Posted by 
A highly regarded and much-loved Melbourne journalist has been identified as the pedestrian fatally struck while crossing a street today.
Sam Landsberger, 35, was a leading sports journalist for the Herald Sun and Fox Footy.
His colleagues have paid tribute to "a genuinely nice bloke who was caring and inquisitive about people".
READ MORE: 'Heartbeat' of community destroyed in devastating fire in Victoria
"Sam Landsberger had an enormous future in journalism who took giant strides early on," Herald Sun chief football writer Mark Robinson said.
"He loved the game and understood it and he respected his craft. He was such a valuable member of Melbourne's sports journalism world, someone who could cover all aspects of footy. And people trusted him."
Robinson said Landsberger had the capabilities to become the paper's next chief footy writer.
Landsberger's remarkable career was marked by numerous accolades, including being named Walkley Young Journalist of the Year and winning three consecutive Twenty20 annual media awards.
READ MORE: 'Heartbeat' of community destroyed in devastating fire in Victoria
His work was further recognised when he earned the 2022 Sports News Quill for his article "Dons' Holy Fail".
He began his career in sports journalism in 2010, while writing VFL football for the Herald Sun.
Landsberger was a regular Fox Footy contributor and appeared on the Midweek Tackle program.
"Sam has been an established star at the Herald Sun and he has been an integrate part of this year's Midweek Tackle," AFL 360 host Gerard Whateley said.
News Corp Australia executive chairman Michael Miller said the 35-year-old's death was felt "profoundly" across the entire news organisation.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time," Miller said.
"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."
Landsberger had recently returned from a highly successful stint covering the Paris Olympic Games.
READ MORE: Perth man in coma after being critically injured in Bali moped accident
https://twitter.com/tommorris32/status/1825805596404363321
9News chief football reporter Tom Morris said "Sammy will be sorely missed".
"Our thoughts here at Nine and for anyone associated with Sam Landsberger, his family and his close friends," Morris said.
"He was such a warm and authentic person, so easy to work with, and a fantastic writer with a great turn of phrase.
"From all of us here, thoughts for Sam and his friends and his close family."
"And of course from the Nine family to Sam's Herald Sun family," 9News presenter Tony Jones added.
https://twitter.com/shayne_hope/status/1825805191809216730
AFL chief executive Andrew Dillon said the football industry was "deeply shocked and distressed".
Dillon said the thoughts of all those in football were with the Landsberger family and friends, all News Corp and Herald Sun staff.
"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," he said.
Landsberger's father, Dr Jake Landsberger, is currently serving as the Western Bulldogs' medical officer.
READ MORE: Mine fire in Victoria sped up lung ageing by almost five years
"Like the entire footy community, everyone at the Western Bulldogs is shocked and saddened to hear of the sudden death of Sam Landsberger," the club said in a statement on Tuesday night.
"As well as being a talented and respected journalist, Sam was an ardent Bulldogs fan and had close family ties through his father Jake, the Club's former long-term medical officer and Bulldogs life member.
"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.
"Our sincere sympathies to Jake, Anne, Jess, Sarah and all of his extended family, friends and colleagues."
Police investigate truck tragedy
Emergency services were called to the intersection of Bridge Road and Church Street in Richmond in the city's east about 10.20am.
A passerby performed CPR on Landsberger before he was taken to the hospital with life-threatening injuries.
The driver and sole occupant of the truck, a 45-year-old Seaford man, was not injured.
He has spoken to police and was released pending further investigations.
Landsberger later died in hospital.
