Sad news. Well, sad and crushingly inevitable news; Steve Irwin, TV's Crocodile Hunter, was killed today by a stingray barb through the chest while filming on a diving expedition. He was 44.
During his lifetime, Steve Irwin built both a lucrative business and a legion of fans from his endearingly enthusiastic wildlife hunts. Deadly snakes, deadly spiders, giant crocodiles – Steve Irwin could put his encyclopedic knowledge and slightly rabid tracking abilities to use for any of them. However, it was in the sea where Steve Irwin met his downfall. Reuters reports:
Witnesses and emergency officials said the freak accident happened while Irwin, 44, was filming an underwater documentary off Port Douglas in northern Queensland. "Steve was hit by a stingray in the chest," said local diving operator Steve Edmondson, whose Poseidon boats were out on the Great Barrier Reef when the accident occurred. A helicopter rushed paramedics to nearby Low Isles where Irwin was taken for treatment, but he was dead before they arrived, police said. "He probably died from a cardiac arrest from the injury," Edmondson said.
Dave Ireland, a fellow Australian wildlife filmmaker, was one of the first to offer condolences to the family of Steve Irwin, and he explained to an Australian radio station why stingrays are so dangerous:
"They have one or two barbs in the tails which are not only coated in toxic material but are also like a bayonet, like a bayonet on a rifle. If it hits any vital organs it's as deadly as a bayonet."
Steve Irwin is survived by his wife Terri and his two children Bindi Sue and Bob Clarence. Let's hope that Steve Irwin will be remembered for his energy and desire to educate – and occasionally help – the public about dangerous animals rather than the incident where he dangled his baby in front of a crocodile or that awful film he made a few years ago.
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Nathan says
Steve Irwin was a legend. I always enjoyed his programmes and I was always amazed at how much of a loon he was.
He will be sadly missed. RIP
Alla says
You are correct in catagorizing this death as “inevitable.” It was also preventable, which makes it worse.
While doubtlessly recognizing the inherent danger of his business, there is a slight feeling of Greek tragedy to this episode.
One wonders if some complacency had built up over the years in a sort of Dr. Doolittle way. I’m glad that the daughter whose
television programme was being filmed was not at the scene of the accident.
Mr. Irwin was a champion of the conservation movement and rightly deserves the recognition he received, and yet there
is a strong message attached to his demise: Deadly creatures kill. They may not kill today or tomorrow, but they can kill.
What a simple lesson. I believe this is his epitaph, and while I hope his family continues his good works, may they stay
out of nature’s perilous grasp.
Vishnu says
I loved his shows. Really sad to know of his death. ‘Crikey’
Michelle says
I really loved him. no more words can be said. i watched him ever sive we go DSTV, and i loved him.. he go me inttrested in helping animals
Even now i cant believe he is dead, he did what he could do , to help all the animals that he could, m gunna miss him
and his Catch phrase,”Criky”
I never had the chance to meet him , wish that i could, but sadly i didnt.. He was always live on in my heart, and i will still always
look up 2 him.. he was my hero. and i would drop my hole night out just to watch him catch that extra croc..
One thing can be said, HE DIED , DOING WHAT HE LOVED.!!!
No one will be able to take his place , but he will always be deep within our hearts…
All my love to his Wife and Children.. MAy god watch over you..
All my love
Chrocodile hunters Biggest Fan!!!
LOve you loads
MichelleLind.!!!
Rustam Ark says
This guy was a true legend. The true definition of the word man.
As a young child he taught me alot about the enviroment and the our companion animals who we share it with. He taught me how harmless animals can be if you dont frighten them. He tottally changed my perception about snakes as i always thought they were man-killing machienes. He showed how these creatures are only protecting themselves and in truth, not a danger to humans.
He was a true icon to me and most people around the world that knew of him. We owe alot to him, thank you Steve Irwin.
Myron Pitts says
Sad, but there is nothing at all inevitable about his dying this way. Although his feats looked dangerous to us, he knew exactly how to handle the animals he dealt wth to protect himself.
