Crocodile Hunter Steve Irwin was Killed (Wizbang)

And no, he wasn't killed by a croc. Unfortunately, his wife may not know yet:

THE Crocodile Hunter, Steve Irwin, is dead.

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

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

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

Ambulance officers confirmed they attended a reef fatality this morning at Batt Reef off Port Douglas.

Irwin's body is being flown to Cairns.

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

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

The father of two'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.

That's a shame. Steve was an interesting fellow, but considering his proclivity for extreme animal adventures, I guess I'm not completely surprised. Hat tip Drudge.

Update: Reuters has more:

SYDNEY (Reuters) - Steve Irwin, the quirky Australian naturalist who won worldwide acclaim, has died in a marine accident off Australia's northeast coast, local media reported on Monday.

Queensland state government sources quoted by Australian Associated Press (AAP) said Irwin, 44, whose television show "The Crocodile Hunter" won international acclaim and popularized the phrase "Crikey", was believed to have been killed by a stingray barb that pierced his chest.

He was filming an underwater documentary off Port Douglas when the accident occurred, the report said.

Sky Television also reported that Irwin had been stung by a sting ray.

Australian emergency officials could not immediately confirm the reports.

Irwin won a global following for his daredevil antics but also triggered outrage in 2004 by holding his then one-month-old baby while feeding a snapping crocodile at his Australian zoo.

Update II: Australia's Courier Mail:

He dealt daily with all manner of dangerous creatures ... giant crocodiles, poisonous snakes, komodo dragons ... but it was a less obvious hazard that claimed the life of Steve Irwin.

Irwin had taken calculated risks with all sorts of wildlife for decades, relying on his knowledge of animal behaviour and personal experience to beat the odds.

For someone who spent so much time around killer animals, Irwin seemed to leave a charmed life.

So his demise was all the more shocking because it apparently involved a stingray, an animal regarded as dangerous but not as a killer.

It is understood that Irwin was swimming off the Low Isles off Port Douglas filming a documentary, a task Irwin has carried out on countless occasions.

Yet this time, Irwin, ever so careful around danger, was taken unawares when, apparently, a sting ray he was filming struck out with its tail, the venomous barbs fatally embedding in his chest.

The death brought to an end a career that began with his father's Sunshine Coast theme park and developed into an international empire in which Irwin was a globally recognised brand.

Working with his American-born wife Terri, and later, children his Bindi and Bob, the Irwin phenomenon continued to grow.

He was as recognised in the USA as he was here, and was one of the best-known Australians on the planet.

Update III: Australia's News.com:

THE fatal stingray attack on Steve Irwin may have occurred because the animal was startled or frightened, an expert said today.

Victoria Brims, a marine life expert from Oceanworld in Sydney, said the stingray that killed Irwin was most likely provoked.

"I am aware he was filming a documentary and his documentaries are usually very hands on. I can only assume that he had some kind of hands on or close contact with the animal who like us when we get afraid defended itself," Ms Brims said.

Brims also said that for a sting to result in death the person involved had to be stung close to the heart and also have a reaction to the sting.

"For the most part people get stung on the foot when they accidentally tread on a ray and this can be no worse than a bacterial infection," Ms Brims said.

"Their barbs are very strong and release poison if touched. It must have got him right near the heart but the barb would not have gone through his chest."

Update IV: News.com is also saying that a stingray barb is as deadly as a bayonet.

Update V: According to marine experts quoted in ABC News Online, a stingray barb in the chest is almost impossible to survive because of the stingray's protein-based venom that damages the heart. Seventeen people worldwide have been killed by stingrays and they were all hit in the trunk.

Comments (126)

This, honestly, is one of t... (Below threshold)

1. Posted by MikeSC | September 4, 2006 1:11 AM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)

MikeSC:

This, honestly, is one of the most shocking things I've read in a while.

Posted on September 4, 2006 01:11

aw man. this guy was the be... (Below threshold)

2. Posted by flipRico | September 4, 2006 1:16 AM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)

flipRico:

aw man. this guy was the best. why did he have to die. this is soo sick, i loved watching his shows when there was nothing to do. he is was a hero to me. aw man.

omg....

Posted on September 4, 2006 01:16

this is super sad. when i f... (Below threshold)

3. Posted by lisa | September 4, 2006 1:20 AM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)

lisa:

this is super sad. when i first read this i didnt even believe it but then i read it on some other sites.

