Reports: Stingray kills 'Crocodile Hunter'

[gldstwmn]

http://www.cnn.com/2006/WORLD/asiapcf/09/04/australia.irwin/index.html

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 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, 44, 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 catchphrase "Crikey!"

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

Australian Foreign Minister Alexander Downer expressed his sorry Monday 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'."

[sara1998]

Ya know, while I'm terribly sorry it happened, and I mourn for his wife and children, I'm suprised this hasen't happened sooner. Just watching him, he really took his chances.

[amber]

Oh no! I love him. :( :( His kids are so young, too. Kind of an amazing guy, really. :angel: Ha, that's pretty dramatic, he's probably glad he went out that way. I mean what with his work and all.

[Red]

How awful for his family...he was so young.

[Karlie]

Oh my god, this is so sad! He was my hero when I was a kid! :( :( :(

[gldstwmn]

http://www.mote.org/index.php?src=gendocs&link=Stingrays&category=Shark%20Research&submenu=INFO

What is the sting?
<img src="http://www.mote.org/clientuploads/sharks/Pictures/stingray_barb_web.jpg">

The venom apparatus or "sting" of a stingray is a spine or modified dermal denticle (the scales covering sharks and stingrays) with two ventral grooves filled with venom-producing tissue. The venom apparatus is surrounded by a cell-rich covering or sheath that also may produce lesser amounts of venom. The venom itself is a largely protein-based toxin that causes great pain in mammals and may also alter heart rate and respiration. However, since it is proteinaceous, it can be inactivated by exposure to high temperatures. Because of this, immersion of the wound in hot water or application of a heat compress are recommended as an immediate treatment for unfortunate victims of a stingray injury or "envenomation." Although this may reduce the initial pain of a stingray injury, victims should still obtain medical assistance so that the wound can be properly examined and cleaned to avoid secondary infections or other complications.

As mentioned above, the sting on most pelagic stingrays is situated near the base of the tail. This may discourage predators from biting the animal near its vital organs. In contrast, the sting of most bottom-dwelling stingrays is located further away from the body, making it a more effective and dangerous "striking" weapon. However, it should be pointed out that the sting is purely a defensive weapon only and that the "striking" action is an involuntary response rather than a conscious "attack."

[BombaySapphire3]

As someone that used to catch snakes and tarantulas when I was a kid and keep them as pets I enjoyed his show although he was a bit manic.I'm sorry to learn of his untimely death.This kind of reminds of Grizzly Man that film where this metrosexual gets mauled to death by the Grizzlies he was trying to protect.You have to respect nature .

[77Rumours77]

OMG!
I loved him! I was so facinated with his shows! OMG this is awful!
He will be missed. :distress: :( :eek:

[irishgrl]

I have mixed feelings about this, like a lot of folks. Im sorry he died this way, sounds pretty ghastly...but as many have said, he was pretty cavelier and took a lot of risks with dangerous animals...and it DOES remind me of that Grizzly guy from CA who got mauled by a bear....these folks maybe forget just how dangerous these animals can be...so sad :distress:

[goldie]

It is sad ... but he died doing what he loved best, I guess. He totally took his chances with each day! I would have been scared every day if I was his wife!

[tuigirl]

Oh dear , so sorry to hear this, we all liked watching him here, the kids have practically grown up watching his crazy programme. I do also think he took alot of risks with nature (so in some ways this is not surprising) but this is such a sad (if not odd) way to go.Just wondering if they had a medic on the filming team, up there with them anyway.

[mylittledemon]

God rest his soul, and comfort his family. I cant say that I'm surprised, or that anybody should be surprised by his death...considering his asinine line of work. He was a jolly bloke, though.

[sammigold]

Well I was very shocked and saddened to hear of this sad news.

Yes, he took risks but I think most were fairly calculated.... It is very sad that he leaves his family so young.. but at least he died loving what he did... and he will never be forgotten...:distress:

Rest in peace Crocodile Hunter!

[gypsysoul]

Ofcourse he was far too young and it's tragic for his children. Television has lost a charismatic, original presenter. He was loved by millions.

But for the adventurer he clearly was, what a way to go.
What's the betting a hollywood scriptwriter isn't already polishing off the first draft with a call to Russell Crowe in place to play him.

Rest in peace.

