RIP Crocodile Hunter

[snowy1974]

'Crocodile Hunter' Irwin killed
Steve Irwin
The naturalist worked to protect Australian wildlife
Australian environmentalist and television personality Steve Irwin has died during a diving accident.

Mr Irwin, 44, was killed by a stingray barb to the chest while he was filming an underwater documentary in Queensland's Great Barrier Reef.

Paramedics from the nearby city of Cairns rushed to treat him at the scene but were unable to save him.

Mr Irwin was known for his television show The Crocodile Hunter and his work with native Australian wildlife.

Police in Queensland confirmed the naturalist's death and said his family had been notified.

"It is believed that Mr Irwin collapsed after being stung by a stingray at Batt Reef off Port Douglas at about 11:00 am (0100 GMT)," a police statement quoted by AFP news agency said.

Mr Irwin's documentaries were shown around the world

"His crew called for medical treatment and the Queensland medical helicopter responded, however Mr Irwin had died."

Mr Irwin had built up what was a small reptile park in Queensland into what is now Australia Zoo, a major centre for Australian wildlife.

He was famous for handling dangerous creatures such as crocodiles, snakes and spiders, and his documentaries on his work with crocodiles drew a worldwide audience.

He leaves a wife, Terri, and two young children.

[Bunny]

I've just turned the TV on and heard this sad news, I loved watching his programmes, he'll be sadly missed by many

[Seren]

wow, I didn't know that they could kill.

How sad for his family

[wkdfraggle]

omg!!! How awfull! We love Steve Irwin - my thoughts are with his family!

Simone
xxx

[Al1x]

blimey My thread i started early this morning got deleted :(

So sad for Steve and his family cryingsmil

the news said he got stung through the heart .. what an awful way to go cryingsmil cryingsmil cryingsmil cryingsmil

[Patti odoors]

This is sad, we loved his programmes but he died doing what he did best, a job that he loved.

[nicosmum]

how very very sad :no:

[smirnoff]

terrible news, he will definately be missed by many. One of the few celebs that i actually held in high esteem. The first one to get in and actually handly deadly creatures, seems wrong for him to have been taken through a stingray barb. But at least he went doing something that he loved as had been said before.
My thoughts are with his familyxxx rip croc hunter
silly i know but i feel as if this death has actually affacted me, feel kind of numb and i never knew him personally.
rip croc hunter

[Tess]

omg how afwul. he was loved in this household too, his enthuisam was great, can't believe it! how very very sad, rip Steve

[Lemon]

That is very sad news, but like others have said, he died whilst living his passion. My ds is very upset and like Smirnoff, I feel kinda sad too. Thoughts are with his family. xx

[lizzie]

Very sad RIP

[curlybird]

This is so sad my heart goes out to his family and friends. He will definitely be missed xx

[Amandax]

Cried myself when i heard the news and have been fretting over my son ever since. He is a BIG Steve Irwin fan and his dream was to meet him. He wants to open his own wildlife sanctury and adores reptiles. Wish he was home but had already gone to school when i found out. I guess they never stop being ur baby.

[pattacake]

my son is a big steve fan and was gutted on the way to school this morning ,my husband had tears in his eyes as he heard the news as we used to sit down as a family and watch his programs,I feel for his family especially his young kids, 44 is way to young to die but he died doing what he loved.
Rest in Peace Steve you will be sadly missed by our family.

[loopychick]

i was very upset to hear this as i am an animal lover too and love reptiles he will be missed and i feel for his family they are truly lovely people and steve will always be known for his dangerous yet entertaining antics with reptiles

[Girlzmum]

This is awful news, he was so young. Thinking about his family. xo

[Netty]

Shocking news.

RIP Steve.

[Ravenfire]

My girls have watched him and they were upset as well to hear. Sounds a bit of a freak accident really as apparently they dont normally attack unless they feel threatened and all instances of them attacking is very rare.

[Easties]

absolutley gutted i think he was amazing and what he done to help animals and getting children involved was fantastic
a true giant amongst men
the world is less brighter without him
R.I.P steve gone but never forgotten your legacy will live on in your children and in all the animals you have helped xxxxxx

[Sarah]

Apparently his wife Terri doesn't yet know as she's off trekking somewhere, or that's what I've just read anyway.
It's very sad, I've been stunned by this since I heard it on the news early this morning, he was a bit of a twit but nice enough. I feel so sorry for his wife and young children. I'm sure that he would think it was quite a cool way to die though iykwim, being stung in the heart by a stingray, it's just his sort of thing!
So sad :no:

[Trinity]

Yes very sad news and I sure his death will have rocked millions of people all over the world. Kids loved him as he was so enthausiastic and has probably given more to children round the world than they would ever learn in books about the enviroment and animals.

It does make you wonder what he was doing with the stingray though.

How awful for his wife as she was apparently hiking somewhere, they were so suited.

