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.
My two boys have grown up watching the “Croc Hunter.” My wife and I have loved seeing Steve’s love for animals and his great sense of humor. You will be missed.
Lord, please bless Terri and the kids with strength and peace during this difficult time.
God Bless him, he brought joy to millions all over the world and will be missed in SO many ways. but he went doing what he loved, and that has to count for something…
What an amazing character. Well done, Steve. You brought us closer to the world around us. Well done.
Saddest part of this is, I was thinking about heading there next year to visit his Zoo and try to meet him…
I ended up on picking Europe instead.
Anyone else thinking about the wife and children?
I am upset by his death (as I imagine everyone should be) but Father is gone. Money and fame doesn’t replace that.
Rob Baker,
Appreciate your point about the media in general, but that’s not a Fox News Channel story.
Check the byline. It’s an AP story. The same one I’ve seen on many other web sites tonight.
Probably the only stories you’ll see on US web sites for the next several hours are wire service. One of the problems of having news break in the middle of the night on a holiday weekend.
Sad to see him go in his prime. I get shivers thinking about dying with a regulator in my mouth as it is.
At least he died doing what he enjoyed and “with his boots on.”
Unfortunately, as shown above, the scavengers have already begun with their bits of negativity.
A tragedy, surely, but not one that was wholly unexpected. I mean, I’ve watched as Irwin picked up poisonous snakes, poked at sharks, walked up to Komodo Dragons, hand-fed crocodiles … if everyone has a certain reserve of luck, then Irwin used his up about a decade ago.
And my suspicion is that no one was more aware of the dangers Irwin was facing than Irwin.
SS
man i kind of feel like i was to blame just a couple of nighta ago i was watching the show with him and the tiger sharks i said he was going to die real soon i wish i would of never uttered them words god bless his family steve you will be missed but not forgotton
That is really messed up that the man had to die like that…..very ironic that the very thing he loved to do is the very thing that killed him
A definite tragedy…for the World. America will miss him!
It’s very sad. This guy give me at least 2 times a week on TV show a strong sensation all the time. I will miss him. It was an outstanding adventure man.
What a shame. My condolances go out to his family, and I hope they managed to get word out to Terri. (She was off camping when this happened)
I can hardly believe that this news, which I heard it first on radio, is true. I liked very much his shows and from now, I will miss him for sure.
Crikey!
Steve will surely be missed.
RIP Steve.
THE fatal stingray attack on Steve Irwin may have occurred because the animal was startled or frightened, an expert said today.
What would we do without experts?
omg…
i can’t believe he actually died =(
i never really watched his shows but i know he was a great actor. Even though i didn’t watch his shows, i still see him as a very famous person. It makes me so sad to hear that he was dead. I thought the guy on the radio was lying but when i searched it on the internet it was really true. May God bring peace to his family. RIP Steve Irwin. We will never forget u
I honestly don’t Believe what happened…I thought he was Invincible but i guess no one is, I mean he wrestles with crocodiles and other dagerous creatures for a living, but at least he died doing what he loved. I loved watching his shows
R.I.P. Steve Irwin.
We’ve enjoyed you over the years.
Sincere condolences to your family and to all of Australia who have lost such a wonderful champion of some of the beauty of their continent.
More friends from the USA,
The Fiene Family
This is very sad news. Steve Irwin was a very interesting person and fun to watch. I learned a lot from him thru his programs,and he will be missed!!! So very sad!
I never watched tv enough to ever see his show-I did see that clip of him holding his son and thought he flipped his lid. Very sad when anyone so young dies. But animals –will always be animals just ask zigfreid or was it roy?
RIP and prayers for his wife and young children
So sad, he was a good person and I loved how he loved animals. He had a great personality and did such a fun show.
Truly tragic. I do offer this one observation mates, he died as he lived. He did what he loved to do and embraced the danger to encounter the deadliest of animals.
Have you ever seen anyone with more enthusiasm for his work? I suspect it is in the blood. I have a feeling we will be watching his son follow in his father’s footsteps several years from now.
R.I.P. Steve Irwin.
Because of this accident, Im sure many on the left will now insist all kids wear a flak jacket whenever entering the ocean.
I was so afraid something like this would happen to him someday. The odds of it not were against him. I’m still bummed by it. Despite his over-the-top risk taking, I liked the man and I feel for Terri and the children.
I couldnt believe it when I heard it! The Crocodile Hunter dead!! I always loved him. He was like a role model to me. I had watched that show and loved him ever since I was 4. I’m sure he will be dearly missed and I hope Terri and his kids will find out soon.
We will all be praying for them
R.I.P Crocodile Hunter! R.I.P
Holly
I dident really care when he was alive but now that his dead im like dammmnnn i realy enjoyed his performance on t.v
R.I.P CROCODILE HUNTER R.I.P
Wow! I’m so shocked right now no one will believe! I watched steves show when i was 6 and now im 13. I could do an empersonation of this guy u wouldent bleieve was real. I know steve will be missed by many encluding myself.
