Steve Irwin, also known as The Crocodile Hunter, has been killed. Aussie media and CNN are reporting that he was killed by a stingray barb that went through his chest. He was snorkeling at north Queensland's Batt Reef at the time, where he was filming an underwater documentary. A friend of his told CNN that Irwin accidentally swam up on top of a stingray in the sand and it attacked, out of self defense.
Steve Irwin became a reptile enthusiast at a young age. He was only eight years old when his father moved the family to Queensland and opened up a small reptile park. Irwin took over the family business in 1991 and turned it into the Australia Zoo. According to Wikipedia, The Crocodile Hunter television show was created in 1992 from footage of crocodile trapping/antics on his honeymoon with his American wife, Terri. His outrageous personality made him an instant hit in the United States.
Irwin was 44 years old. He leaves behind a wife, Terri, and two young children, Bob and Bindi.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 21)
9-04-2006 @ 1:14AM
Donna said...
Rest in Peace Steve and God Bless you're family. My kids Love you, they will be broken hearted tomorrow morning.
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9-04-2006 @ 1:22AM
Billy said...
Rest in peace brother Steve you will be missed.
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9-04-2006 @ 1:23AM
Jessica said...
God bless you Steve irwin, a tragic event that will no doubt shock the nation and further abroad. My heart goes out to his family and 2 young children.
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9-04-2006 @ 1:26AM
Ali said...
RIP, I am speechless, my kids sure enjoyed his shows.
Tragic.
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9-04-2006 @ 1:27AM
Karl Ditchburn said...
REST IN PEACE MATE.
YOU ARE A LEGEND WE VERY AUSSIE IS GOING TO MISS YOU.
FAIR WELL.
BEST WISHERS TO YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS.
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9-04-2006 @ 1:28AM
Annie Wu said...
I keep waiting for someone to tell me that this is a joke. I can't even begin to explain how startled I am. I grew up watching his shows.
Wow.
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9-04-2006 @ 1:30AM
Nadia said...
I am shocked and saddened by this news. I loved watching his shows. My sympathies to his wife and children as well as the rest of his family and friends....
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9-04-2006 @ 1:30AM
Richard said...
Rest in Peace Steve Irwin,you are still my idol
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9-04-2006 @ 1:30AM
Diann said...
Rest in Peace Steve, it's so sad to hear what happened, we are still in shock. You gave us many hours of knowledge and laughter. You will be missed tremendously. GOD BLESS this wonderful man.
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9-04-2006 @ 1:32AM
Jim Keating said...
Bless you Steve. You brought us lots of joy and entertained us for
may=ny years. May GOD bless your wife and children too.
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9-04-2006 @ 1:34AM
Lena said...
Unbelievable. Terrible news.
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9-04-2006 @ 1:35AM
Brett said...
It's a sad day. Steve Irwin was one of a kind.
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9-04-2006 @ 1:36AM
michelle said...
I feel so so sad. My heart goes out to his beautiful family. Coming from New Zealand and watching his shows with my 10 year old son I find it hard to believe he's gone. Steve Irwin seemed so invinsable!!! What a shock. All our thoughts to your family and friends Steve. xx
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9-04-2006 @ 1:36AM
Melissa said...
You made wildlife and dangerous creatures so interesting and enjoyable to learn about. Rest in peace. God bless your wife and children.
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9-04-2006 @ 1:37AM
justin said...
im in shock, one of my heroes, sad sad news, rest in peace mate
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9-04-2006 @ 1:38AM
Jeanette said...
We on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland are devastated by his death....a great ambassador for the region, wildlife and Australia in general.
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9-04-2006 @ 1:40AM
Sally Kelly said...
What a sad day for the family and friends of steve and Australia in general you were a true ambassador for everything australian...you will be sadly missed
my heart goes out to Terri, Bindi and bob and the rest of the immediate family .....
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9-04-2006 @ 1:41AM
Damsta n nicksta said...
Steve you were one in a mil! Thanks for entertaining us over so many years.. u will never be replaced!!! We'll miss you buddy!! x x x x
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9-04-2006 @ 1:43AM
Mike Friganiotis said...
Although stingrays can be deadly, they are usually very placid, and avoid people in the water. They do not aggressively attack. It may not have been the stingray's fault....I guess more will be revealed in due course.
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9-04-2006 @ 1:43AM
Janet said...
Deeply saddened by this news......Thoughts and Pryers to his family and Loved ones
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