[Kaya_anne]

This was very sad news, and his little boy i believe only one or two!
It really was a freak accident, apparently only been three other cases of people being attacked by them!

I got the impression that it wasn't meanigful though almost by accidnet, maybe he got to close to the tip, I heard that it and gone through his chest and punctured his heart so don't know if he was stung? Gonn ahve to look into this!

But however still shocking sad news, you kinda thought him as invincible!

[Ellie]

Regardless of what I think of him, my thoughts go out to his wife and their children - what a thing to have to deal with. Though I suppose as someone has said, at least he died doing what he loved and believed in. Not much consolation at the minute, I know, but the fact that so many people have been affected by his dealth should speak volumes

[Sarah]

Well the barbed spine that pierced his heart is full of poison I think that's where they get their name from, but in any event the poison or sting would probably be irrelevant as the heart had been pierced I doubt he'd have stood much chance just from that alone :no:

[petchy]

this is quite sad, i loved watching him on telly (but always thought he was barking mad to go so close to those creatures!!) but i suppose as others have said, at least he died doing what he loves. i feel for his wife and two kids though...

[Tanya]

this is very sad news and he will be sadly missed, we all loved watching his programmes

[bikemad]

This is so sad-he was so young n his poor wife and kids.Ds will be gutted when he finds out he loved watching the guy.I guess at least he went doing what he loved.

[smirnoff]

i am quite surprised by the level of sadness that has been expressed by so many people, not only here but everywhere i go...
i think he must be looking down on all of us with a smile...

[sal1]

I did not know until i have read this thread, how very sad my ds and df loved watching him, my thoughts are with his family xx

[smirnoff]

all you get from crocodilehunter.com is:

Media statement – 4 September 2006

Steve Irwin

At 11am today, the 4th September 2006, Steve Irwin was fatally wounded by a stingray barb to his heart whilst filming a sequence on Batt Reef off Port Douglas for his daughter’s new TV series.
Emergency services were called from Cairns Rescue Base and met Croc One, Steve’s rescue vessel at Low Isle on the Great Barrier Reef.
The Croc One crew performed constant CPR during the thirty minute dash to Low Isle, but the medical staff pronounced Steve dead at approx. 12 noon.

His producer and closest friend, John Stainton said on Croc One today,
“The world has lost a great wildlife icon, a passionate conservationist and one of the proudest Dads on the planet. He died doing what he loves best and left this world in a happy and peaceful state of mind. Crocs Rule!”

statement

i was hoping for a book of condolance or something.

[TopKat]

wow, I didn't know that they could kill.

How sad for his family

The barb apparently contains toxins. When it hit his heart they think it triggered a heart attack.
This has from what I have heard today, only happened once that has been reported, and that person survived. If the news is to be believed Steve is the first known fatality of a Stingray attack.

[TopKat]

Apparently his wife Terri doesn't yet know as she's off trekking somewhere, or that's what I've just read anyway.
It's very sad, I've been stunned by this since I heard it on the news early this morning, he was a bit of a twit but nice enough. I feel so sorry for his wife and young children. I'm sure that he would think it was quite a cool way to die though iykwim, being stung in the heart by a stingray, it's just his sort of thing!
So sad :no:

I heard that she was told before the news broke world wide, I hope so as this would be an awful way for her to find out.
She is trekking in Tasmania.

[TopKat]

This was very sad news, and his little boy i believe only one or two!
It really was a freak accident, apparently only been three other cases of people being attacked by them!

I got the impression that it wasn't meanigful though almost by accidnet, maybe he got to close to the tip, I heard that it and gone through his chest and punctured his heart so don't know if he was stung? Gonn ahve to look into this!

But however still shocking sad news, you kinda thought him as invincible!

His little boy Bob Clarence is 2 I think, and his daughter Bindi is 8.

[smirnoff]

teerible

[TopKat]

i am quite surprised by the level of sadness that has been expressed by so many people, not only here but everywhere i go...
i think he must be looking down on all of us with a smile...

That is nice Suzi.
As has already been said at least he died doing what he was passionate about and that he has entertained and educated many thousands, poss millions of young children the world over.
I feel deeply for his family, as him and his wife were a lovely couple and truly devoted parents. Little Bindi seems to already be following in her Daddy's footsteps and lets hope she does, so that our children and their children have a passionate voice about animal, reptiles and the environment to teach them in the future.
He also leaves a thriving zoo as his legacy, and has already been said on here, the worldwide sadness over his tragic death speaks volumes about the greatness and goodness of the man himself.
I personally will not forget him on This Morning (I think it was) as he met Hayley, the little girl with progeria, as he was her hero and he was so sweet and kind to her. He made her smile. And all without any celebrity behaviour, he was just a Dad reaching out to a sick little girl.
A true hero and a sad loss.

Like Smirnoff, I too am waiting for an online book of condolence, as i feel that is the very least we owe the man after all the joy he has brought us in our household.