[UnwindedDreams]

RIP Steve...:(

[golddustwoman77]

This is extremely sad, and he will be sorely missed! RIP, Steve! :angel:

[Enchanted_Stevi]

HERE IS A LINK

http://www.news.com.au/story/0,23599,20349888-2,00.html


THE Crocodile Hunter, Steve Irwin, is dead.

He was killed in a freak accident in Cairns, police sources said today.

It is understood he was killed by a stingray barb that went through his chest and reportedly into his heart .

He was swimming off the Low Isles at Port Douglas filming an underwater documentary when the tragedy occured.

The Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS) was called about 11am (AEST) and an emergency services helicopter was flown to the crew's boat on Batt Reef, off the coast near Cairns, with a doctor and emergency services paramedic on board.

Irwin had a puncture wound to the left side of his chest and was pronounced dead at the scene.

Irwin's body is being flown to Cairns.

It is believed his American-born wife Terri is trekking on Cradle Mountain in Tasmania and is yet to be told of her husband's death.

The Irwins have two children - a daughter, Bindi Sue Irwin, eight, and a three-year-old son, Robert (Bob) Clarence Irwin.

Steve Irwin - known worldwide as the Crocodile Hunter - is famous for his enthusiasm for wildlife and his catchcry "Crikey!".

In an sad twist, it has been reported that his new documentary was aimed at demystifying the stingray.

Irwin's Crocodile Hunter program was first broadcast in 1992 and has been shown around the world on cable network Discovery.

He has also starred in movies and has developed the Australia Zoo wildlife park, north of Brisbane, which was started by his parents Bob and Lyn Irwin.

Tributes have already started pouring in for the larger-than-life character.

Foreign Minister Alexander Downer, who used a photograph of his family at Australia Zoo for his official Christmas card last year, hailed Mr Irwin for his work in promoting Australia.

Irwin was heavily involved in last year's "G'Day LA" campaign.

"The minister knew him, was fond of him and was very, very appreciative of all the work he'd done to promote Australia overseas," a spokesman said.

A Tourism Queensland spokeswoman said the death was shocking and paid tribute to Irwin's "enormous contribution" to his adopted state.

Louise Yates said it was impossible to quantify how much Mr Irwin had meant to the Queensland tourism industry.

"I don't think we could even estimate how much he brought us through his personality and his profile and his enthusiasm about Queensland," she said.

"It would be difficult to estimate how much he was worth. And it would be difficult to underestimate."

She said Irwin had been a larger-than-life ambassador.

"It's not just what he brought but what he took with him when he travelled, his passion."

Australia Zoo, on southeast Queensland's Sunshine Coast, employs more than 500 people and attracts thousands of visitors every day.

But Ms Yates said it would be "unfair and unjust" to put a dollar value on Irwin's worth to the state, because of how much he had given.

[irishgrl]

Caitlin, (you are Caitlin right?)
this is a duplicate thread sweetie...:wavey:

[Enchanted_Stevi]

Yes I am Caitlin, Sorry I didnt see the other thread....I am just in too much of shock


Caitlin, (you are Caitlin right?)
this is a duplicate thread sweetie...:wavey:

[CelticGypsy]

It is very sad news:( :( I feel so bad for his family especially his wife, Terri and those young kids. He was so young. He had a wonderful life and a great attitude about everything he did:) :) His life was an adventure and he had fun every single day. May he rest in peace and his family be greatly comforted. God bless ya, Steve.

[Enchanted_Stevi]

I cant belive he is dead! I have been watching him since I was like 6! My step sister and I would watch him all the time. And we would pretend we were him and tackle our stuffed crocodiles...lol....It was mad fun. WOW It STILL hasnt really hit me yet!!!:(

[greatdarkwing]

This is so extremely sad and also it really makes you realize how careful you have to be....I go snorkleing all the time with sharks, stingrays, and other fairly dangerous animals, and while I really regard them as pretty tame, this serves a reminder that these are WILD ANIMALS....I guess I'll give it a second thought before swimming too close to a shark or stingray again....

RIP Steve

[Enchanted_Stevi]

Discovery Communications, Inc. Mourns Tragic Loss of Steve Irwin


Statement from Billy Campbell, President, Discovery Networks, U.S. Discovery Communications, Inc.