=[ RIP Steve Irwin

Posted on September 4, 2006 01:20

That’s terrible news; great... (Below threshold)

4. Posted by Adrian Sender | September 4, 2006 1:21 AM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)

Adrian Sender:

That’s terrible news; great guy –

You cannot release this stuff to the press without his wife knowing also.

Posted on September 4, 2006 01:21

i know he was cool, watta a... (Below threshold)

5. Posted by nas | September 4, 2006 1:21 AM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)

nas:

i know he was cool, watta aussie icon, damn it but i feel so guilty, i cant help but see the irony of the crocodile hunter being killed by a stingray, now hell yeah stingrays are evil little bastards but i find it kind of tantamount to a lion tamer being killed by a monkey, damn irony! and he has 2 kids! omg how sad =(. poor guy n his family, gah i hate it that hes dead it soo sucks!! `stralia zoo wont never be the same.

This is very sad news. Stev... (Below threshold)

6. Posted by David & Anita | September 4, 2006 1:23 AM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)

David & Anita:

This is very sad news. Steve was a wonderful man passionate about everything he undertook.
Our condolences to his wife, family and team at their sad loss. We will miss him very much

Posted on September 4, 2006 01:23

steve irwin was a great aus... (Below threshold)

7. Posted by fi and jess | September 4, 2006 1:24 AM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)

fi and jess:

steve irwin was a great australian hero. we are in georgraphy and should be working but this is such a shock he will be remembered for his famous quote "crikey" and sadly missed....
RIP STEVE

Posted on September 4, 2006 01:24

Aw, damn. No...RI... (Below threshold)

8. Posted by JLawson | September 4, 2006 1:25 AM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)

JLawson:

Aw, damn. No...

RIP, sir. You made a lot of friends you never met...

Posted on September 4, 2006 01:25

Funny he should die like th... (Below threshold)

9. Posted by andrew blake | September 4, 2006 1:26 AM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)

andrew blake:

Funny he should die like that, was expecting him to die of snake poisoning or being eaten by a shark or something.. the crazy guy was messing with all those little animals for no reason... what was he thinging? well everything must come to an end in this world and I guess it was time up for him..

Posted on September 4, 2006 01:26

i am really actually sad, i... (Below threshold)

10. Posted by Phil I. | September 4, 2006 1:26 AM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)

Phil I.:

i am really actually sad, i watch (watched) this guy and i never could imagine him dead

i'm sure it will hit me tommorow that he's actually dead

R.I.P. Steve "Crocodile Hunter" Irwin

I cant beleive that steve i... (Below threshold)

11. Posted by Jono | September 4, 2006 1:40 AM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)

Jono:

I cant beleive that steve irwin could be dead, at first i was hoping some mongrel had lied and told the media a BS story that steve had died. But then i searched and everyone is saying he's dead.
I feel so sorry for his children and wife, I mean this was one man that was so passionate about his family! I have no idea how poor little Bindi and Bob are going to cope growing up without there father. This is one death of a celebrity that truly brings a tear to my eye. And I think I can safely say that everyone that has a heart and cares about this man will also be deeply saddened by this tragic accident.

Rest In Peace Mate!

Posted on September 4, 2006 01:40

Kind of ironic that he WASN... (Below threshold)

12. Posted by No Name | September 4, 2006 1:43 AM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)

No Name:

Kind of ironic that he WASN'T killed by a croc. I didn't even know you could die from a sting ray. I've swam around then tons of times before.

Posted on September 4, 2006 01:43

Poor steve irwin...you will... (Below threshold)

13. Posted by Adam S | September 4, 2006 1:44 AM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)

Adam S:

Poor steve irwin...you will be missed everywhere buddy...stingrays must die...

Posted on September 4, 2006 01:44

I love animals and nature, ... (Below threshold)

14. Posted by David Harvey | September 4, 2006 1:46 AM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)

David Harvey:

I love animals and nature, he was my hero. I wanted to do something of this nature myself: he was funny, exciting, adventurous, a real maverick. I lived my dreams through his documentaries vacariously. I salute you and your memory. May God give your family peace in his passing and promotion to glory.

To Terry, we are not forgotten as long as one of us on earth recalls his name and face. When no one recalls, we shall be together forever in eternity in love with God.

