Heartbreak hits footy field: AFL community mourns sudden loss of star journalist
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The sudden and tragic loss of a respected member of the Australian media has sent shockwaves through the AFL community and beyond.
The unexpected passing of a prominent journalist in a heart-breaking incident has left many in shock, with colleagues and fans alike paying tribute to the significant contributions made to Australian sports coverage.
This devastating event not only highlights the fragility of life but also raises concerns about pedestrian safety on our roads.
Sam Landsberger, a leading sports journalist for the Herald Sun, was only 35 when his life was cut short by a traffic collision in Richmond, Melbourne.
He was more than just a journalist; he was a fixture in the world of Australian Rules Football, known for his insightful commentary and dedication to the sport.
His untimely death occurred on Tuesday, August 13, at around 10:20 AM, when he was struck by a truck while crossing the road at the intersection of Bridge Rd and Church St, believed to be on his way to work.
Despite being rushed to the hospital, Landsberger succumbed to his injuries, leaving behind a legacy of journalistic excellence and a community in mourning.
For 14 years, Landsberger honed his craft at the NewsCorp publication, where he was seen as a potential future chief football writer.
His contributions extended to Fox Footy, where he shared his expertise and passion for the game.
The news of his passing has deeply affected those who knew him, from colleagues to sports enthusiasts.
AFL Chief Executive Officer Andrew Dillon expressed the industry's shock and distress, saying, ‘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.’
‘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,’ he added.
NewsWire Sports Reporter Ed Bourke described Landsberger as an inspiring mentor with contagious enthusiasm.
‘Sam was incredibly generous to me from the moment I moved into sport. He made me feel so welcome and supported, and his energy was just infectious through our newsroom,’ he shared.
‘I will desperately miss the times he pulled up next to my desk to chat footy and cricket while his phone endlessly buzzed away in his pocket. It’s devastating to lose him.’
Cricket writer Peter Lalor also expressed his cherished memories of Landsberger on social media.
‘Sam Landsberger was such a joy to be with. He lit up the Australian cricket tour of England in 2019,’ he wrote.
‘Can’t imagine the hurt his family and Melb mates must feel right now. Such devastating news. God, this is so sad.’
The Western Bulldogs also offered condolences to the Landsberger family, who have deep connections with 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 expressed 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,’ they continued.
Australian cricketer Aaron Finch also expressed his condolences on social media, posting, ‘So sad to hear the news of Sam Landsberger’s passing.’
‘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,’ he added.
Meanwhile, Fox Footy reporter David Zita said he will miss Landsberger's ‘energy’ on the program.
‘Sam Landsberger’s energy was infectious, and an added benefit of Midweek Tackle this year was getting to see more of him in person at Fox Footy,’ he shared.
‘He had so much more to give. Rest in peace.’
News Corp Australasia Executive Chairman 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 lamented.
‘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,’ he added.
Landsberger began his career in local journalism at Leader and spent his professional life with The Herald and Weekly Times.
He was honoured 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 Chair Damian Barrett noted that Landsberger skillfully balanced 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 colleague at the Herald Sun, Glenn McFarlane, remarked that the journalist had an extraordinary passion for both his work and the sports he covered.
‘Sam was one of the brightest young stars in Australian sports journalism,’ he 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 examining the circumstances surrounding Landsberger’s death.
The 45-year-old Seaford man who was driving the truck involved in the incident was unharmed.
He has been interviewed by police about the collision and has been released while the investigation continues.
Melbourne Highway Patrol officers are working to determine the precise details of the incident.
Anyone who witnessed the event, has CCTV or dashcam footage, or possesses any relevant information is encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers.
The Seniors Discount Club extends its deepest sympathies to the family, friends, and colleagues of Sam Landsberger. May he rest in peace.
We also urge our members to take a moment to reflect on their own road safety practices. Are you doing everything you can to stay safe on the road? Have you had any close calls that made you rethink your habits as a pedestrian or driver?
