Parents' heartbreaking farewell to popular sports journalist struck and killed by truck in Melbourne as hundreds gather for his funeral Sam Landsberger was tragically killed last week Driver of the truck involved has been charged His father gave an emotional speech at farewell By Aisling Brennan For Nca Newswire Published: 21:42 EDT, 25 August 2024 | Updated: 21:51 EDT, 25 August 2024 e-mail View comments The parents of beloved sports journalist Sam Landsberger have shared how their only son lit up everyone's lives at a funeral service at the Temple Beth Israel synagogue in St Kilda. The award-winning Herald Sun AFL and cricket reporter was talking on the phone with his mum while walking to meet a friend when he was hit by a truck driven by a 45-year-old Seaford man at the intersection of Bridge Rd and Church St in Richmond, Melbourne on August 20. The 35-year-old later died at The Alfred hospital from his critical injuries.
Landsberger's parents, Jake and Anne, remembered their youngest child and only son as a 'caring and wonderful' person who would be deeply missed. 'Approximately 22 years ago our family stood in this same spot in this wonderful big hall celebrating Sam's bar mitzvah, now we find ourselves in this exact hall in utter and complete devastation,' Dr Landsberger said. 'I heard so many stories that parents should never ever have to bury their children, yet this is what we are doing.
'He was a dedicated, hardworking journalist who loved his job. 'He brought so much joy to our lives. He lit up every room he entered, yet he lit up our entire lives.
' Award-winning Herald Sun sports journalist Sam Landsberger has been farewelled after he struck by a truck and killed in Melbourne Landsberger's parents paid tribute to their son at his farewell on Monday after he was killed aged just 35 Dr Landsberger said his son's grade 2 teacher called him a 'diamond' and it was the perfect word to describe him. Dr Landsberger, a former Western Bulldogs doctor, recalled his favourite story about his son when he was 10 years old. 'Sam had vomited all over his front, his chest was bright yellow,' he said.
'I picked him up over the fence and we walked into the rooms to check him over ...
(only to learn) the reason he was sick was he'd just consumed a jumbo box of Cheezels. 'From that time on, every member of the club would call him Cheezels. 'At this moment it's indescribable devastation we feel but also underlining gratitude for what he gave, a beautiful, gorgeous, caring young man who will never be forgotten and always be in our hearts.
' Shattered. Great guy, journo. What a character.
There was only ever going to be one ‘Broadlow’ winner that year. @SamLandsberger pic.twitter.
com/LgEsNr0KHk — Shayne Hope 📰 (@shayne_hope) August 20, 2024 I still can’t accept the news from yesterday. We lost a good one. RIP @SamLandsberger 💔 pic.
twitter.com/aOm2DSiXih — Adam Baldwin (@adamwbaldwin) August 20, 2024 Remembering Sam Landsberger ♥️ AFL 360 remembers leading sports journalist Sam Landsberger, who died in a tragic accident on Tuesday aged 35. pic.
twitter.com/80HlUSPmDF — Fox Footy (@FOXFOOTY) August 20, 2024 Since the news broke of his death, the AFL and sporting communities have shared fond memories of the man who spent his career writing about the highs and lows of each code. His loved ones will say their final farewell to Landsberger on Tuesday at the Temple Beth Israel in St Kilda.
'The entire AFL footy community is shocked and saddened to hear of the sudden death of Sam in a tragic road accident ,' his online funeral notice stated. '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 Western Bulldogs 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.
'Sincere sympathies to Jake, Anne, Jess, Sarah and all of his extended family, friends and colleagues.' Landsberger receives the Melbourne Press Club award during his career as a sports journalist Meanwhile, the Seaford man who drove the truck that struck Landsberger is due to appear before Melbourne Magistrates Court on September 19. He was charged for refusing to provide a blood sample to police following the crash.
The man has also been given a notice banning him from driving until his first court appearance. The 45-year-old underwent the standard roadside alcohol and drug tests, which were both negative. AFL Melbourne Share or comment on this article: Parents' heartbreaking farewell to popular sports journalist struck and killed by truck in Melbourne as hundreds gather for his funeral e-mail Add comment.