May God have mercy on your soul as you did all those injured animals to be rescued and may he forgive you any sins you may have done.

Sincerely,
David Harvey
Odessa, Ukraine

Posted on September 4, 2006 01:46

"I knew that croc would get... (Below threshold)

15. Posted by Dulci | September 4, 2006 1:51 AM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)

Dulci:

"I knew that croc would get 'im!" Only, it wasn't a croc. I thought he was invincible. So sad. Conservation needs reckless fools to protect the wild. I can't imagine another one willing to get those close shots or show us the bellyside view of animals that most people fear. Steve Irwin embodied all that I thought of Australia---fearless in laughter and love, unafraid of the earth he lived on. I still remember him choking up with empathy at the horrific events of September 11, speaking in such a heartfelt manner to the American viewers about something he truly did not understand---the hatred and violence of men. He was a childlike man whose love and enthusiasm served as a lesson on how to be of the world you are born into, regardless of the bewildering politics it sometimes thrusts upon us.

Much sympathy for Terri, Bindi, Bob, and Steve's family, his dad and sisters. We loved him, y'all.

Posted on September 4, 2006 01:51

oh my god.. i think imma cr... (Below threshold)

16. Posted by Jen | September 4, 2006 1:52 AM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)

Jen:

oh my god.. i think imma cry =[ thats so sad!!! i liked him

Posted on September 4, 2006 01:52

stunned and shocked. what a... (Below threshold)

17. Posted by sam | September 4, 2006 1:53 AM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)

sam:

stunned and shocked. what a shame.

Posted on September 4, 2006 01:53

Well, hell.... (Below threshold)

18. Posted by CERDIP | September 4, 2006 1:54 AM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)

CERDIP:

Well, hell.

Posted on September 4, 2006 01:54

This is quite a shock to me... (Below threshold)

19. Posted by Nellery | September 4, 2006 1:55 AM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)

Nellery:

This is quite a shock to me actually. All of us know that we always picked on that guy, saying that he'd die at any moment doing those crazy things. But the reality hits you when you realize he actually did die from a crazy stunt. It makes me feel somewhat guilty actually. RIP, Crocodile Hunter... You will be missed.

Posted on September 4, 2006 01:55

my god. we will miss you st... (Below threshold)

20. Posted by mcg | September 4, 2006 1:57 AM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)

mcg:

my god. we will miss you steve irwin
RIP

Posted on September 4, 2006 01:57

My family loved to watch al... (Below threshold)

21. Posted by Friends in the USA | September 4, 2006 1:57 AM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)

Friends in the USA:

My family loved to watch all Steve's adventures. He was a true family man that seemed to be a very happy person. The world will truly miss this man. My deepest sympathy goes out to his wife, children, family and co-workers. I am from Tennessee in the U.S.A. God Bless you all,

We will pray for your family!
Friends in the USA

Steve Irwin is a great exam... (Below threshold)

22. Posted by Neville | September 4, 2006 1:58 AM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)

Neville:

Steve Irwin is a great example of someone who was driven by "pure passion".

Posted on September 4, 2006 01:58

This guy made me appreciate... (Below threshold)

23. Posted by hondaman | September 4, 2006 2:01 AM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)

hondaman:

This guy made me appreciate animals in a way I never had. His compassion and enthusiasm for animals was very infectious.

He will be missed by many people, present and future, and this is one man that the world will miss.

Posted on September 4, 2006 02:01

He made my children so happ... (Below threshold)

24. Posted by John | September 4, 2006 2:05 AM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)

John:

He made my children so happy... It is so very sad.

Posted on September 4, 2006 02:05

The way Steve was am sure h... (Below threshold)

25. Posted by Patty | September 4, 2006 2:05 AM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)

Patty:

The way Steve was am sure he was not just watching the stingray swim by. They are not aggressive so something went wrong . I remember my dive instructor said "There are OLD divers and there are BOLD divers but there are no OLD BOLD divers". I will miss Steve and his wonderful enthusiasm and that facinating accent. He was too young to die. I can't believe it. Patty

This comment was deleted. A... (Below threshold)

26. Posted by Patty Hater | September 4, 2006 2:07 AM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)

Patty Hater:

This comment was deleted. Any more nasty comments made about anyone else will be junked and banned.

