Devastation as star journalist dies in crash

A respected sports reporter known for his impressive contribution to AFL commentary has been identified as the pedestrian killed when he was struck by a truck in Melbourne.

Leading Herald Sun sports journalist Sam Landsberger, 35, died in hospital after the traffic accident in Richmond on Tuesday.

Emergency services were called after reports of a collision involving a truck and a pedestrian at the intersection of Bridge Rd and Church St about 10.20am.

He was crossing the road at the time and it is believed he was on the way to work when he was struck by the truck.

Landsberger was rushed to hospital where he later died.

Landsberger worked for the NewsCorp publication for the past 14 years and was a likely candidate to one day become the paper’s chief football writer.

He was also a regular contributor to Fox Footy, offering his insight 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.

“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,” Mr Dillon 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.”

Western Bulldogs also extended its condolences with the Landsberger family, which has 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 club 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.”

Australian cricketer Aaron Finch also shared his condolences on X, formally 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.”

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.”

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.”

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,” Mr Barrett said.

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.