- Sam Landsberger was tragically murdered last week
- The driver of the truck involved has been charged
- His father gave an emotional speech at the farewell
The parents of beloved sports journalist Sam Landsberger told how their only son brightened everyone’s lives at a funeral service at Temple Beth Israel synagogue in St Kilda.
The Herald Sun’s award-winning AFL and cricket reporter was on the phone to his mother while walking to a friend’s house when he was hit by a truck driven by a 45-year-old Seaford man at the intersection of Bridge Rd and Church St in Richmond, Melbourne, on August 20.
The 35-year-old later died in Alfred Hospital from his serious injuries.
Landsberger’s parents, Jake and Anne, remembered their youngest child and only son as a “caring and wonderful” person who would be greatly missed.
“About 22 years ago, our family stood in this very spot, in this beautiful, grand hall, celebrating Sam’s bar mitzvah. Now we find ourselves in this very hall, in total devastation,” Dr. Landsberger said.
‘I’ve heard so many stories that parents should never bury their children, yet this is what we do.
‘He was a dedicated, hardworking journalist who loved his job.
“He brought so much joy into our lives. He lit up every room he walked into, but he lit up our whole lives.”
Award-winning Herald Sun sports journalist Sam Landsberger has been waved goodbye after he was hit and killed by a truck in Melbourne
Landsberger’s parents paid tribute to their son on Monday at his funeral after he was killed at the age of 35
Dr. Landsberger said his son’s second grade teacher called him a “diamond” and that was the perfect word to describe him.
Dr Landsberger, a former Western Bulldogs doctor, shared his favourite story about his son when he was 10 years old.
“Sam had vomit all over his front, his chest was bright yellow,” he said.
‘I lifted him over the fence and we went into the rooms to check on him… (and found out) he was sick because he had just eaten a big box of Cheezels.
From then on, every club member called him Cheezels.
‘At this moment we feel indescribable devastation, but at the same time we are also grateful for what he gave us: a beautiful, handsome, caring young man who we will never forget and who will always be in our hearts.’
Since news of his passing, the AFL and the sporting community have been sharing fond memories of the man who spent his career chronicling the highs and lows of every code.
His loved ones will say goodbye to Landsberger on Tuesday at Temple Beth Israel in St Kilda.
“The entire AFL football community is shocked and saddened by the sudden passing of Sam in a tragic road traffic accident,” his online obituary reads.
As well as being a talented and respected journalist, Sam was also an avid Bulldogs fan and had close family ties through his father Jake, the former Western Bulldogs Club 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.
‘Sincere condolences to Jake, Anne, Jess, Sarah and all his family, friends and colleagues.’
Landsberger receives Melbourne Press Club award during his career as a sports journalist
Meanwhile, the Seaford man who was driving the truck that hit Landsberger is due to appear in Melbourne District Court on September 19.
He was charged after refusing to give a blood sample to police after the accident.
The man has also been banned from driving until he appears in court for the first time.
The 45-year-old underwent standard roadside alcohol and drug tests, but both came back negative.