Reports: Stingray kills 'Crocodile Hunter'

gldstwmn · #1 09-04-2006, 12:40 AM

http://www.cnn.com/2006/WORLD/asiapc...win/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 · #2 09-04-2006, 12:55 AM

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.

goldustsongbird · #3 09-04-2006, 03:33 PM

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?

. I liked him and I'm glad he was able to do what he always wanted to do with his life.

wondergirl9847 · #4 09-05-2006, 10:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 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.

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 · #5 09-05-2006, 10:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wondergirl9847

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.

skcin · #6 09-05-2006, 11:42 AM

For some reason, this news did shock me.

Very sad. I feel for his wife & their kids.

DavidMn · #7 09-05-2006, 05:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 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.

But the guy knew what he was doing. Not saying you didnt think he did, but this was really a freak thing.

bikerchic · #8 09-06-2006, 12:26 PM

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 · #9 09-06-2006, 12:52 PM

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 · #10 09-06-2006, 12:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 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.

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

estranged4life · #11 09-06-2006, 01:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 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.

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.)

amber · #12 09-04-2006, 01:04 AM

Oh no! I love him.

His kids are so young, too. Kind of an amazing guy, really.

Ha, that's pretty dramatic, he's probably glad he went out that way. I mean what with his work and all.

Red · #13 09-04-2006, 01:15 AM

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

Karlie · #14 09-04-2006, 01:51 AM

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

gldstwmn · #15 09-04-2006, 01:52 AM

http://www.mote.org/index.php?src=ge...h&submenu=INFO

What is the sting?

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."