Reports: Stingray kills 'Crocodile Hunter'

[golddustwoman77]

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

[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...

[Enchanted_Stevi]

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

Originally Posted by irishgrl

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

[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]

Originally Posted by Enchanted_Stevi

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

[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.

Originally Posted by 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.

[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. I know that's ridiculous - but when I came into work and saw he'd died - I was surprised - and very sad

[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.

Originally Posted by 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. I know that's ridiculous - but when I came into work and saw he'd died - I was surprised - and very sad

[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.