R.I.P Steve
:[
Damn im gunna miss his tv programs!
What a huge loss! We loved you, Steve. May God bless and keep you and be with your family during this incredibly hard time. =(
What a shame…. R.I.P.
Well, swim with sharks and sleep with the fishes. Reports said he “came on top of the sting ray and was stung in the heart”. My advice: that’s the sort of thing best reserved for socks and kleenex. Not venemous animals. Still, Steve seemed like a nice guy when he wasn’t taunting dangerous creatures or almost feeding his son to an aligator.
What an inspiring man, died doing what he loved and will no doubt be watching down from heaven still saying how the sting ray was a beut!
R.I.P
OMG!! i cant believe he’s gone!! One of the most shcking things i have ever heard!
I really feel for his family!!
Rest In Peace..
steve was a good man that didnt deserve to die, he lived life to the full R.I.P crocodile hunter 🙁
R.I.P. Steve.
At least you went out they way you would’ve wanted to, doing what you loved most.
Steve was a wonderful ambassador for animals, terri and his family must be very proud of him.he truly was unique, i hope terri finds the strength to continue their work.May he rest in peace and amy terri and family find some peace in knowing he died doing what he loved, not many of us can say that.
alan Ireland
i give my sympathy to the family most of it to the children R.I.P
I also can’t believe this news. I have been watching Steve since the beginning and my first thought of him was that he was crazy. But since have realized his actual precautions for his own safety. I just don’t want to believe it yet. I would like to offer my condolences to Terri his wife and bindy and bob, his children. I could only say to them is that they had a great father. And for terry that she had a very devoted husband. One thing is that Steve will never be forgotten. I have so much respect for Steve and his family. Terry please know that we mourne with you. All my respects to you and your family.
Deeply, saddend big fan.
Joe Gonzalez
As Steve would have said about his life, “It was a BEAUT!”.. Gonna Miss Ya Steve, DAMNIT!~!!!!!!
All day since i found out at 9:36 that MY HERO, died i just cant stop cryin but i have to suck it up, because i DO KNOW FOR A FACT..Steve”Crocidile Hunter”Irwin is with GOD..by all means he rest in peace..and his family will NEVER FORGET THE GREATEST FATHER,HUSBAND and, HERO to all ages from new born and through.. NOONE WILL FORGET YOU STEVE. We all already miss you NOTHING WILL BE THE SAME ANYMORE..especially for your Friends and Family who knew and loved you..!
Your Best Friend,
Whitney Young
Gawd After so long and how much work and interaction with dangerous animals, its unbelievable the crocodile hunter is dead. He truly was a legend. I feel sorry for terri and especially the children, they are really young. He died in action and he will always be remembered.
R.I.P Steve, we will always remember you! xxx
God must have needed someone to handle the T-Rexes in the Celestial Zoo. HE couldn’t have found anyone better.
Go with God, Steve Irwin. You’ll be missed.
J.
As Stevo has said, he wanted to be remembered for his enthusiasm, passion, and conservationism. So many have said in their posts one or more of these about him…so he will live on! Thank you for all you have done.
As a lover of animals and one who volunteers over at the local no-kill cat/kitten shelter, I am sadden to hear about the passing of Steve Irwin. His passion for animals and conservation was shown in the tv shows that Animal Planet showed on a regular basis. He is also a lesson in the need to take care of all God’s animal creatures. He will be missed. God rest your soul Steve and my condolences to your wife and family.
Steve Irwin was fearless. He enjoyed his life immensly and had the awesome opportunity to share his passion with the world. He didn’t spend his life dreaming – he actually lived his dream!
The effort Steve put forth in his life is a lesson for all. In the end, we all will die, for it is only a matter of time. Should we live each day focusing on the small stuff, or should we spend enjoying everything life has to offer? No matter how long or short our lifetimes will be, better to spend it doing something we love with the people we love.
God Bless the Irwin family in this time of sorrow and God speed to Steve, a man who lived life to the fullest.
Lived his life the way I want to live my life , with great enthusiasm. You will be greatly missed Steve Irwin.
God bless You Steve Irwin
What a powerful life energy!
The world just became a bit more of a boring place. His absence is going too be missed by myself.
RIP, he sure went out doing what he loved his way.
I sure figured that he was going to get tagged by a pissed off reptilian though.
i found out yesterday… it didn’t hit me until today… ive been crying for hours… i started watchin when i wuz 5 now im 13… we gunna miss u saying “CRIKIE..AIN’T THAT A BEUT?!?!?” Rest in peace please. Whoever says he was crazy or stupid has no heart… his two children wont have a dad to grow up with… his wife has only just now found out.. its a darn shame. I hate stingrays…(-( :-(((((((((((((((((