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BRISBANE, Australia - Steve Irwin, the hugely popular Australian television personality and environmentalist known as the "Crocodile Hunter," was killed Monday by a stingray during a diving expedition. He was 44.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060904/ap_ ... obit_irwin

I rather enjoyed his television programs....

somehow I believe this tragedy was more of a freak accident, unlike what most may consider to be unsurprising.

I had just noticed that someone had posted the same story earlier. I hadnt noticed, as it was at the same time of my other thread. I must have missed it being caught up in being busy.

If an admin has the power, you may delete this one.

Yes, it's sad, Pinky. You get spiked in the chest by a stingray, it's curtains. May he rest in peace.

Did you finally manage to get home and get some sleep???

Oh you poor girl. Cuppa tea, shower and bed NOW.. grin..

Wow I am stunned, but it seems that the risk takers are dying younger and younger these days. Do you think it's because they have to take bigger risks because we are immune to SHOCK?

I am sorry for his wife and children who now have to grow up without a dad!

I just read the story as well I'm stunned as well. His show are always so informative.. :-1 What a shock..

the sting ray was getting even for all the animals that got a finger up the bum.



obscure reference to South Park

Flipping typical, poor bloke spends his days dealing with every dangerous thing in the world and then a stingray gets him, sad, really enjoyed his shows and his zany but very accomplished animal-saving career.

I have a special fondness for Australia...I consider it a second wishful home to me.

I read this with complete sadness.

Oz lost one of their favorite sons who was a

a leading proponent for animal rights. He's done much good for his country peaceably. I loved his shows...and his enthusiasm for what he believed in for species that couldn't speak for themselves. He changed the way zoos took care of their animals.

I'm glad a Croc didn't take him out...too much irony to bear..

Here's to you, Mr. Irwin.

I loved Steve. He certainly was a class unto his own. He will be missed by thousands. I could not believe what i was hearing last night. it really saddens me deeply but at least he died doing what he loved. RIP Steve.

What a horrific accident. I feel so bad for Terri and the children.

My son and I used to watch Crocodile Hunter all the time. It was so nice to see someone so dedicated to the animals (err reptiles) that he grew up with, respected and loved so much. His enthusiasm was so refreshing and showed so many people what wonderful creatures reptiles are.

I am also saddened by the people who think that he got his just desserts - working with such dangerous creatures in such a way that seemed so careless to us. Millions of people, all over the world, have dangerous jobs. Some chose them because they love them, some because they feel duty bound, and some because it is the only job they can get. Steve loved his "job" very much and no more deserved to die then anyone else with a dangerous job.

Godspeed, Steve -o. May there be crocodiles in heaven for you.

I have been bitten by a few Stingray's in my time very painful for a very long time, not deadly. The fact that the barb put a hole in his heart is what killed him.. :-1

He died doing what he loved rest in peace Steve..

Eloise I agree.I am SO glad Steveo died educating the planet..May we all be so fortunate to have lived and died well.My children I will miss Steve and his Beautiful effusive childlike(pure) enthusiasim.I thought the post title was a joke.

Trixie Belle wrote: Wow I am stunned, but it seems that the risk takers are dying younger and younger these days. Do you think it's because they have to take bigger risks because we are immune to SHOCK?


From what I understand about Steve his intention was to minimize the risks in whatever he was doing. Yes there are those who push the limits while managing the risks. Obviously what Steve did was risky, even dangerous if you don't know what you're doing. But it always sounded to me like Steve's goal was to inform and educate with zero injury to him or the animals.

I always put Steve in the same class as Jim Fowler and Jack Hanna. These men seemed to eschew sensationalism. that's what made them so respected. Umm, I think Jim and Jack are stil alive but you know what I mean.

I heard on the radio this morning they were considering giving him a state funeral. Is that correct??

If his family agree he will be given a STATE FUNERAL..:-1

[QUOTE]I heard on the radio this morning they were considering giving him a state funeral. Is that correct??[/QUOTE]

CASEY "From what I understand about Steve his intention was to minimize the risks in whatever he was doing. Yes there are those who push the limits while managing the risks. Obviously what Steve did was risky, even dangerous if you don't know what you're doing. But it always sounded to me like Steve's goal was to inform and educate with zero injury to him or the animals."

+++++++++++ I don't want to speak badly of him, but I've seen him mishandle reptiles on many occasions, probably to make them appear more aggressive and make his show more interesting.

I've been handling/deomonstrating/doing educational programs with reptiles for 15 years, so I know something about this. He NEVER handled snakes well. He held them like ropes and sometimes let them slam to the ground, holding onto the tail as the poor animal tried to get away.

Now...if the animal is aggressive/trying to escape, etc, it's more eye-catching and gets peoples' attention, which may have been his objective, helping to build his reputation as a 'wrangler.'

There's no question he was an educator and helped interest children and adults about the natural world. I admire that.

Interesting post, Lulu2.

It's a shame if the aggressive handling was done for ratings.

Thanks Lulu. You would think he would have known better.