Steve Irwin (crocodile hunter) dies..........

[Tink's Pixieduster]

Steve Irwin was one of those remarkable people who are larger than life. Although his technique of teaching us about wildlife was over the top, it was because of his unconcealed enthusiasm. Although like millions of others I only got to know him through his television show, I don't believe there was a contrived thing about him.

A few years ago, Steve came to the US to shoot some shows about American wildlife and visited a place my ancestors came from, the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, where he filmed a sequence about timber rattlesnakes which are plentiful there. While watching this show all I could think of was, "Are you nuts?" Yeah, he was, but in a good way.

I feel confident that the work he started will be carried on by Terri and the staff at Australia Zoo. Although no one could ever replace Steve, his love of animals seems to have been instilled in Bindi, and very likely with Bob, and perhaps some day we will see one or both of them picking up where their father left off.

God rest you, Steve. Now, go have a game of fetch with Sui.

 

[MickeyMouseGal]

Those of us who work with animals for a living know there is a good chance of getting injured, but I'm still shocked.
RIP Steve. God bless you and your family during this difficult time.

 

[noseybuddy]

Just saw the article on the internet. So Sad.

 

[Feralpeg]

They reported that his wife and children have just returned to their home at the Australian Zoo. She said she and the zoo staff will carry on his work.

It is sad to see someone so young die. He lived his life to the fullest. He contributed so much in the form of knowledge about wildlife and entertainment. I'm sure if he had to pick a way to go, it would have been something like this. He was doing something he loved and it was very fast.

A reporter in Australia was saying that Steve Irwin was a larger than life persona in Australia. She equated the shock to the people in Australia in some degree to the shock those in the UK felt when Diana died. Steve was very much loved and their country is in total shock.

My heart goes out to Terri, Bindi and Bob.

 

[sammi]

This is so sad.
He was so full of passion for what he loved so much!
My heart goes out to Terry and his beautiful children.

 

[dizneenut]

I can't believe it. This is soo sad.
RIP Steve.

 

[Stepharoonie!]

I opened this up, completely believing this was a joke. I'm sad to see that it's not. I hope to God he did not suffer.

 

[mallcat]

Such a tragic death and huge loss to so many, especially his wife and children. We watched him a lot. DH and I always thought it would be a deadly snake bite that would take him.

My prayers go out to his family and those who were close to him.

The animal and wildlife world has lost a champion crusader and environmentalist.

DH and I are truly saddened.

 

[magicmouse2]

I wonder if the Irwins ever visited Animal Kingdom ? I know they visited Disneyland Paris......I wish I could get on the Australia Zoo website to see if they are asking for donations to conservation instead of flowers.....

 

[popeyeohoh]

What a tragic loss. I cannot imagine the pain his family and friends are feeling. I have watched his show for years and feel like I know him and the Australia Zoo staff. Wes, his best mate, Kelsey, Thelma, Fred, Briano, not to mention his father Bob, who must be devestated. A person could tell that he loved his family most of all.
I remember him talking about his mom and her untimely death. He felt for all humankind not just animals. Not only was he a conservationist but also a humanitarian. He had set up relief funds for the tsunami.
To have his life cut short is a travesty. He could have continued to do many great things, improving the lives and habitats for those that cannot help themselves.
I would go to his website everyday and look for updates. I will miss seeing and hearing about all the wonderful things he was doing.

 

[EeyoreFan1]

Wow. It's soo hard to believe! My mind just won't let me believe it.

 

[Gymbomom]

So sad........... thoughts and prayers to his family.

 

[eclectics]

When I heard the news I never thought it would be because of such a freak tragic accident. Sting Ray deaths are so very rare. Prayers go out to his family whom he obviously loved very much. RIP Steve. You will be missed by a lot of people and animals too. I do hope his good work will continue.

 

[Kitty 34]

Unbelievably sad.

 

[SamIAm21]

This is such a shock to me. I'm still sitting here with my mouth hanging open. I just watched his tour across the central United States with his wife and kids. His kids are so little and now they are left without their wonderful Dad!

This is truly sad and disheartening!!

 

[JennyMominRI]

This was on the front page of his web-site

Media statement – 4 September 2006

Steve Irwin

At 11am today, the 4th September 2006, Steve Irwin was fatally wounded by a stingray barb to his heart whilst filming a sequence on Batt Reef off Port Douglas for his daughter’s new TV series.
Emergency services were called from Cairns Rescue Base and met Croc One, Steve’s rescue vessel at Low Isle on the Great Barrier Reef.
The Croc One crew performed constant CPR during the thirty minute dash to Low Isle, but the medical staff pronounced Steve dead at approx. 12 noon.

His producer and closest friend, John Stainton said on Croc One today,
“The world has lost a great wildlife icon, a passionate conservationist and one of the proudest Dads on the planet. He died doing what he loves best and left this world in a happy and peaceful state of mind. Crocs Rule!”

 

[perdidobay]

Such a huge loss to not only the human, but animal world. You will be missed Steve. I am hoping deep in my heart that
you and your beloved Sui are together again and crossed the Rainbow Bridge together

 

[Laurabearz]

Wow.... so so sad.

 

[lucas]

http://www.news.com.au/0,,,00.html

In case you missed it in a previous post, here is the link to the Australia news.

 

[mking624]

I'm still just so down. I barely could sleep last night and I'm still in tears about this.