The truck driver who struck and killed AFL journalist Sam Landsberger in Melbourne on Tuesday has been charged by police after he allegedly refused to provide them with a blood sample.
Prominent Herald Sun journalist Landsberger, 35, was rushed to the Alfred Hospital after the crash in Richmond but could not be revived.
Emergency services were called to the scene following reports of a collision involving a lorry and a pedestrian at the intersection of Bridge Rd and Church St at approximately 10.20am.
Landsberger was crossing the street at the time and is believed to have been heading to work when he was struck by the truck.
The truck driver stopped at the scene and spoke to police about the circumstances of the collision.
The 45-year-old man, from Seaford in Melbourne’s south-east, was uninjured and released by police pending further enquiries.
Victoria Police confirmed roadside drug and alcohol tests carried out at the time came back negative.
The truck driver (pictured) who struck and killed AFL journalist Sam Landsberger in Melbourne on Tuesday has been charged by Victoria Police.
Landsberger, 35 (pictured), is believed to have been walking to work when tragedy struck outside Melbourne’s CBD at around 10.20am
The award-winning reporter (pictured) has been mourned by fellow journalists and some of the biggest names in Australian sport.
But when officers asked him for a blood sample, he allegedly refused to do so.
The driver has been charged by summons, served with a driving ban notice and will appear in Melbourne Magistrates Court on September 19, according to Seven news.
“The death of the 35-year-old pedestrian remains under investigation,” Victoria Police said.
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 shocked the AFL and sporting communities, with many offering tributes to the beloved journalist.
AFL chief executive Andrew Dillon said the football industry was deeply shocked and distressed following Landsberger’s death.
“Sam has been separated from his family and friends in a terrible tragedy today and all our love and care goes out to them in this time of greatest need,” she said.
‘Over more than a decade, Sam has built an impressive journalistic career and was respected both for his tenacity in pursuing 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 in the football and media industries.
Tributes have poured in for the 35-year-old who was destined to become the Herald Sun’s leading AFL writer.
‘We send our sincere condolences to Sam’s family and his colleagues, but our thoughts are also with all those in the football industry and football media for whom Sam was a colleague and friend.’
Australian cricketer Aaron Finch shared his condolences on X, formally known as Twitter.
“I am deeply saddened to hear of Sam Landsberger’s passing,” Finch said. “My thoughts are with his family, friends and colleagues.
“He was a great journalist and someone who was greatly appreciated and respected by everyone.”
Fellow Australian cricket star Glenn Maxwell was equally devastated by Landsberger’s passing.
“I am truly devastated to hear the news about Sam Landsberger,” he tweeted.
‘My thoughts are with his family, loved ones and everyone who had the pleasure of spending time with him.
“We have lost one of the really good ones.”
Fox Footy reporter David Zita said he would miss Landsberger’s “energy” on the show.
“Sam Landsberger’s energy was contagious and an added benefit of Midweek Tackle this year was being able to see him more in person on 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 in X.
Landsberger was also a regular on Fox Footy’s Midweek Tackle programme.
The Western Bulldogs extended their condolences to the Landsberger family, who have strong ties to the club.
“Like the entire football community, everyone at the Western Bulldogs is shocked and saddened to learn of the sudden passing of Sam Landsberger,” the team said in a statement.
‘As well as being a talented and respected journalist, Sam was a fervent Bulldogs fan and had close family ties through his father Jake, a former long-term Club Medical Officer and Bulldogs life member.
‘His enthusiasm for the game and passion for his job were always evident and his positive approach and friendly nature will be fondly remembered by all who knew and worked with him.
‘Our sincere condolences to Jake, Anne, Jess, Sarah and all their extended family, friends and colleagues.’