Family and friends have paid tribute to highly regarded and much-loved Melbourne journalist Sam Landsberger, in a moving service in Melbourne today.
The 35-year-old was hit and killed by a truck at the intersection of Bridge Rd and Church St in Richmond on August 20.
Hundreds of people came together to remember Sam, sharing memories of the talented journalist and celebrating his love of his family, friends and football during the service at Temple Beth Israel synagogue in St Kilda.
READ MORE: Father shot in front of daughter during ‘random attack’ outside Melbourne home
His father Dr Jake Landsberger described his son as an “incredible, hardworking, dedicated journalist” who loved his job.
“He was an utterly amazing wordsmith, his articles were a joy to read,” he said.
“Far more importantly he was a caring and wonderful son. He lit up our entire lives.”
Dr Landsberger described the “indescribable devastation” of losing his son, who would “never be forgotten”.
“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,” he said.
“I heard so many stories that parents should never ever have to bury their children, yet this is what we are doing.”
The award-winning reporter was talking on the phone with his mother, Anne Landsberger while walking to meet a friend when he was killed.
“I wanted this baby Sam, so I grew him and I was with him until the end when he basically passed away on the footpath,” she said.
“So we were together forever.
“Hooray Sam but I know you haven’t gone. There will be a massive hole in my heart. I always treasured you and I know you treasured me.
“Rest in peace my darling boy, I love you.”
READ MORE: Two arrested after alleged stabbing and carjacking outside Melbourne pizza shop
Mourners also heard from Landsberger’s two older sisters Jess and Sarah, along with a written tribute from his young niece Zara.
“I’m really sad that I won’t get to see you again,” Jess said.
High school friend, William Kim, also took a few moments to speak, sharing that he was supposed to be best man at his wedding next month.
“He was supposed to be saying a few nice words about me and not the other way around,” he said.
“How cruel and unpredictable life can be.”
READ MORE: Melbourne hospital ‘ignored’ pleas for help before eight-year-old Amrita Lanka’s death
Many colleagues and members of the football and cricket community were also in attendance today, greats of both games paying their respects.
Landsberger’s remarkable 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 was further recognised when he earned the 2022 Sports News Quill for his article “Dons’ Holy Fail”.
He began his career in sports journalism in 2010, while writing VFL football for the Herald Sun.
Landsberger was a regular Fox Footy contributor and appeared on the Midweek Tackle program.
links to content on ABC
9News
