Herald Sun AFL journalist and Fox Footy TV presenter Sam Landsberger dies in tragic traffic accident, aged 35 – MASHAHER

Herald Sun sports journalist and Fox Footy TV presenter Sam Landsberger has died in a traffic accident, aged 35.

Victoria Police confirmed the tragic accident had occurred at the intersection of Bridge Road and Church Street in Richmond late on Tuesday morning.

Lansdberger joined News Corp in early 2010 and quickly made a name for himself as a newsbreaker, becoming one of the biggest names in the AFL and cricket media landscape.

He appeared on Fox Footy in several roles including as part of the Midweek Tackle program in 2024.

“It is with deep sadness to hear of the sudden death of our talented colleague, Sam Landsberger,” Executive Chairman of News Corp Australasia Michael Miller said.

“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.”

In a statement, AFL CEO Andrew Dillon said the thoughts of all those in football were with the Landsberger family and friends, all NewsCorp and Herald Sun staff and in particular the sports department where Sam worked for the past 14 years. He said the AFL’s thoughts were also with the Western Bulldogs where the Landsberger family had a long association through Dr Jake Landsberger, Sam’s father, serving as the club’s medical officer for more than two decades.

“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.

“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.”

Former Australian cricket captain Aaron Finch posted on social media: “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.”

Victorian and Australian cricketer Glenn Maxwell added: “Truly devastated to hear the news about Sam Landsberger.

“My thoughts go out to his family, loved ones and anyone who had the pleasure of spending time with him.”

“We’ve lost one of the really good ones.”

On AFL 360, Gerard Whateley said: “It’s a terribly, terribly sad night in our world of football media with the sudden and tragic passing of journalist Sam Landsberger.

“Sam is an established star at the Herald Sun and he’s been an intricate part of this year’s Midweek Tackle as it’s come to you from Fox Footy. Sam’s is a family that is steeped in football heritage.

“His father is the long-term and fondly thought-of doctor at the Western Bulldogs. And Sam won his reputation through his tireless reporting across more than a decade now, footy and cricket alike … It’s the most awful reminder of how precious life can be.”