Sam Landsberger: Amazing twist in the tragic death of the 35-year-old football reporter: Police take action against truck driver

The driver of the truck that struck and killed AFL journalist Sam Landsberger in Melbourne on Tuesday has been charged by police for allegedly refusing to give them a blood sample.

Landsberger, a 35-year-old senior Herald Sun journalist, was taken to Alfred Hospital in Richmond following the road accident but could not be resuscitated.

Emergency services were called to the scene after a collision between a truck and a pedestrian was reported at the intersection of Bridge Road and Church Street at around 10:20 a.m.

Landsberger was crossing the street 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 of the accident and spoke to police about the circumstances of the collision.

The 45-year-old from Seaford in Melbourne's southeast was uninjured and was released by police pending further investigations.

Victoria Police confirmed that roadside drug and alcohol tests he took at the time were negative.

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 be walking to work when the tragedy occurred on the outskirts of Melbourne's CBD at around 10:20am.

The award-winning reporter (pictured) was mourned by his fellow journalists and some of the biggest names in Australian sport

However, when officers asked him for a blood sample, he allegedly refused to provide one.

The driver has been charged, banned from driving and will appear in Melbourne Magistrates Court on September 19, Seven News reports.

“The death of the 35-year-old pedestrian remains under investigation,” Victoria Police said.

Landsberger had worked at NewsCorp for the past 14 years and was a likely candidate for the position of the paper's AFL editor. He would also be a regular contributor to Fox Footy, providing his in-depth insight into the game.

The news of his death has shocked the AFL and sporting community, with many paying their last respects to the beloved journalist.

AFL chief executive Andrew Dillon said the football industry was deeply shocked and dismayed by Landsberger's death.

“Sam was separated from his family and friends today in a terrible tragedy and all our love and care goes out to them at this time of great need,” he said.

“Sam built his impressive journalistic career over more than a decade and was respected for both his tenacity in 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, as well as his many friends in the football and media industries.”

The 35-year-old, who was to become the Herald Sun's AFL editor-in-chief, received numerous honours

“We extend our sincere condolences to Sam's family and work colleagues, but our thoughts are also with all those in the football industry and media to whom Sam was both a colleague and a friend.”

Australian cricketer Aaron Finch sent his condolences on X (formerly known as Twitter).

“I am so saddened to hear the news of Sam Landsberger's passing,” said Finch. “My thoughts are with his family, friends and colleagues.”

“He was a great journalist and someone everyone had a lot of time and respect for.”

His Australian cricket colleague Glenn Maxwell was also shocked by Landsberger’s death.

“I am truly devastated to hear 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 Football reporter David Zita said he would miss Landsberger's “energy” on the show.

“Sam Landsberger's energy was infectious and an added benefit of being a midweek tackle this year was that we got to see him in person more often on Fox Footy,” he wrote on X.

“He had so much more to give. Rest in peace.”

Cricket writer Peter Lalor also shared his fond memories of Landsberger on X.

Landsberger was also a regular 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 to hear of the sudden passing of Sam Landsberger,” the team said in a statement.

“As well as being a talented and respected journalist, Sam was also an ardent Bulldogs fan and had close family ties through his father Jake, former long-serving club doctor and lifelong Bulldogs player.

“His enthusiasm for the game and passion for his work were always evident and all who knew and worked with him will fondly remember his positive attitude and friendly nature.”

“Our sincere condolences go out to Jake, Anne, Jess, Sarah and his entire extended family, friends and colleagues.”