Journalist Sam Landsberger’s family break silence after his death

The family of a beloved sports journalist hit and killed by a truck have revealed what he was doing in his final moments.

Herald Sun journalist Sam Landsberger

The family of a beloved sports journalist hit and killed by a truck while he was talking to his mother on the phone has expressed their heartbreak over his death.

Landsberger, 35, was struck by a truck driven by a 45-year-old Seaford man at the intersection of Bridge Rd and Church St in Richmond, Melbourne on Tuesday morning.

The Herald Sun sport reporter’s father, Jake Landsberger, revealed his son’s final moments were spent talking to his mother, Anne, on his phone while he was walking to meet a friend.

Herald Sun journalist Sam Landsberger died after the crash in Richmond on Tuesday. Picture: Supplied

“Anne was on the phone with Sam when it happened, heard the hit, she heard the commotion, and we’ve been beside ourselves worrying whether she actually possibly distracted him,” Jake told The Herald Sun on Wednesday.

‘The next thing there was commotion, a stranger picked up the phone, and said: ‘Who am I talking to’.

“Anne said: ‘I’m Sam’s mother, who are you’.

“And he said, ‘I’m sorry to say but your son has just been hit by a vehicle … he’s lying on the ground’.

“The man conversed with Sam initially until he lost consciousness’.”

Landsberger was taken to the Alfred Hospital but later died from his injuries.

His father said the family received a message from the man who helped Landsberger on Wednesday.

“He messaged us and said, ‘I told Sam I was on the phone with his mother and he was at peace knowing that he was communicating with you through me’,“ Jake said.

Victoria Police have since confirmed the truck driver, who stopped at the scene, underwent “standard” roadside alcohol and drug tests, which were both negative.

“He was requested by Melbourne Highway Patrol officers to provide a blood sample as per standard procedure under the Road Safety Act being a driver involved in a serious collision,” a spokesman said.

“The driver allegedly refused and was charged on summons with refusing to provide a blood sample.”

The man was “immediately” given a notice banning him from driving.

He is due to appear at Melbourne Magistrates Court on September 19.

Herald Sun journalist Sam Landsberger was well respected among his peers. Picture: Supplied

While the Landsberger family remain “angry” about the charge laid against the 45-year-old driver, Jake said they were comforted by the outpouring of love for the sports reporter.

“I can’t put into words the comfort, the joy and the pride we are getting from that,” Jake said.

“By the time we both took two sleeping pills to go to bed about 9pm on Tuesday, I personally had received in excess of 250 messages and Anne probably the same.

“The tributes, watching AFL360, seeing The Tackle had been postponed, the stories all over the media … I said to Anne while we sat at our table bawling our eyes out, I wish I could go back to the morgue in the coroner’s court, just wake Sam up briefly and say, ‘Sam, look how much you were loved, look how much you were admired’.

“Because he had no idea. He did not realise.

“The degree to what we’ve seen has blown us to smithereens.”

It’s understood a funeral has been planned for Monday.

Tributes were shared following the news of Landsberger’s death, including from AFL Chief Executive Officer Andrew Dillon.

“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.

Western Bulldogs also extended its condolences with the Landsberger family.

Herald Sun journalist Sam Landsberger was on the phone with his mum when he was struck by the truck.

“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.

Police confirmed the investigation into the fatal collision continues.

A report will be prepared for the coroner.

Anyone who witnessed the incident in Richmond or has any dashcam or CCTV footage has been urged to contact Crime Stoppers.

Originally published as Journalist Sam Landsberger’s family break silence after his death