RIP Steve.

[Girlzmum]

I watched a programme on Animal Planet a few weeks ago, think it was 'Confessions of the Crocodile Hunter'. He was so dedicated to his family and it shone through in that programme.
He also talked about the incident with his son and the crocodile and explained himself really well - basically said that little Bob needed to be 'croc savvy' to survive where he lived, surely it would be better for him to be taught this from birth. After seeing him explain it from his perspective I did change my opinion, but most of the articles I've read about his death refer to it! I'm sure it'll be repeated now but he had me all choked up talking about losing his mum in a car crash a few years ago.

[Sarah]

The barb apparently contains toxins. When it hit his heart they think it triggered a heart attack.
This has from what I have heard today, only happened once that has been reported, and that person survived. If the news is to be believed Steve is the first known fatality of a Stingray attack.

I posted about this too but think if something pierces your heart you're on a sticky wicket anyway!

[kathyhinsh]

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b117/kathyhinsh/Smilies/rip.gif

[wokkies]

well hope it doesent offend anyone but all i can think is at least he would be happy knowing that he died doing something he loved, which he has said before he was so brave and daring all the time, i will miss him lots, have more admiration for him than anyone else i know actually, just feel sorry for the family he has left behind, maSSive big hugs to them

[TopKat]

well hope it doesent offend anyone but all i can think is at least he would be happy knowing that he died doing something he loved, which he has said before he was so brave and daring all the time, i will miss him lots, have more admiration for him than anyone else i know actually, just feel sorry for the family he has left behind, maSSive big hugs to them

Agreed...sure he would rather that than dying from being hit by a bus or something......
He was fab!! And will be sadly missed.

[TopKat]

I posted about this too but think if something pierces your heart you're on a sticky wicket anyway!

Yeah I did see that.....apparently one guy did survive it, but guess it depends on many factors. I would agree though...if something pierces your heart the outcome won't generally be good.
He was a great man though.
Going to get the kids a dvd of his tomorrow, we'll all watch it at the weekend I think.
My thoughts are with his poor family though.

[wokkies]

Agreed...sure he would rather that than dying from being hit by a bus or something......
He was fab!! And will be sadly missed.
i agree he was fab, brill and really daring and am sure he is pleased he went this way, but really feel for his family specially the little ones who wont understand it, poor kids

[lisa1980]

so sad he's gone we like watching his programmes

R.I.P

[TopKat]

I watched a programme on Animal Planet a few weeks ago, think it was 'Confessions of the Crocodile Hunter'. He was so dedicated to his family and it shone through in that programme.
He also talked about the incident with his son and the crocodile and explained himself really well - basically said that little Bob needed to be 'croc savvy' to survive where he lived, surely it would be better for him to be taught this from birth. After seeing him explain it from his perspective I did change my opinion, but most of the articles I've read about his death refer to it! I'm sure it'll be repeated now but he had me all choked up talking about losing his mum in a car crash a few years ago.

Me and my dh were talking about that just yesterday...and he said that nobody knew crocs better than Steve...so he was the right person to do that..and that as his kids would be within that environment they would have to be as you said "croc savvy".
He was a nice man and a great Dad, he would never of put his kids in harms way for the sake of entertainment.

[loopychick]

all i have to say about him is that he is a legend THE legend there will never be anyone like steve R.I.P and my thoughts are with his family sxinxe i heard i cant express how gutted i am about it

[Tanya]

I am still thinking about this today, can't believe he's gone, we really loved that man, he was so daring and brave.

I read in the news today that they caught his last moments on film

[Ravenfire]

Apparently his death was very quick which I am glad about, would have been horrible if he had suffered. I really feel for his family and apparently if they allow it he will be allowed a State funeral as he was loved all around the world and did so much to highlight Australia.

[smirnoff]

he deserves a state funneral at the least! He has done so much good.. such a fab and seemingly genuine man

[TopKat]

he deserves a state funneral at the least! He has done so much good.. such a fab and seemingly genuine man

Damn straight!!! He deserves it after all he did.
Glad he didn't suffer, that must help his poor family in this hard time.

[weaselgirl]

Apparently his death was very quick which I am glad about, would have been horrible if he had suffered. I really feel for his family and apparently if they allow it he will be allowed a State funeral as he was loved all around the world and did so much to highlight Australia.

I read in the paper tonight that his dad has said that Steve would'nt want a state funeral as he was just an "ordinary" bloke.He deserves one i think, he was loved by many but i guess it's up to his family.

We were so gutted when we heard the news as we are all huge Steve fans in this house and i feel incredibly sad for his wife, daughter and especially his son who will be too young to have any real memories of his dad.I'm sure Terri and the rest of his family will keep his memory alive and his son will grow up knowing what a great dad he had.

RIP Steve, you will me missed.

[Amandax]

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d166/mandxx/ripsteveirwin.gif

[Tess]

thats a nice pic Amanda :yes: