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

[Sparx]

This is just so ABSOLUTELY the sadness news today. My DS (when he was younger) used to say his name like one long sentence with NO spaces...

"Mom, I want to watch STEVEIRWINTHECROCODILEHUNTER video, please"!!!!

He is studying in Scotland this semester and called me very early (as they are ahead of us in Europe) this morning to tell me of the news.

MSNBC said just now that they figure that he died INSTANTLY. He was swimming while filming a special and the stingray WHIPPED him with his tail piercing his side with a barb which ripped a hole into his heart.

to his family! Steve: the entire WORLD loved you and your amazing enthusiam for the wildlife and all our animals on this planet of ours!

At least he didn't suffer. ::

 

[disneymama73]

RIP, Steve. You will be greatly missed, mate.

 

[Tiggerlover91]

Not that I'm surprised, but it is totally impossible to get on his website right now at crocodilehunter.com.

 

[Sparx]

Not that I'm surprised, but it is totally impossible to get on his website right now at crocodilehunter.com.

yeah I know. I was just trying to get on.

 

[Ticket Man]

Anyone that jokes around about a tragic death like this makes me sick. For someone to try to be funny about someone dying who had 2 little children, a wife and who had selflessly devoted his life to making the world a better place for animals is lower than the dirt on the bottom of my shoes.

Amen Obi, they were joking about it on a nationally syndicated show carried here in Richmond. Craig Shemon & J-Dub on Sports Radio 910. They started joking about it and were saying how he had it coming. Then they went on to say that a lot of people won their death pools if they bet on Steve, and went on to say they should start their own death pool. Very disturbing and it will be the last time I listen to that show.

 

[liamsaunt]

This really is terrible. His poor family.

It seems so weird--I thought that stingrays don't normally attack humans, unless you step on them. I wonder what he was doing when the stingray attacked? I'd really be curious to know what kind of ray it was. Was it a big manta and he was trying to hitch a ride?

 

[magicmouse2]

Apparently Steve was swimming above the bull stingray, filming it for Daughter Bindi's, Discovery Kids TV documentary, and the cameraman was filming infront. The Ray felt trapped and lashed upwards, caught Steve in the chest and the next thing was that the cameraman saw the blood in the water..............

 

[Sammy]

Very sad, I can't believe the people making jokes about it on the radio.

ARE YOU KIDDING ME????? That has got to be the lowest! I mean, c'mon...do they have so little to joke about?

 

[meloneyb21]

Ya know, of all of things he has done, being with some of the most dangerous animals in the world, for him to be killed like this, in this freak accident...WOW...he was a professional and knew what to do and what not to do when it comes to animals, so this freak accident is just crazy.....I really do believe that it was his time. He has done so much for wildlife and keeping the world aware of it, we just weren't worthy to have him here anymore. He has done his job and now his wife will keep his spirit alive. You never know, Bindi Sue and Bob may grow up to follow in his footsteps. God was just calling him home. That is his reward for a job well done.

 

[DISNEYDUET]

This is so sad! He leaves behind an 8 yr old daughter, Bindi and a 2 yr old son, Bob and Terri his wife. My heart goes out to his family. I know there are many people out there that think he was a nut. But he did so much for the world of conservation and animal rights. He will be missed.

 

[Disney1fan2002]

Ya know, of all of things he has done, being with some of the most dangerous animals in the world, for him to be killed like this, in this freak accident...WOW...he was a professional and knew what to do and what not to do when it comes to animals, so this freak accident is just crazy.....I really do believe that it was his time. He has done so much for wildlife and keeping the world aware of it, we just weren't worthy to have him here anymore. He has done his job and now his wife will keep his spirit alive. You never know, Bindi Sue and Bob may grow up to follow in his footsteps. God was just calling him home. That is his reward for a job well done.

Not only does it make you realize when it is your time, it is your time, but think about all the times he could of been killed by any other dangerous wild animal. His death would not of been "quick and painless." They are saying his death was instant, he probably did not feel a thing. That is what is most amazing. God figured out how to bring him home without having him ripped apart by a croc.

 

[Sparx]

Apparently Steve was swimming above the bull stingray, filming it for Daughter Bindi's, Discovery Kids TV documentary, and the cameraman was filming infront. The Ray felt trapped and lashed upwards, caught Steve in the chest and the next thing was that the cameraman saw the blood in the water..............

He would've bled to death instantly. Only 18 people have ever died from stingrays. if it hit ANYWHERE else on his body, he just would've went into shock, but it pierced his heart and shreaded it.

Thats the only scary part about death to me. One second youre alive and breathing and thinking, the next youre just dead. there are no bells, no whistles, no nothing. Youre just dead.

 

[Va-bear]

Amen Obi, they were joking about it on a nationally syndicated show carried here in Richmond. Craig Shemon & J-Dub on Sports Radio 910. They started joking about it and were saying how he had it coming. Then they went on to say that a lot of people won their death pools if they bet on Steve, and went on to say they should start their own death pool. Very disturbing and it will be the last time I listen to that show.

My husband heard the exact same show - he came in this AM and told me about it. It's the same reason I can stand Howard Stern - this desire to make fun of people, hit them when they are low, or pick out one quirk and ridicule it is so strange and sad to me..... bleh.... We need to have more respect for each other, period.

 

[Tiggerlover91]

Ya know, of all of things he has done, being with some of the most dangerous animals in the world, for him to be killed like this, in this freak accident...WOW...he was a professional and knew what to do and what not to do when it comes to animals, so this freak accident is just crazy.....I really do believe that it was his time. He has done so much for wildlife and keeping the world aware of it, we just weren't worthy to have him here anymore. He has done his job and now his wife will keep his spirit alive. You never know, Bindi Sue and Bob may grow up to follow in his footsteps. God was just calling him home. That is his reward for a job well done.

I'll be darn!! That was VERY well said. It gave me chills.

 

[Tiggerlover91]

God figured out how to bring him home without having him ripped apart by a croc.

I am not by any means flaming you, however G-d didn't figure out anything, He knew exactly how to bring Steve home and did it in His time.

 

[JennyMominRI]

I am not by any means flaming you, however G-d didn't figure out anything, He knew exactly how to bring Steve home and did it in His time.

See,I know this is a nice sentment but I just have a hard time in believeing a loving G-d chooses to take people young,and leaving behind a young family..I think it comes down to free will and have never believed in *G-ds plan* so to speak...Either way,I believe G-d is comforting Steve right now.

 

[Jennasis]

Such a shocking thing to happen. I honestly figured that someday Irwin would die in his line of work (not necessarily by STingray). He truly died doing exactly what he loved doing. It was a quick death, it seems (possibly instantaneous). A huge loss for his family, friends and fans, but now Steve can watch over all his animals from heaven.

 

[SueM in MN]

I don't know if anyone posted this, but it's from the Discovery Channel website's Steve Irwin Memorial page. It does talk about a memorial fund they are looking into establishing in his name:

Discovery Communications, Inc. Mourns Tragic Loss of Steve Irwin


Statement from Billy Campbell, President, Discovery Networks, U.S. Discovery Communications, Inc.
Our entire company is deeply saddened by the tragic and sudden loss of Steve Irwin, the Crocodile Hunter. Steve was beloved by millions of fans and animal lovers around the world and was one of our planet's most passionate conservationists. He has graced our air since October 1996 and was essential in building Animal Planet into a global brand.
Steve was killed during a filming expedition on the Great Barrier Reef. While we are still collecting specific details, it was a rare accident in which Steve swam over a stingray and was stung by its barb in his chest. A doctor on board Croc One, Steve's research vessel, was unable to resuscitate Steve and by the time he was reached by the rescue helicopter he had passed away.
DCI Founder and Chairman, John Hendricks said, "Steve was a larger than life force. He brought joy and learning about the natural world to millions and millions of people across the globe. He was a true friend to all of us at Discovery Communications. We extend our thoughts and prayers to Terri, Bindi and Bob Irwin as well as to the incredible staff and many friends Steve leaves behind."
DCI CEO and President, Judith McHale said, "I don't think we will ever get over the loss of Steve Irwin, a human being of enormous heart, irrepressible enthusiasm and dedication to everything he touched."
Steve's loss has been felt around the world, evident by the hundreds of heartfelt condolences that have already flooded into Steve's fan site on AnimalPlanet.com.
To honor Steve and the enormous contribution he made to the world and to our company, DCI will rename the garden space in front of Discovery's world headquarters in Silver Spring, Maryland, the "Steve Irwin Memorial Sensory Garden."
DCI is looking at the creation of the Steve Irwin Crocodile Hunter Fund, which we'll affectionately call "The Crikey Fund" to honor Steve's passion and exuberance for conservation and the animal kingdom. This fund will allow people from across the globe to make contributions in Steve's honor to support wildlife protection, education and conservation. The fund in addition to contributions by DCI will also aid Steve's Australia Zoo in Breewah, Australia as well as educational support for Bindi and Bob Irwin.
Right now, our focus is on Terri and the children. We will keep you informed as plans unfold to pay tribute to our beloved Steve Irwin.
To learn more about Steve Irwin's sudden and tragic death, visit Discovery News.

They also have a site where you can post condolences to the family at this link , although I have not been able to get in.

 

[raammartin]

Wow. I'm speechless. I love his shows and work.

RIP

 

[SueM in MN]

In looking for the official site, I found one with quotes from Steve Irwin.

• *But I put my life on the line to save animals.
  *Herein lies our problem. If we level that much land to grow rice and whatever, then no other animal could live there except for some insect pest species. Which is very unfortunate.
  *I believe our biggest issue is the same biggest issue that the whole world is facing, and that's habitat destruction.
  *I believe that education is all about being excited about something. Seeing passion and enthusiasm helps push an educational message.
  *I have no fear of losing my life - if I have to save a koala or a crocodile or a kangaroo or a snake, mate, I will save it.
  *I sincerely believe that there's room for cutting down trees for forestry and grazing, so as we all get to eat. Everyone has to compromise.
  *My belief is that what comes across on the television is a capture of my enthusiasm and my passion for wildlife.
  *Take the crocodile, for example, my favorite animal. There are 23 species. Seventeen of those species are rare or endangered. They're on the way out, no matter what anyone does or says, you know.