Scientists say this species is relatively peaceful and rarely attacks humans. This was a freak accident that could have happened to anyone who dives, which carries inherent risk.
He will be missed. His was a unique voice. He did indeed died doing what he loved, and there is consolation in that.
Roger says
I’m not surprised at all that he died. I’m more surprised that he lived as long as he did…and in one piece!
Talk about someone who lived a DANGEROUS life; his exploits often bordered on the feat of a comicstip “Superhero!”
What an amazing guy….one of a kind….he will be missed. RJH
Deborah says
I agree with Mryon Pittts; this was a freak accident ! Remember, this was a good man would did alot to educate the rest of us about the wonders of nature. He will missed by more than just his family and his untimely death should not be the subject of ridicule or gossip!
Croc_gurl says
I was very upset when I heard the news, it shocked me so much. I’ve always had this feeling in the back of my mind that the Crocodile Hunter could NEVER die because
he’s such a special person. We need more people in this world like him. When I was little I remember always watching animal planet and hoping against hope that his
show would be on, not any other show, not even the popular Jeff Corwin Experience (that guy was a nut…lol). Always Steve Irwin’s show. I found him funny, and even a bit
scary a times when he would hold a snake up and talk so much about how beautiful it was, despite what people thought about it being a killing machine. I think he’s the reason I love
snakes, actually…And I was so happy when I found out he would have another show out, Croc Files, about his beautiful zoo I always imagined I would visit one day. I haven’t yet,
but you can be sure that I will. I love you, Steve, we will all miss you…I can’t believe you’re gone, I really can’t. My heart and sympanthy goes out to Terri, Bindi, and Bob. Rest in Heavenly
Peace, Steve.
Kamana Tripathi says
Such a terrible loss, absolutely unbelievable! He was a legend and is irreplaceable. He went doing what he loved and remained true to himself and his passion until the very end, yet his untimely death is fiercely painful, extremely saddening. My heart goes out to his loving wife and his two kids. May they find the strength and support to get through this very tough test. So long, Steve.You are so missed!
Krispian Mills says
I too thought that Crocodile Irwin would never die. It was inevitable that he would, though, but who would have predicted that he would die the other day, killed by ‘Stingray’? Was it yesterday? Time goes so fast nowadays, what with CNN etc. Anyway- did you see on the news, the picture of the spike? It was perilous, just like the above correspondent, ‘Alla’ said. Was it filmed? Is it on You Tube? Did they catch ‘Stingray’? No doubt the fried dish will be served to his family. It will be an apt end to a truly dramatic life adventure for both Irwin and ‘Stingray’. Let the circle of life commence!
Kimberly Smith says
There was a little forward thing going around on msn whilst i was online.. we had to put a turtle in front of our screen names to show how much we respect this amazing Steve Irwin. it’s unbelievable, unexpectable and just plain dispeakable death. I wish everyone knew what had happened to Steve.. Everyone can have one little turtle just to show how much they care. Please pass this message on.
Thank you.
Kimberly Smith says
Rest in Peace, Steve. You’re the best.
shahina says
am reali upset n disapointed i was jus watchin it like 2 weeks ago n afta em 2 weeks i hear d news i was so shoked i cant reali belive it he was 2 sik handelin all em dangerious animals am reali gona miss him i was a big fan of im i wish i ad a chanse of meetin im:( ow well may god send im 2 heaven (k)(l):(
Amy says
this was a tragety and a loss for every body i know it was for me any way I
am very sorry for his wife and children but you can say my dad died doing what he loved
i was not home to watch that last eposode but all my friends told me about it
I remember when i was like 10 i had the biggest crush on him L.O.L
SPEE-D says
THIS GUY WAS A KINGGGGGG.. T.R.U 2 D GAME LEGEND.. SALOOTTT THE MAN.. TRUSS MY MAN HAD BIG CAHOONASSSSSS R.I.P BLAD NUFF RESPECT
Monta says
I cry nov
I am from Latvia small country
All world lost him…
I missed him and his show
Srinivasan Sankaran says
He taught world how wildest animals behaves and makes documentary realistic. We surely miss such a bold personality who dedicated his life. Goodos to his works. My prayers are there for his peaceful reach to GOD. I have no words to confront his family members – Sorry Terri and his two children Bindi Sue and Bob Clarence.