Our entire company is deeply saddened by the tragic and sudden loss of Steve Irwin, the Crocodile Hunter. Steve was beloved by millions of fans and animal lovers around the world and was one of our planet's most passionate conservationists. He has graced our air since October 1996 and was essential in building Animal Planet into a global brand.

Steve was killed during a filming expedition on the Great Barrier Reef. While we are still collecting specific details, it was a rare accident in which Steve swam over a stingray and was stung by its barb in his chest. A doctor on board Croc One, Steve's research vessel, was unable to resuscitate Steve and by the time he was reached by the rescue helicopter he had passed away.

DCI Founder and Chairman, John Hendricks said, "Steve was a larger than life force. He brought joy and learning about the natural world to millions and millions of people across the globe. He was a true friend to all of us at Discovery Communications. We extend our thoughts and prayers to Terri, Bindi and Bob Irwin as well as to the incredible staff and many friends Steve leaves behind."

DCI CEO and President, Judith McHale said, "I don't think we will ever get over the loss of Steve Irwin, a human being of enormous heart, irrepressible enthusiasm and dedication to everything he touched."

Steve's loss has been felt around the world, evident by the hundreds of heartfelt condolences that have already flooded into Steve's fan site on AnimalPlanet.com.

To honor Steve and the enormous contribution he made to the world and to our company, DCI will rename the garden space in front of Discovery's world headquarters in Silver Spring, Maryland, the "Steve Irwin Memorial Sensory Garden."

DCI is looking at the creation of the Steve Irwin Crocodile Hunter Fund, which we'll affectionately call "The Crikey Fund" to honor Steve's passion and exuberance for conservation and the animal kingdom. This fund will allow people from across the globe to make contributions in Steve's honor to support wildlife protection, education and conservation. The fund in addition to contributions by DCI will also aid Steve's Australia Zoo in Breewah, Australia as well as educational support for Bindi and Bob Irwin.

Right now, our focus is on Terri and the children. We will keep you informed as plans unfold to pay tribute to our beloved Steve Irwin.

To learn more about Steve Irwin's sudden and tragic death, visit Discovery News.

[irishgrl]

Yes I am Caitlin, Sorry I didnt see the other thread....I am just in too much of shock

well well! the Mods work their magic again, apparently the two threads have been merged :wavey:

[Kelly]

Man this is horrible news I love watching the Crock Diaries. What a freak accident! My heart goes out to Terri, Bindi and Bob.

[Enchanted_Stevi]

I loved Croc Diaries too! I also have his movie on DVD!! I loved it when He was on Oprah with Terri and Bindi.

<img src="http://www.theage.com.au/ffximage/2006/09/04/irwin2_wideweb__470x352,0.jpg">



Man this is horrible news I love watching the Crock Diaries. What a freak accident! My heart goes out to Terri, Bindi and Bob.

[Miss Vicky]

I must say that, like many others, I was saddened but not surprised by the news. He was very dedicated and passionate about the animals he rescued and studied, but he took far too many risks in dealing with them to have any hope of living to see old age. Still, my heart goes out to his loved ones.

[DrummerDeanna]

Well call me a fool - but I WAS surprised. Like many who've been speaking about him on tv - I came to see him an invincible in a way. :shrug: I know that's ridiculous - but when I came into work and saw he'd died - I was surprised - and very sad :distress:

[Enchanted_Stevi]

Same with me. I thought he was invinsible too! He was an awesome man who saved crocodiles and otehr animals from bad places and put them in his captivity. What he did for animals was amazing. What he taught everyone was amazing too.

Well call me a fool - but I WAS surprised. Like many who've been speaking about him on tv - I came to see him an invincible in a way. :shrug: I know that's ridiculous - but when I came into work and saw he'd died - I was surprised - and very sad :distress:

[Kelly]

Eh, he took some risks. However, alot of his show was choregraphed and he had a huge staff that helped him, etc. His full time "main" job was running his zoo. I saw Jeff Corwin interviewed this morning (I love him too...drool) and he said he knew Steve through their mutual conservation work and through Animal Planet. He seemed particularly shaken up and stressed that he had toned down alot since becoming a father. He was describing sting ray behavior and said that Steve appeared to have died from a very freak accident, not from engaging in outrageously risky behavior. (in this incident) People dive in the GBR all the time.
If it was him time to go, he certainly went out doing what he loved.

[bretonbanquet]

I'm a little bit surprised, primarily that he was killed by such a relatively harmless cretaure. I say relatively harmless - rays hurt people, but very few people get killed by them. Considering the lethal creatures he's handled in his time, I suspect he might be a bit miffed to go out on the barb of a ray. RIP, Mr Irwin.

[goldustsongbird]

Well, I'm not saying it was deserved or that he 'had it coming', but he did take a lot of chances with his work. It was clear he knew what he was doing, though. Like someone else said... He tangled and wrangled with all of these other, far more dangerous animals, and a friggin' sting ray , of all things, gets him? :shocked:. I liked him and I'm glad he was able to do what he always wanted to do with his life.

[Miss Vicky]

Eh, he took some risks. However, alot of his show was choregraphed and he had a huge staff that helped him, etc.

You can't coreograph what wild animals are going to do.

The only thing that surprised me about his death was that it was caused by a stingray. I would've thought for sure that his demise would have been the result of a venomous snake (which he had the habit of grabbing with his bare hands and I've seen him get bit by snakes on his show on many occasions) or by a crocodile (I've seen him get bit by these as well).

Also, in the beginning, when the show was just 'The Crocodile Hunter' most of the program was shot out in the Australian bush, not at his zoo. The focus only switched to the zoo when it became 'Crocodile Hunter Diaries' but even then he still shot a lot of programming out in the animals' native habitat. He also seemed to travel more in the later episodes and began filming in places like Africa and South America.

[Enchanted_Stevi]

I went on www.animalplanet.com and went to the Steve Irwin story. There is going to be a tribute on Animal Planet at 6pm EST.

[Kelly]

You can't coreograph what wild animals are going to do.

The only thing that surprised me about his death was that it was caused by a stingray. I would've thought for sure that his demise would have been the result of a venomous snake (which he had the habit of grabbing with his bare hands and I've seen him get bit by snakes on his show on many occasions) or by a crocodile (I've seen him get bit by these as well).

Also, in the beginning, when the show was just 'The Crocodile Hunter' most of the program was shot out in the Australian bush, not at his zoo. The focus only switched to the zoo when it became 'Crocodile Hunter Diaries' but even then he still shot a lot of programming out in the animals' native habitat. He also seemed to travel more in the later episodes and began filming in places like Africa and South America.

Of course you cannot cooreograph what a wild animal will do but you can cooreograph what HE was going to do and utilize all safety precautions possible. He did that. His crock shows were pretty similar everyday, he had six or seven people around the enclosure and I believe he was well trained and knew what he was doing. He took as many precautions as possible in his line of work. He was educated and had years of experience but of course, these things happen. Look how many lion/tiger trainers end up getting mauled by cats they have handled since birth. He definately took risks, I am not saying that he didn't...especially when he was out in the bush or Africa etc. I saw him get bit by a snake too...although he never struck me as quite as crazy with the snakes as that other blonde, Aussie guy on Animal Planet. That guy is a photographer, I think, and he is just nuts.
I am also surprised he was killed in such a freakish way, considering some of the other animals he worked with. Animals like sharks, crocks etc. When they said he got killed by a stingray on the news, I was like "whaaaaaa?". I feel so bad for his wife and children and I really hope they continue his legacy. No matter what you thought of him, his work with education, research, conservation, relocation, etc will be sorely missed.

[irishgrl]

Of course you cannot cooreograph what a wild animal will do but you can cooreograph what HE was going to do and utilize all safety precautions possible. He did that. His crock shows were pretty similar everyday, he had six or seven people around the enclosure and I believe he was well trained and knew what he was doing. He took as many precautions as possible in his line of work. He was educated and had years of experience but of course, these things happen. Look how many lion/tiger trainers end up getting mauled by cats they have handled since birth. He definately took risks, I am not saying that he didn't...especially when he was out in the bush or Africa etc. I saw him get bit by a snake too...although he never struck me as quite as crazy with the snakes as that other blonde, Aussie guy on Animal Planet. That guy is a photographer, I think, and he is just nuts.
I am also surprised he was killed in such a freakish way, considering some of the other animals he worked with. Animals like sharks, crocks etc. When they said he got killed by a stingray on the news, I was like "whaaaaaa?". I feel so bad for his wife and children and I really hope they continue his legacy. No matter what you thought of him, his work with education, research, conservation, relocation, etc will be sorely missed.

