Steve Irwin
 

'Crocodile Hunter' Steve Irwin was fatally wounded today whilst filming a sequence on Batt Reef, off Port Douglas for a new tv series. He was stung in the heart by a stingray barb. Emergency services responded quickly and performed CPR for 30 minutes during the dash to hospital, but he was pronounced dead on arrival at approximately 12noon Australian time.

I am sure there will be many of you, like myself, who will feel quite shaken by this very sad news, Steve Irwin changed a lot of perspectives about crocodiles and reptiles in general. It was certainly through watching The Crocodile Hunter back in 1992 that gave me a new mini-interest in crocs and alligators, which still exists today. I will remember watching Steve's antics with fondness and awe and my thoughts and best wishes go out to his wife Terri, parents Lyn and Bob, and children Bindi and Robert.

The official website, The Crocodile Hunter has a media statement, but as yet, no message board for fans to leave their thoughts and wishes. If you wish to post a few words here, please do and I will try and pass them on when the opportunity arises.

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!”

I was completely stunned when I read this first thing this morning.

He certainly had a very unique way with many creatures and is indeed a great loss of a man who made a huge impact on many peoples points of view.

My thoughts go out to his family at this very sad time.

Have to agree
What sad news and such a great loss.
I suppose if there is any thing to say, is that he lived his life on the edge and that's the way he went out. Still very sad and at such a young age it's not fair.
BB:weepy:

i too was so sad, was almost in tears when i heard the news on gmtv this a.m. have 2 say tho - at least he died doing the thing he loved most. x

Condolences to all his loved ones.such a tragic loss for one so young.as will be said by lots he died facing the odds which is what he loved doing.He will be remembered world wide and missed by many

:weepy: ...
Steve Irwin's manager has revealed the video footage capturing the wildlife expert dying was "shocking".
He said at a press conference today (05.09.06): "It shows that Steve came over the top of the ray and the tail came up, and spiked him here in the chest.

"He pulled it out and the next minute he's gone. The cameraman had to shut down.

"He always pushed himself to the very limits but I thought he was invulnerable and I think he did too. It's a very hard thing to watch because you're actually witnessing somebody die... it's terrible."
The Queensland government is considering a state funeral for Irwin.

Having visited his Zoo in Australia with my own son..(an avid Croc fan)...I too was shocked to hear this sad news...Steve Irwin was the ultimate wildlife warrior...he will be missed..:weepy: