger’s passing,’ Finch said. ‘My thoughts go out to his family, friends, and colleagues.
‘He was a great journalist, and someone everyone had a lot of time and respect for.’
Fellow Aussie cricket star Glenn Maxwell was equally shattered about Landsberger’s passing.
‘Truly devastated to hear the news about Sam Landsberger,’ he tweeted.
‘My thoughts go out to his family, loved ones and anyone who had the pleasure of spending time with him.
‘We’ve lost one of the really good ones.’
Fox Footy reporter David Zita said he will miss Landsberger’s’ ‘energy’ on the show.
‘Sam Landsberger’s energy was infectious and an added benefit of Midweek Tackle this year was getting so see more of him in person at Fox Footy,’ he wrote on X.
‘He had so much more to give. Rest in peace.’
Cricket writer Peter Lalor also shared his fond memories of Landsberger on X.
The Western Bulldogs extended their condolences with the Landsberger family, who have strong ties to the club.
‘Like the entire footy community, everyone at the Western Bulldogs is shocked and saddened to hear of the sudden death of Sam Landsberger,’ the team said in a statement.
‘As well as being a talented and respected journalist, Sam was an ardent Bulldogs fan and had close family ties through his father Jake, the Club’s former long-term medical officer and Bulldogs life member.
‘His enthusiasm for the game and passion for his work was always evident and his positive approach and friendly nature will be fondly recalled by all who knew and worked with him.
‘Our sincere sympathies to Jake, Anne, Jess, Sarah and all of his extended family, friends and colleagues.’
Landsberger started his career in community newspapers, and spent his professional life with The Herald Sun and Weekly Times
Landsberger’s Herald Sun colleague Glenn McFarlane said the journalist (right) had a genuine passion for his work
Meanwhile, Executive Chairman of News Corp Australasia Michael Miller said Landsberger will be ‘greatly missed’ by his colleagues.
‘This loss is profoundly felt across our entire organisation, and our thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time,’ Mr Miller said.
‘Sam was not only a talented, sports-loving professional, but also a cherished friend to many, especially his colleagues at the Herald Sun and Fox Sports.
‘Sam was an incredibly diligent reporter, always in the office with his phone to his ear talking to his valued football contacts.
‘His passion for chasing the big story set him apart from so many.’
SEN’s Gerard Whateley spoke for many when he said: ‘Sam’s death is the most awful reminder of how precious life can be.’
Landsberger started his career in the communities at Leader, and spent his professional life with The Herald and Weekly Times.
He was selected as the Young Journalist of the Year at the News Awards in 2013, and was a finalist for the Sports Journalist of the Year in 2023.
The Australian Football Media Association chair Damian Barrett said Landsberger had combined his ‘tenacious pursuit of stories with care for his story subjects’ throughout his career.
‘He was equally passionate about his beloved Western Bulldogs as he was the game itself and media craft,’ he said.
Sam Landsberger also offered his deep insight on Fox Footy in recent years
The driver of the truck was uninjured and has since spoken to police. Picture: 7News
Landsberger’s Herald Sun colleague Glenn McFarlane said the journalist had an exceptional passion for his work and the sports he covered.
‘Sam was one of the brightest young stars in Australian sports journalism,’ Mr McFarlane said.
‘He shone through with his exceptional work ethic, his prodigious talent and his eagerness to chase the yarn without fear but always with compassion. He cared deeply about his craft and we cared deeply about him.’
Victoria Police are investigating the death.
A 45-year-old Seaford man, who was driving the truck involved in the incident, was not injured.
He has spoken to police regarding the collision and was released pending further inquiries.
Melbourne Highway Patrol officers are investigating the exact circumstances surrounding the collision.
Anyone who witnessed the incident, has CCTV, dashcam footage or any other information that could assist police is urged to contact Crime Stoppers.
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