Posted on September 4, 2006 02:07

why do they call him a croc... (Below threshold)

27. Posted by YO HIZZLE | September 4, 2006 2:09 AM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)

YO HIZZLE:

why do they call him a croc hunter when he does documentaries? well anywayz hes the best! fo shizzle ma nizzle@

Posted on September 4, 2006 02:09

Iam realy devestated to her... (Below threshold)

28. Posted by Justin Freeman | September 4, 2006 2:09 AM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)

Justin Freeman:

Iam realy devestated to here about this tragedy steve was a real idol to me and my family and i know he touched many other families alike i belive and hope that every one will join me tonite under the stars at 8 pm in memory to steve and yell out as he would put it "Crikey" I would also like to send out my heart felt sorry to Terri and the children god bless you all in your hour of need, Australia feels for you all and is there to see you through, loving thaughts Justin Freeman and family . RIP Steve .

Sometimes the news really s... (Below threshold)

29. Posted by Rick | September 4, 2006 2:10 AM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)

Rick:

Sometimes the news really sucks. This story tops the list. Crikey! Why couldn't it have been a plane crash, liver disease, or bird flu instead of a fish attack? One cannot call this an accident. Stingrays defend themselves when they feel threatened. Our mate, Steve, was doing his thing...and sting happens. I'm very bummed about this loss. Crikey, you bloody maniac. You are already missed by the animal kingdom. Who will save the world now?

Posted on September 4, 2006 02:10

I think people need to lear... (Below threshold)

30. Posted by Nat Lockwood | September 4, 2006 2:11 AM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)

Nat Lockwood:

I think people need to learn some respect. I am so sorry about this, I was soppused to be working with him next year, in my 'University workinf
g year' and I can't believe he's gone. I'm so sad, I was convinced something freaky would kill him, but I'm shocked it's happened to him at such a young age of 44, rather than when he was older and say something was quicker than him. This is terrible. I know he'd not want us to be angry with the creature, as that's what he's all about, but you can't help it. I'm mad at the deer for harming Cristano da Matta racing driver also. So freaky animals can cause so much trouble.

Posted on September 4, 2006 02:11

To Steve "Crocodile Hunter"... (Below threshold)

31. Posted by Falcon | September 4, 2006 2:26 AM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)

Falcon:

To Steve "Crocodile Hunter" Irwin - R.I.P. May God bless you and keep you.

To the Irwin family - May God comfort you in your time of enormous sorrow and grief.

Posted on September 4, 2006 02:26

At first I thought it had t... (Below threshold)

32. Posted by Synova | September 4, 2006 2:31 AM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)

Synova:

At first I thought it had to be a bad joke and now I'm sorry that it wasn't. :-(

How terrible.

Posted on September 4, 2006 02:31

I wouldn't wish the fellow ... (Below threshold)

33. Posted by Ric | September 4, 2006 2:33 AM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)

Ric:

I wouldn't wish the fellow any harm, but what honestly made him so "great"?

Playing with snakes and alligators makes you great these days?

Posted on September 4, 2006 02:33

REALLY SUX! I feel for his... (Below threshold)

34. Posted by Elton Trym | September 4, 2006 2:37 AM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)

Elton Trym:

REALLY SUX! I feel for his family. I hope children know how proud everyone was of their father.

A damn stingray ! Almost like superman dead from a mosquito bite.....well anyway he lived his life. I wonder how many of these bloggers are really living theirs?????

Posted on September 4, 2006 02:37

Oh no, not Steve Irwin... H... (Below threshold)

35. Posted by Matt the Rat | September 4, 2006 2:39 AM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)

Matt the Rat:

Oh no, not Steve Irwin... He was one of the good guys. Why couldn't it be a gangsta rapper or corrupt politician? Why the Croc Hunter? He has made more positive contributions to the world than any of those other guys.
My prayers to his family.

Matt.Rat, Oregon, USA

Posted on September 4, 2006 02:39

I can't beleive it either.... (Below threshold)

36. Posted by Jon Sanjewi | September 4, 2006 2:44 AM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)

Jon Sanjewi:

I can't beleive it either. He was the best! We love you Steve! Hopefully your kiddies take your place!

36. Posted by Jon Sanjewi | September 4, 2006 2:44 AM |

Crocodile Hunter Steve Irwin was Killed

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Comments (126)