Share your experiences and thoughts in the comments below, and let's work together to make our roads safer for everyone.
The unexpected passing of a prominent journalist in a heart-breaking incident has left many in shock, with colleagues and fans alike paying tribute to the significant contributions made to Australian sports coverage.
This devastating event not only highlights the fragility of life but also raises concerns about pedestrian safety on our roads.
Sam Landsberger, a leading sports journalist for the Herald Sun, was only 35 when his life was cut short by a traffic collision in Richmond, Melbourne.
He was more than just a journalist; he was a fixture in the world of Australian Rules Football, known for his insightful commentary and dedication to the sport.
His untimely death occurred on Tuesday, August 13, at around 10:20 AM, when he was struck by a truck while crossing the road at the intersection of Bridge Rd and Church St, believed to be on his way to work.
Despite being rushed to the hospital, Landsberger succumbed to his injuries, leaving behind a legacy of journalistic excellence and a community in mourning.
Herald Sun sports journalist Sam Landsberger tragically died after being hit by a truck in Richmond, Melbourne. Credit: Instagram / Swoop Luke
For 14 years, Landsberger honed his craft at the NewsCorp publication, where he was seen as a potential future chief football writer.
His contributions extended to Fox Footy, where he shared his expertise and passion for the game.
The news of his passing has deeply affected those who knew him, from colleagues to sports enthusiasts.
AFL Chief Executive Officer Andrew Dillon expressed the industry's shock and distress, saying, ‘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.’
‘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,’ he added.
NewsWire Sports Reporter Ed Bourke described Landsberger as an inspiring mentor with contagious enthusiasm.
‘Sam was incredibly generous to me from the moment I moved into sport. He made me feel so welcome and supported, and his energy was just infectious through our newsroom,’ he shared.
‘I will desperately miss the times he pulled up next to my desk to chat footy and cricket while his phone endlessly buzzed away in his pocket. It’s devastating to lose him.’
Cricket writer Peter Lalor also expressed his cherished memories of Landsberger on social media.
‘Sam Landsberger was such a joy to be with. He lit up the Australian cricket tour of England in 2019,’ he wrote.
‘Can’t imagine the hurt his family and Melb mates must feel right now. Such devastating news. God, this is so sad.’
The Western Bulldogs also offered condolences to the Landsberger family, who have deep connections with 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 expressed 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,’ they continued.
Australian cricketer Aaron Finch also expressed his condolences on social media, posting, ‘So sad to hear the news of Sam Landsberger’s passing.’
‘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,’ he added.
Meanwhile, Fox Footy reporter David Zita said he will miss Landsberger's ‘energy’ on the program.
‘Sam Landsberger’s energy was infectious, and an added benefit of Midweek Tackle this year was getting to see more of him in person at Fox Footy,’ he shared.
‘He had so much more to give. Rest in peace.’
News Corp Australasia Executive Chairman 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 lamented.
‘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,’ he added.
Landsberger began his career in local journalism at Leader and spent his professional life with The Herald and Weekly Times.
He was honoured 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 Chair Damian Barrett noted that Landsberger skillfully balanced 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 colleague at the Herald Sun, Glenn McFarlane, remarked that the journalist had an extraordinary passion for both his work and the sports he covered.
‘Sam was one of the brightest young stars in Australian sports journalism,’ he 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 examining the circumstances surrounding Landsberger’s death.
The 45-year-old Seaford man who was driving the truck involved in the incident was unharmed.
He has been interviewed by police about the collision and has been released while the investigation continues.
Melbourne Highway Patrol officers are working to determine the precise details of the incident.
Anyone who witnessed the event, has CCTV or dashcam footage, or possesses any relevant information is encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers.
We also urge our members to take a moment to reflect on their own road safety practices. Are you doing everything you can to stay safe on the road? Have you had any close calls that made you rethink your habits as a pedestrian or driver?
Share your experiences and thoughts in the comments below, and let's work together to make our roads safer for everyone.
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