Stingray kills Crocodile Hunter

loka · Posted: Mon Sep 04, 2006 1:53 am Post subject: Stingray kills Crocodile Hunter

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, 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.

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. (Full story)

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'."
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BillieJean · Posted: Mon Sep 04, 2006 6:28 am Post subject:

I used to watch that show, he had so many close calls I guess this time it got to him.

Agent X · Registered User Joined: 25 Jun 2006 Posts: 34

I used to watch his stuff all the time before he got so popular. Wow, he had some close calls. I guess that is what made him such a novelty that he did all of these ridiculously dangerous things with animals.

If there is anything you could say about him.... He lived life to the fullest and died doing what he loved....

RIP Croc Hunter

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StrontiumDog · Posted: Mon Sep 04, 2006 8:28 am Post subject:

He was a nice guy!
Rest in Peace.
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yipster · Posted: Mon Sep 04, 2006 8:34 am Post subject:

I was about to go to sleep last night when I heard it on the radio. Pretty shocking, worst thing is he left behind a wife and a young daughter.

Nuckin · Posted: Mon Sep 04, 2006 9:41 am Post subject:

RIP CROC HUNTER
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Stevo · Posted: Mon Sep 04, 2006 10:21 am Post subject:

That's terrible news. A stingray was the last thing I expected. I don't think he was even touching it.

R.I.P. Steve Irwin

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BENDER · Registered User Joined: 27 Jun 2005 Posts: 266

aw man, R.I.P. Croc Hunter
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all-star · Registered User Joined: 20 Jun 2006 Posts: 177

he will be missed

v.o.c · Posted: Mon Sep 04, 2006 11:53 am Post subject:

R.I.P

he was kinda cool.
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The Tiju · Registered User Joined: 02 Feb 2006 Posts: 516

damn a stingray got him...i was certain it was gonna be a croc that finally got him, but seriously tho...

he was a great guy from what ive seen and heard, he did a lot for wildlife and tourism in australia...

he was a good man...RIP
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FUSE · Posted: Mon Sep 04, 2006 12:52 pm Post subject:

that's so sad, what a horrible way to die

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vTEC · Server Admin Joined: 15 Aug 2003 Posts: 1495

wow that sucks..

R.I.P
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l3eeron · Posted: Mon Sep 04, 2006 1:11 pm Post subject:

NO WAY! That guy pioneered the way for all these rip off animal guys. That SUX!

RIP cya in the afterlife
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Ricen · Posted: Mon Sep 04, 2006 1:15 pm Post subject:

R.I.P. Steve Irwin
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