In another article, Steve and one of his crew discussed the new dangers that being in the water posed. Steve was in his element on land, but in the water he was vulnerable, and its said that he speculated that if his time came, it would be in a water accident. Apparently there is footage of Steve pulling the barb out of his chest, losing consciousness and then dying. Pretty sad really.

I cant imagine anyone really thinking badly of the man Kelly can you? :shrug:

[GODDESS6]

i must say i adore steve irwin & his family, my son & i have watched many, many hours of his shows & behind the scenes stuff~ & even tho it seemed what he was doing was dangerous, i never thought anyone knew animals like him~ & the passion he had for their well-being was inspirational~ i used to think crocs & alligators were useless & scary until watching his shows, the beauty he saw in them was awesome, & he taught me what "sheila" meant~ he will be sorely missed in this house by crickey!!!~
R.I.P. Stevo!!!:angel: ~

[Miss Vicky]

No matter what you thought of him, his work with education, research, conservation, relocation, etc will be sorely missed.


Not sure what the heck this is supposed to mean, since I already said what I "thought of him" - I said I was saddened and I described him as "dedicated and passionate."

Thems fightin' words, I guess. :rolleyes:

[JazmenFlowers]

I sure hate that this has happened. He seemed like such a great person and a lover of animals. the relationship he had with his wife seemed to be very special as well. I heard, too, that being killed by a stingray is very, very rare. it just happened, as they said, to be bad luck that he was pierced in his chest. I've heard that he died instantly and then I heard that he was able to pull the barb out before he died. not sure which is true. sad sad sad. he has certainly been a staple in homes and will be missed.

[estranged4life]

Irwin pulled stingray barb from heart before dying on Great Barrier Reef


CAIRNS, Australia - Steve Irwin was videotaped pulling a poisonous stingray barb from his chest in his last moments of life, officials said Tuesday, as tributes poured in for TV's "Crocodile Hunter."

Police said there was nothing suspicious about Irwin's death and no evidence he provoked the animal. Irwin, 44, was stabbed through the heart on Monday while snorkeling with a stingray during filming of a new TV program on Australia's Great Barrier Reef.

John Stainton, Irwin's manager who was among the crew on the reef, said the fatal blow was caught on videotape, and described viewing the footage as having the "terrible" experience of watching a friend die.

"It shows that Steve came over the top of the ray and the tail came up, and spiked him here (in the chest), and he pulled it out and the next minute he's gone," Stainton told reporters in Cairns, where Irwin's body was taken for an autopsy.

Queensland state police were holding the tape as evidence for a coroner's inquiry - a standard procedure in high-profile deaths or those caused by other than natural causes.

Threats Irwin wasn't used to
Experts have said the stingray may have felt trapped between the cameraman and the TV star. Irwin, the popular host of "Crocodile Hunter," rose to fame by getting dangerously close to crocodiles, snakes and other beasts.

But Queensland Police Superintendent Michael Keating said there was no evidence Irwin threatened or intimidated the stingray, a normally placid species that only deploys its poisonous tail spines as a defense.

Stainton said Irwin was in his element in the Outback, but that he and Irwin had talked about the sea posing threats the star wasn't used to.

"If ever he was going to go, we always said it was going to be the ocean," Stainton said. "On land he was agile, quick-thinking, quick-moving and the ocean puts another element there that you have no control over."

Parliament took a break from the business of running the country to pay tribute to Irwin, whose body was being flown home Tuesday from Cairns. No funeral plans were announced but state Premier Peter Beattie said Irwin would be afforded a state funeral if his family agreed.

Irwin's American wife Terri, Bindi and their son Bob, almost 3, returned late Monday from a trekking vacation in Tasmania to Australia Zoo, the wildlife park where the family lived at Beerwah in Queensland's southeast.

'Our wildlife warrior'
At the park, hundreds of people filed past the entrance laying floral bouquets and handwritten condolence messages. Khaki shirts - a trademark of Irwin - were laid out for people to sign.

"Mate, you made the world a better place," read one poster left at the gate. "Steve, our hero, our legend, our wildlife warrior," read another. "I thought you were immortal. How I wish that was true," said a third.

The park opened Tuesday because it was what Irwin would have wanted, said Gail Gipp, an animal health employee.

