The driver of the truck that struck and killed AFL journalist Sam Landsberger in Melbourne on Tuesday has been charged by police after allegedly refusing to provide a blood sample.
Landsberger, 35, a prominent journalist for the Herald Sun, was rushed to Alfred Hospital after the Richmond road accident but could not be resuscitated.
Emergency services were called to the scene after reports of a collision between a truck and a pedestrian at the intersection of Bridge Rd and Church St at around 10.20am.
Landsberger was crossing the road at the time and was probably on his way to work when he was hit by the truck.
The truck driver stopped at the scene and spoke to police about the circumstances of the collision.
The 45-year-old man, from Seaford in Melbourne’s south-east, was not injured and has been released by police pending further enquiries.
Victoria Police have confirmed that drug and alcohol tests he underwent at the side of the road at the time returned negative results.
The driver of the truck (pictured) that struck and killed AFL journalist Sam Landsberger in Melbourne on Tuesday has been charged by Victoria Police
Landsberger, 35 (pictured), was believed to have been walking to work when the tragedy struck on the edge of Melbourne’s CBD at around 10.20am.
The award-winning reporter (pictured) has been mourned by his fellow journalists and some of the biggest names in Australian sport
But when the officers asked him for a blood sample, he refused.
The driver has been charged, banned from driving and will appear in Melbourne District Court on September 19, it said. Seven news.
“The investigation into the death of the 35-year-old pedestrian remains ongoing,” Victoria Police said.
Landsberger has worked at NewsCorp for the past 14 years and was a likely candidate to eventually become editor-in-chief of the AFL, as well as a regular contributor to Fox Footy, where he shared his deep insights into the sport.
The news of his passing has deeply affected the AFL and the sporting world, with many paying tribute to the beloved journalist.
AFL chief executive Andrew Dillon said the football industry was deeply shocked and saddened by Landsberger’s death.
“Sam has been separated from his family and friends today in a terrible tragedy. All our love and concern goes out to them at this time of great need,” he said.
‘Sam has built an impressive career in journalism for over a decade and was respected for his tenacity in pursuing 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 on his many friends in the football and media industries.
Tributes have poured in for the 35-year-old who was destined to become the Herald Sun’s chief AFL reporter
‘We extend our sincere condolences to Sam’s family and his colleagues, but our thoughts also go out to everyone in the football industry and the football media for whom Sam was both a colleague and a friend.’
Australian cricketer Aaron Finch expressed his condolences on X, formerly known as Twitter.
“So saddened to hear the news of Sam Landsberger’s passing,” Finch said. “My thoughts are with his family, friends and colleagues.
“He was a great journalist, and someone everyone had a lot of respect for.”
His Australian cricket star Glenn Maxwell was also shocked by Landsberger’s death.
“I was really shocked when I heard the news about Sam Landsberger,” he tweeted.
My thoughts are with his family, loved ones and everyone who had the pleasure of spending time with him.
“We lost one of the really good ones.”
Fox Footy reporter David Zita said he will miss Landsberger’s “energy” on the show.
“Sam Landsberger’s energy was infectious and an added benefit of Midweek Tackle this year was that we got to see more of him in person on Fox Footy,” he wrote on X.
“He had so much more to offer. Rest in peace.”
Cricket writer Peter Lalor also shared his fond memories of Landsberger in X.
Landsberger was also a regular guest on Fox Footy’s Midweek Tackle program
The Western Bulldogs expressed their condolences to the Landsberger family, who have close ties to the club.
“Like the entire football community, everyone at the Western Bulldogs is shocked and saddened by the sudden passing of Sam Landsberger,” the team said in a statement.
Sam was not only a talented and respected journalist, but also an avid Bulldogs fan, with close family ties through his father Jake, the club’s former medical officer and a life member of the Bulldogs.
“His enthusiasm for the game and passion for his work were always evident. His positive approach and friendly nature will be fondly remembered by all who knew and worked with him.
‘Our sincere condolences to Jake, Anne, Jess, Sarah and all his family, friends and colleagues.’