It's sad, but true. Steve Irwin Croc Hunter - Dead

Doot

'Crocodile Hunter' Steve Irwin dead
POSTED: 7:56 a.m. EDT, September 4, 2006

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

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

Irwin, 44 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 was director of the Australian Zoo in Queensland.

He is survived by his American-born wife Terri and their two children, Bindi Sue, born 1998, and Robert (Bob), born December 2003.

"The world has lost a great wildlife icon, a passionate conservationist and one of the proudest dads on the planet," his friend and producer John Stainton told reporters in Cairns, according to The Associated Press. "He died doing what he loved best and left this world in a happy and peaceful state of mind. He would have said, 'Crocs Rule!' "

Australia Prime Minister John Howard said he was "shocked and distressed at Steve Irwin's sudden, untimely and freakish death," according to the AP.

Irwin became a popular figure on Australian and international television through Irwin's close handling of wildlife, most notably the capture and relocation of crocodiles.

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 catch phrase "Crikey!"

But his image suffered a setback in January 2004 when he held his then 1-month-old baby Bob while feeding a crocodile at his Australian zoo.

In a statement released to Australian media, Foreign Minister Alexander Downer expressed his sorrow and said that he was fond of Irwin and was very appreciative of all the work he had done in promoting Australia overseas.

In 2003, Irwin spoke to the Australian Broadcasting Corp.'s "Australian Story" television program about how he was perceived in his home country.

"When I see what's happened all over the world, they're looking at me as this very popular, wildlife warrior Australian bloke," he said, the ABC reported.

"And yet back here in my own country, some people find me a little bit embarrassing. "You know, there's this... they kind of cringe, you know, 'cause I'm coming out with 'Crikey' and 'Look at this beauty.' "

Daijaga · Chosen of Luck Gender: Joined: 17 Dec 2003

I started to post this, but I got my information second hand and googling "Steve Irwin dead" produced a lot of results saying that there were a bunch of fake dead Croc Hunter scam stories.

Sadly, It seems like this one is true though. He will be sadly missed. I fell most sorry for his young children.

Skylah · Hips Don't Lie Gender: Joined: 25 Mar 2003

He's dead again!!

Yeah Dai, I'm wif u on this, have heard couple of times he's dead but sadly this is true..

Rest in peace!

Ming · DOOM! Gender: Joined: 13 Jan 2003

I was just going to post this also. It's funny actually, that celebrities and famous people die all the time, and yet, I don't feel anything for them. But hearing that Steve Irwin died really struck a chord with me. I feel almost as if a member of the family died.

It's strange, too, to think that the Crocodile Hunter died. I mean, I was nearly convinced that he was invincible, after seeing all the stuff that he did. At least he died doing what he loved, rather than in a car accident, because of illness, etc. I will miss him terribly, and I can only hope for the best for his family.

Kudasai Hiroki · Posted: Mon Sep 04, 2006 2:37 pm Post subject:

This is truly a sad day for the world as a whole. Not often does a person with such exuberance and zest for life and happiness inspire so many with such little reguard for himself. I must have seen every episode of the "Crocodile Hunter" and my children have watched the show since birth. Akila and I had planned on taking a vacation to Australia in the future and one of the "Absolutely Must Do's" was to go see Steve Irwin in person at the Australia Zoo. We still plan to go and we wouldn't think of missing the zoo, however, it greatly saddens us that we will not get to see Steve.

Thankfully we can still hear him say things like "danger, danger, danger" and "Crikey!" in syndication. Steve has preserved his legacy on video for countless generations to learn from and be enspired by.

Yes, today the world lost a great man. But, like all hero's and legends, he will live on in the hearts of those he touched.

Goodbye Steve.

Tobias · *explodes* Age: 38 Gender: Joined: 17 Jan 2003

someone told me at work today when i got in. Not only did it strike a chord with me as well, but it made me think to myself, "At least he died doing what he loved ooing best." I mean, like Ming said: At least he didn't die doing something dumb, like a jet-ski accident or some freak illness. I figured he would have either had an event similar to this one happen, or he would have died of old age at the age of like, 300 or something.

Mr. Irwin will be missed. I'll be watching crocodile hunter much more now, for his sake.

Exottica · Senior Otaku Gender: Joined: 26 Feb 2005

I heard about it today as well and I was surprised as to how sad it made me. I feel for those close to him, esp. the kids. He will definitely be missed.

Blackmage · Posted: Mon Sep 04, 2006 10:58 pm Post subject:

kei · Posted: Mon Sep 04, 2006 11:33 pm Post subject:

souka... But come to think of it he's survived many other life threatening attacks.. attacked by crocks and snakes on numerious occassions, which were all started by his infinate childish curiousity, for wild life and it's cretures. Though some of his attempts weren't always the brightest for say "oh it's agressive, lets poke it with a stick." we all know that much. But it is one of the many reasons we will remember him in our minds. It it also that same childish heart and curiousity that we all will miss the most.

kurjohoto the III · Posted: Tue Sep 05, 2006 12:01 am Post subject:

This is what I wrote about it in my blog on my space:

There was something else I was going to “blog” about tonight but after hearing about Steve Irwin’s passing, I changed my mind. I was always a fan of the Crocodile Hunter. It wasn’t only his funny antics, over the top accent or even his knowledge and love for animals that made us love him. It was his obvious love for life and for his family that made him such a special person to us all. Many people will point at this a say hurtful and mean spirited things like “Well he had it coming “ or “What a fool!” and so on. Those people should be ashamed of themselves. Steve Irwin wasn’t some animal daredevil out there putting himself in danger just for ratings. Steven Irwin was a lover of animals and sometimes was a little too bold for his own good. The animal that finally “got him” (so to speak) wasn’t even all that dangerous for Steven Irwin that is. The strange happenings around his death just prove that when it’s your time...it’s your time. I ask you now to keep his family in your thoughts and prayers because I can not even imagine what they are going though right now. I will always remember Steven Irvin as an inspiration to how to live life to the fullest and live every day like it could be your last. Also take this as a some what semi sweet thought. Steven Irvin died doing what he loved not many get to say that. God bless you Steve Irwin and we will never forget you. The world is a darker place without you.

Never Forget,
Kurry