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| Prominent Sports Journalist Tragically Killed |
A highly regarded and much-loved Melbourne journalist has been identified as the pedestrian fatally struck while crossing a street earlier today. Sam Landsberger, 35, was a leading sports journalist for the Herald Sun and Fox Footy.
His colleagues have paid tribute to him, describing Sam as "a genuinely nice bloke who was caring and inquisitive about people."
"Sam Landsberger had an enormous future in journalism and took giant strides early on," said Mark Robinson, Herald Sun's chief football writer. "He loved the game, understood it, and respected his craft. He was such a valuable member of Melbourne's sports journalism world, someone who could cover all aspects of footy. And people trusted him."
Robinson also noted that Landsberger had the potential to become the paper's next chief footy writer.
Landsberger's career was marked by numerous accolades, including being named Walkley Young Journalist of the Year and winning three consecutive Twenty20 annual media awards. His work earned him the 2022 Sports News Quill for his article "Dons' Holy Fail." He began his career in sports journalism in 2010, covering VFL football for the Herald Sun. Landsberger was also a regular contributor to Fox Footy and appeared on the Midweek Tackle program.
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| Prominent Sports Journalist Tragically Killed |
"Sam has been an established star at the Herald Sun and an integral part of this year's Midweek Tackle," said AFL 360 host Gerard Whateley.
News Corp Australia executive chairman Michael Miller said the 35-year-old's death was felt "profoundly" across the entire news organization. "Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time," Miller said. "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 had recently returned from a successful stint covering the Paris Olympic Games.
9News chief football reporter Tom Morris expressed his sorrow, stating, "Sammy will be sorely missed. Our thoughts here at Nine are with Sam Landsberger's family and close friends. He was such a warm and authentic person, easy to work with, and a fantastic writer with a great turn of phrase."
AFL chief executive Andrew Dillon said the football industry was "deeply shocked and distressed" by Landsberger's passing. "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.
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| Prominent Sports Journalist Tragically Killed |
Landsberger's father, Dr. Jake Landsberger, was a long-serving medical officer for the Western Bulldogs. The club released a statement expressing their shock and sadness at the sudden death of Sam Landsberger, noting his enthusiasm for the game, passion for his work, and positive approach.
Emergency services were called to the intersection of Bridge Road and Church Street in Richmond around 10:20 a.m. A passerby performed CPR on Landsberger before he was taken to the hospital with life-threatening injuries. Unfortunately, he later died in the hospital. The truck driver involved in the incident, a 45-year-old man from Seaford, was not injured and has been released pending further investigations.