Rising AFL journalist Sam Landsberger, a presenter on FOX Footy’s Midweek Tackle and writer for Herald Sun, has died aged just 35, following a traffic accident this morning in Richmond.
Police confirmed the accident occurred at the intersection of Bridge Rd and Church St about 10.20am. An investigation into the incident is ongoing.
The Herald Sun reports Landsberger was a much-loved member of the Herald Sun and Code Sports teams, who joined the paper in March 2010.
In 2013 he won the prestigious Australian Football Media Association award named in honour of the late Clinton Grybas for the most outstanding young media performer of the year.
Herald Sun editor Sam Weir said: “This tragedy is a devastating loss for Sam’s family, friends and colleagues at the Herald Sun and the sporting codes he covered with such passion.’’
“He was an energetic and talented football and cricket journalist, who lit up the newsroom. Sam excelled in everything he did, from breaking the big stories to expert analysis on FOX Footy. He was well-loved and well-respected and had an incredible career ahead of him. Our thoughts go out to his family. Sam will be deeply missed.”
“I loved working with Sam and adored him as a person.” said Clark. “I remember the day he walked into the Herald Sun office and how effortlessly and beautifully he covered the game from the start.”
“He was a superb writer, a joy to read, a fearless journo and a ball of energy on the television with Fox Footy. He was the star of our Midweek Tackle and an incredible friend, who always made you smile. I’ll miss him so much and our phone conversations that always went too long.”
Michael Miller, Executive Chairman of News Corp Australasia said: “It is with deep sadness to hear of the sudden death of our talented colleague, Sam Landsberger.
“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.
“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.
“He started his career in the communities at Leader, and spent his professional life with The Herald & Weekly Times and News Corp Australia.
“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.
“That passion and an unwavering commitment to excellence led to him being Young Journalist of the Year at the News Awards in 2013, and he was also a finalist for the Sports Journalist of the Year in 2023.
“Sam will be greatly missed.”
AFL Chief Executive Officer Andrew Dillon said, “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.
“The AFL will formally acknowledge Sam’s passing at tonight’s launch of the AFLW season in Melbourne and send our sincere condolences to his many friends.”
Midweek Tackle which also features journalists Jay Clark, Lauren Wood, Glenn McFarlane, Jon Ralph, Josh Barnes, will not screen tonight.
links to content on ABC
TV Tonight
