Steve Irwin 'Crocodile Hunter' Dead

[BadBlueBird*]

http://www.cnn.com/2006/WORLD/asiapc...win/index.html

SYDNEY, Australia (CNN) -- Steve Irwin, the Australian TV presenter known as the "Crocodile Hunter," has died after being stung in a marine accident off Australia's north coast.

Australian media reports say Irwin was diving in waters off Port Douglas, north of Cairns, when the incident happened on Monday morning.

Irwin was killed by a stingray barb that went through his chest, according to Cairns police sources. Irwin was filming an underwater documentary at the time.

Ambulance officers confirmed they attended a reef fatality Monday morning off Port Douglas, according to Australian media.

Queensland Police Services also confirmed Irwin's death and said his family had been notified. Irwin, 44, was director of the Australian Zoo in Queensland.

He and his American-born wife Terri Irwin became popular figures on Australian and international television through Irwin's close handling of wildlife, most notably the capture of live crocodiles.

They have two children, Bindi Sue, born 1998, and Robert (Bob), born December 2003.

Irwin's enthusiastic approach to nature conservation and the environment won him a global following. He was known for his exuberance and use of the catchphrase "Crikey!"

But his image suffered a setback in January 2004 when he held his then one-month-old baby Bob while feeding a crocodile at his Australian zoo.

Irwin's wife Terri was believed to be on location in Tasmania, filming another documentary.

Australian Foreign Minister Alexander Downer expressed his sorry Monday and said that he was fond of Irwin and was very appreciative of all the work he had done in promoting Australia overseas.

[Mr. CarelessAndImprudent]

Crikey!



but seriously, dayum

[Zboner]

wow, i cant believe that

[TheKitchenSink]

It was just a matter of time till something got him. Im gonna miss his crazy ass.

[ErikElvis]

That sucks. It was always in the back of my mind when it was gonna happen... He was a good fella

[downunder]

That sucks. It was always in the back of my mind when it was gonna happen... He was a good fella

He was one absolute legend

[shadegray]

Yeah I always thought it'd be one of those huge crocodiles he was always jumping on that was going to get him. It's very strange to think he's dead now.

[Y2KBird]

I thought it was kind of funny because he didnt even get eaten...It was a friggin stingray. Its like those dudes that party hard all their life.....one day they stub their toe and die. Thats irony for ya.

[Sarge]

That is way too young to die...and yes he tempted fate much too often. I think maybe he was complacent with deadly animals at times....I've spent alot of time in the water with Sharks/Cuda's/Rays...all can be gentle as puppies...then for no reason kick your ass....just a few weeks ago we were all feeding some big Rays in Cayman.....and yes they have very large barbs on the ends of their tails.....the girl in the white bikini is my youngest daughter...blondie in the black suit is Mama....I had gone back on the boat to ...ugh...get some refreshments Too bad about Steve Irwin....and leaving those lil kids is sad.....

[Mr.B]

Too bad we can't see the video of it......and don't pretend ya'll wouldn't watch it.

[98-LS1]

That sucks, I liked watching that crazy guy wrestling gators. Sucks for his family too, I feel for them....

[nitrox28]

That doesn't sound right. A stingray barb through his chest? Hmmm.

[b.lee]

wild animals will be wild animals.

he was a cool guy.
brave mofo.

[nitrox28]

Just saw a story on the news. Wow.

[jad628]

I'm gonna miss the guy. His stuff was something I could watch with the kids and enjoy as a family. I sympathize with his family.

It is ironic that he gets killed by something that rarely causes human deaths. Just goes to show you when the big man says it's time...it's time.

[Danger731]

ooops

[ss~zoso~ss]

dont f with mother nature, his luck finaly ran out

[Danger731]

http://animal.discovery.com/fansites...ideo/song.html

[DrMilhouse]

That's a loss for the animal world. At least he went out doing something that he enjoyed doing.

[Big$]

r.i.p.