Irwin was propelled to global fame after his TV shows, in which he regularly wrestled with crocodiles and went face-to-face with poisonous snakes and other wild animals, were shown around world on the Discovery Channel.

The network announced plans for a marathon screening of Irwin's work and a wildlife fund in his name.

"Rarely has the world embraced an animal enthusiast and conservationist as they did Steve Irwin," Discovery Networks International President Dawn McCall said in a statement.

Experts differed on the number of human deaths caused by stingrays - anywhere from 3 to 17 - though they agreed that they were extremely rare.

© 2006 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

[laurarox]

I'm devestated. As a lover of all animals, I revered his ability to build that bridge of understanding between humans and wildlife. We don't have that many conservationists/animal activists to adjulate. He taught kids to RESPECT all living things.

Love you Steve!:angel:

[wondergirl9847]

Well, I'm not saying it was deserved or that he 'had it coming', but he did take a lot of chances with his work.

I'm not sure why everyone is saying "This is so sad, but..." because firemen, policemen, crab fishermen, etc. have very dangerous jobs as well. Do we say things like "I'm sorry he died, but he WAS a fireman, policeman, insert dangerous job here."? Nope.

Yes, he chose to get close to dangerous animals because like firemen, policemen, etc...he LOVED his job.

He was so full of joy and life when you'd see him on TV. They just played his interview from a couple of years ago on my local morning radio show and the last thing they played him saying was that he was meant to preserve these animals...that's why he was put here. :)

My heart goes out to Terri, Bindi and lil' Bob. :(

[SuzeQuze]

I'm not sure why everyone is saying "This is so sad, but..." because firemen, policemen, crab fishermen, etc. have very dangerous jobs as well. Do we say things like "I'm sorry he died, but he WAS a fireman, policeman, insert dangerous job here."? Nope.

Yes, he chose to get close to dangerous animals because like firemen, policemen, etc...he LOVED his job.

He was so full of joy and life when you'd see him on TV. They just played his interview from a couple of years ago on my local morning radio show and the last thing they played him saying was that he was meant to preserve these animals...that's why he was put here. :)

My heart goes out to Terri, Bindi and lil' Bob. :(

I just think people mean that they are not surprised that he died. I don't think anyone means that he deserved it for being reckless. At least I hope that's not what they mean.

It is such a freak thing to have happened. :( He is one of 3 - 17 people to have ever been killed by a stingray, according to the article Brian posted above. That's just insane. I have been on a cruise where we were swimming with stingrays and there was no thought that they might be dangerous and no warning either.

Personally I did wish Irwin would take fewer risks being a father. It sounds though like he did take safety more seriously than was apparent on television and that this was just one of those things. The spiritual part of me thinks that there must be a reason for this and it will be for the greater good, eventually. :(

My heart goes out to his family. :angel:

[skcin]

For some reason, this news did shock me. :shocked: Very sad. I feel for his wife & their kids.

[DrummerDeanna]

I fell for his wife & their kids.


Geez, Paula - the woman just lost her husband...wait a few weeks before professing your love ;)

Just kidding -- I too feel very bad for his wife and kids - he and his wife seemed like such a great couple - both all "wild-lifey" and he just adored those kids....the whole thing is absolutely heartbreaking :distress:

And Christy - I like your analogy and I agree.

[skcin]

Geez, Paula - the woman just lost her husband...wait a few weeks before professing your love ;)

Just kidding -- I too feel very bad for his wife and kids - he and his wife seemed like such a great couple - both all "wild-lifey" and he just adored those kids....the whole thing is absolutely heartbreaking :distress:

And Christy - I like your analogy and I agree.

Bitch. :cool:

[DrummerDeanna]

Bitch. :cool:


:cool:

Was it in poor taste? Yes.


Could I help myself? No.

[BTFLCHLD]

A freak accident really... RIP Steve.

This reminds of John Denver dying while in flight with an ultralight...people do things they enjoy that put them in harms way but that doesn't stop them even knowing the risks involved. If I don't go in a gentle sleep, I hope it's a 180 off a coastal cliff...:cool:

[Enchanted_Stevi]

I remember when John Denver died. My grammy was devistated. She has this plate with him on it. Steve bought 60,000 acres and did nothin with it just to save the animals. Steve's parents bought like over 100,000 acres. I hope that Terri and the kids will continue what Steve is doing(not the croc wrestling) but the saving of animals and bringing the world into their own world and teach us more about the many animals


A freak accident really... RIP Steve.