bluzfrog says
HE WAS THE GREATEST GATOR WRANGLER AROUND…. THE WORLD HAS LOST AN AMAZING AND COMPASIONATE PERSON….MY HEART GOES OUT TO HIS FAMILY…GOD BLESS
CRIKEY
Mudd says
He was the Greatest Everone acrossed the nation Love him
carley says
you will never really be gone until you are forgotten. and you steve, you will always be in every ones hearts. you were able to do the imposable!!! every one will always remember steve Irwin, THE GREAT CROCODILE HUNTER! we love you steve. may you rest in peace.
REINALDO says
LAMESNRO MUITO DSSE FATO
Krispian Mills says
I had to grapple with a turtle this morning, before I came to work. Just its head, mind. It’s in the sewer now. Maybe it will grow into something deadly, and i’ll have to do battle with it later on? It sometimes happens…. Apparently, there IS footage. On CNN. Which makes my previous post kinda prophetic, huh? It will never be shown. But it will be leaked.
Krispian Mills says
Ok, it’s not ‘on CNN’, but the news of it APPEARED on CNN. Forget about it…..
racsoft says
We will miss you STEVE. You are one of the greatest entertainer I ever witness.
shawn says
just got one! ‘CRIKEY! NEVER FORGET’ STEVE IRWIN TRIBUTE TEE
RIP STEVE!
http://moeschwag.com/ifayomot.html
Scott says
Steve Irwin was one of the most talented and entertaining man alive. Its a huge loss to not only Australia, but to the whole world. He was never going to die of anything normal was he?! He was crazy! And thats what made him so popular. I myself, could not belive it when my mom said he had died. What a sad way to go, but he went the way he loved. R.I.P Mate.
kristi says
The loss of Steve will be mourned for a long time. I hope his family finds peace in knowing he passed doing what he loved and he touched and educated so many people in his years not only in his crazy antics but in his genuine love of animals and his wonderful personality. No doubt he was embraced in his afterlife by all the critters he loved and lost as well as his mother and beloved pet and friend Suey the dog. I think I speak for the world when I say our condolences to Terri, Bindi, and Baby Bob as well as his father and friends at Australia Zoo.
amber says: says
i very love hem because he was A GOOD PERSON and it was sad that he dide n i mes hem to mouch and her wife can be a sovaier sorry for that
I LOVE U MR. CROCODILE
Kenneth Gillies says
Steve irwin was my number 1 fan and im only ten i wached his shows and documentry’s his death was a trajec loss, on my website i have a video of steve its called in memory of steve irwin my websit is kenny654.bebo.com.
i will never forget the day he died.i feel very sorry for hiss daghter and wife steve will be remembered by all. you will always be my number 1 fan. ill miss you steve
from Kenneth Gillies
cory says
His show is was got me to like animal planet. When i was younger i dreamed of meeting him but now i cant. Still i will always remember him and his incredible attitude and lifestyle. I will tell my kids one day about him and his awsome dog suey going croc huntin.
may god be with you forever steve.
Sabina says
I feel sorry for Steve Because he was a great man i watched almost all of his programmes he was nice man because he wanted people to come and watch
a show hes doing!! he had a big passion of animls!!!! IM SORRY BINDI AND YOUR FAMILY!!!
im the same age as you are Bindi
Shameem Ahmed says
steve, you not dead! maybe you took some rest. I think you need long rest. when i watch the your privious activities i feel you come back. So dont forget you. You will stay always most of the peoples.
jessica says
steve, you the most greatest peron ever!!!!!!! even though that ray did kill you, you’re still not dead. your soul is with all of us, so pretty much you never left us. you were my idol. everybody misses you.