Family and friends farewell Sam Landsberger
Sam Landsberger's family and friends have said their final goodbyes to the beloved sports journalist.
The Herald Sun AFL and cricket reporter was talking on the phone with his mum while on the way to meet a friend when he was hit by a truck at the intersection of Bridge Rd and Church St in Richmond, Melbourne on August 20.
The 35-year-old later died at The Alfred hospital from his injuries.
Hundreds gathered to farewell him at a funeral service at the Temple Beth Israel synagogue in St Kilda.
His parents, Jake and Anne, have remembered their youngest child and only son as a "caring and wonderful" person.
“Approximately 22 years ago our family stood in this same spot in this wonderful big hall celebrating Sam’s bar mitzvah, now we find ourselves in this exact hall in utter and complete devastation,” Jake said.
“I heard so many stories that parents should never ever have to bury their children, yet this is what we are doing.
“He was a dedicated, hardworking journalist who loved his job.
“He brought so much joy to our lives. He lit up every room he entered, yet he lit up our entire lives.”
His father also said that Sam's second grade teacher called him a "diamond" and it was the perfect word to describe him.
Jake also recalled his favourite story about his son when he was 10 years old.
“Sam had vomited all over his front, his chest was bright yellow,” he said.
“I picked him up over the fence and we walked into the rooms to check him over … (only to learn) the reason he was sick was he’d just consumed a jumbo box of Cheezels.
“From that time on, every member of the club would call him Cheezels.
“At this moment it’s indescribable devastation we feel but also underlining gratitude for what he gave, a beautiful, gorgeous, caring young man who will never be forgotten and always be in our hearts.”
Sam’s mother, thanked Herald Sun cartoonist Mark Knight for the "wonderful tribute" that captured his spirit and likeness to his maternal grandfather.
“I delivered Sam, I nurtured Sam and I am so grateful that I was with him at the end,” she said.
“There will always be a massive hole in my heart. I love you and will forever.
“Rest in peace my darling boy, I love you.”
His older sister also talked about their heartbreak at losing their little brother, with a message from his niece being read out.
“Dear Sam, I’m really going to miss you. I loved how you would push me on the swings...Thank you for teaching me about the Bulldogs. I’m sad I won’t get to see you again. Love Zara.”
Another friend, Will Kim, revealed Sam was due to be best man at his wedding later this year.
“I thought he’d be the one making a speech and saying nice things about me, not the other way around,” he said.
“How cruel and unpredictable life can be.”
Since news broke of Sam's death the footy community have shared their fond memories of him.
“The entire AFL footy community is shocked and saddened to hear of the sudden death of Sam in a tragic road accident,” his online funeral notice stated.
“His enthusiasm for the game and passion for his work was always evident and his positive approach and friendly nature will be fondly recalled by all who knew and worked with him.
“Sincere sympathies to Jake, Anne, Jess, Sarah and all of his extended family, friends and colleagues.”
The truck driver that struck Landsberger is due to appear before Melbourne Magistrates Court on September 19.
While he underwent the standard roadside alcohol and drug tests, which were both negative, he was charged for refusing to provide a blood sample to police.
He has also been given a notice banning him from driving until his first court appearance.
Images: Herald Sun