This reminds of John Denver dying while in flight with an ultralight...people do things they enjoy that put them in harms way but that doesn't stop them even knowing the risks involved. If I don't go in a gentle sleep, I hope it's a 180 off a coastal cliff...:cool:

[DavidMn]

Ya know, while I'm terribly sorry it happened, and I mourn for his wife and children, I'm suprised this hasen't happened sooner. Just watching him, he really took his chances.But the guy knew what he was doing. Not saying you didnt think he did, but this was really a freak thing.

[bikerchic]

Here's a link to some really cute (and sad) cartoons as a tribute to Steve.

Caution: Have a tissue handy

http://www.cagle.com/news/SteveIrwin/main.asp

[BTFLCHLD]

I hope they don't release the footage. I remember when Vic Morrow died while filming (his head was decapitated by a helicopter blade) and they released the footage. I will be just as disgusted with people's desire to see now as I was then.

[DrummerDeanna]

I hope they don't release the footage. I remember when Vic Morrow died while filming (his head was decapitated by a helicopter blade) and they released the footage. I will be just as disgusted with people's desire to see now as I was then.

I've been thinking the same thing - sadly I think it's almost inevitable...:distress:

[bikerchic]

^^ Steve's manager said on Larry King last night that when he gets the tape back from the police that he will be burning it. He said that he will never let that tape be seen. I guess though, it will probably be copied and leaked somewhere between the police and him. As terrible as it is, and with everything we do now being caught on tape and the power of the internet, it was just a matter of time before we were faced with stuff like this.

[DrummerDeanna]

^^

Right, the manager said that - but there's this whole chunk of time the tape isn't in his control. I hope the authorities handling it aren't as corrupt as some U-S authorities who wouldn't blink an eye at selling something like that to the media. It's sad - but it's a reality in this world - what's worse is that there is even a market for something like that and that people would want to see that :distress: I hope it doesn't get leaked!

[estranged4life]

I hope they don't release the footage. I remember when Vic Morrow died while filming (his head was decapitated by a helicopter blade) and they released the footage. I will be just as disgusted with people's desire to see now as I was then.

how morbid some people are in this sick world, that footage will make its way onto the internet (The same way the footage of Dimebag Darrell's murder did a few months back.)

[Kelly]

Not sure what the heck this is supposed to mean, since I already said what I "thought of him" - I said I was saddened and I described him as "dedicated and passionate."

Thems fightin' words, I guess. :rolleyes:


WTF? What are you talking about? There are plenty of people who did not like his style, had a problem with what he did with his son, etc. Its not about you...:rolleyes: Whatever those people thought of him, the good he did will be missed...period. :shrug:

[Miss Vicky]

WTF? What are you talking about? There are plenty of people who did not like his style, had a problem with what he did with his son, etc. Its not about you...:rolleyes: Whatever those people thought of him, the good he did will be missed...period. :shrug:

But you didn't say "Whatever those people thought of him" you said "whatever you thought of him" and did so in a reply to my post. I took that as an implication that I thought badly of him. If you had meant "you" in the broader sense, you might have chosen better wording. Misunderstandings are all too easy on messageboards.

[GODDESS6]

i just watched the televised memorial for steve irwin~ omgoodness was it heartbreaking~ they had alot of the animals there & his truck which took 1 final trip~ the saddest part tho was when his little bindi so eloquently spoke of him being her daddy & how shw wanted to carry on his wrk, but most of all he was fun~ man did i bawl~ some guy read a poem about being friends w/ steve & his 6 yr old telling him of the croc hunter's passing & the guy, i forget his name, said his daughter explained it best, that the croc's were now crying~ very gut wrenching, but inspiring about the wrk he has done~

[Grainuaile]

some guy read a poem about being friends w/ steve & his 6 yr old telling him of the croc hunter's passing & the guy, i forget his name, said his daughter explained it best, that the croc's were now crying~ very gut wrenching, but inspiring about the wrk he has done~

It was David Wenham, an Australian actor. He didn't write the poem though, just read it.

I watched too, and bawled like a baby. I hope that Bindi will grow up and take over her dad's work. It was a very sweet speech she gave.