Tributes have flooded in for respected sports journalist Sam Landsberger, with some of Australia’s top sporting stars revealing their shock and grief following his death when he was hit by a truck in Melbourne on Tuesday.
Prominent Herald Sun journalist Landsberger, 35, was rushed to 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.
He 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.
Landsberger, 35, has been celebrated for his impressive career and tireless work ethic (pictured with fellow football reporter Lauren Wood)
Australian cricketer Glenn Maxwell paid tribute to Sam Landsberger on social media
Cricket Australia extended its condolences to the Landsberger family on June 10.
“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.
‘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 June 20formally 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.
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.’
Landsberger began his career in community newspapers and spent his professional life at The Herald Sun and Weekly Times.
Landsberger’s Herald Sun colleague Glenn McFarlane said the journalist (right) had a genuine passion for his job.
Meanwhile, News Corp Australasia chief executive Michael Miller said Landsberger would be “greatly missed” by his colleagues.
“This loss is deeply felt across our organization, and our thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time,” Miller said.
‘Sam was not only a talented professional and sports enthusiast, but also a dear friend to many, especially his colleagues at the Herald Sun and Fox Sports.
‘Sam was an incredibly diligent journalist, always in the office with his phone to his ear talking to his valued football contacts.
‘His passion for pursuing the big story set him apart from many others.’
SEN’s Gerard Whateley spoke for many when he said: “Sam’s death is the most terrible reminder of how precious life can be.”
Landsberger began his career in the Leader communities and spent his professional life with The Herald and Weekly Times.
He was shortlisted as Young Journalist of the Year at the News Awards in 2013 and was a finalist for Sports Journalist of the Year in 2023.
Australian Football Media Association president Damian Barrett said Landsberger had combined his “tenacious pursuit of stories with care for the subjects of his stories” throughout his career.
“He was equally passionate about his beloved Western Bulldogs as he was about the game itself and the art of media,” he said.
Sam Landsberger also offered his in-depth insight into Fox Footy over the past few years.
The truck driver was unharmed and has already spoken to police. Photo: 7News
Glenn McFarlane, Landsberger’s colleague at the Herald Sun, said the journalist had an exceptional passion for his job and the sports he covered.
“Sam was one of the brightest young stars in Australian sports journalism,” McFarlane said.
“He was noted for his exceptional work ethic, his prodigious talent, and his enthusiasm for pursuing the thread fearlessly, 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 spoke to police about the collision and was released pending further investigation.
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.
