View Full Version : News confirmed: Steve Irwin (the Croc Hunter) Dead at 44
Toirtis
09-04-2006, 1:14 AM
In a freak accident, Steve Irwin, best known as "The Crocodile Hunter" has died while filming an underwater dicumentary off the North coast of Australia. Irwin, 44, was tung in the chest by a stingray while on a dive.
WrittenLyric
09-04-2006, 1:41 AM
It's true... (http://www.usatoday.com/news/world/2006-09-04-obit-irwin_x.htm)
Sheesh, the poor guy has been rumored to have been killed so many times throughout the years that this all just seems so ironic.
Poor fella.
TropicalNorth
09-04-2006, 2:28 AM
Man what a way to go. I was always warned about the dangers of stingrays (I used to swim/snorkel alot) but I never actually believed they would kill someone. Pretty sad.
Rowangel
09-04-2006, 2:31 AM
Wow, such a great loss. My roommate woke me up just to tell me. His poor wife and two children...
I can’t believe he’s gone! My friend has been swearing for years that it was just a matter of time before the guy got maimed or severely injured...but he never thought he'd die. So depressing. :(
Rallysman
09-04-2006, 2:41 AM
R.I.P. Steve.
Atleast he went doing what he loves.
im finding it hard to believe that he wasnt provoking the stingray somehow....
Raithan Ellis
09-04-2006, 6:14 AM
Crikey!
:eek:
Very sad to hear, I wish the best for his wife and children.
He was probably swimming over the top of it.....using one of those masks you can talk with....explaining some interesting facts about stringrays...when the thing just reacted in self defense. They aren't generally aggressive, but if you swim too close they can getcha. Apparently his 8 year old daughter Bindy has her own documentary type show down there...he was doing the filming for that.
Going to miss that nut.......I figured one of these days he was going to get it from something, but I always thought it would be a croc ! :(
blackwolfXKAV
09-04-2006, 8:25 AM
One of his fellow divers was talking on the news this morning, and he said that it was very likely this ray was irritated by a shark just moments before Irwin swam over, and the ray could not discern. One thing's for certain, he died doing what he loved and went down with honor.
Doctor
09-04-2006, 8:36 AM
I remember the first time I saw Steve on Animal Planet a few years ago. The show was about crocodiles and I was truly amazed at what he was doing and his interaction with them. After that show, I became a Croc Hunter fan.
It's sad news about his death. I'm sure his humane work will continue on.
Here is a partial c/p of information about his death and how it happened. The full story is at he link provided below.
http://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/wireStory?id=2391796
Partial c/p:
CAIRNS, Australia Sep 4, 2006 (AP)— Steve Irwin, the hugely popular Australian television personality and conservationist known as the "Crocodile Hunter," was killed Monday by a stingray while filming off the Great Barrier Reef. He was 44.
Irwin was at Batt Reef, off the remote coast of northeastern Queensland state, shooting a segment for a series called "Ocean's Deadliest" when he swam too close to one of the animals, which have a poisonous bard on their tails, his friend and colleague John Stainton said.
"He came on top of the stingray and the stingray's barb went up and into his chest and put a hole into his heart," said Stainton, who was on board Irwin's boat at the time.
Crew members aboard the boat, Croc One, called emergency services in the nearest city, Cairns, and administered CPR as they rushed the boat to nearby Low Isle to meet a rescue helicopter. Medical staff pronounced Irwin dead when they arrived a short time later, Stainton said.
Irwin was famous for his enthusiasm for wildlife and his catchword "Crikey!" in his television program "Crocodile Hunter." First broadcast in Australia in 1992, the program was picked up by the Discovery network, catapulting Irwin to international celebrity.
He rode his image into a feature film, 2002's "The Crocodile Hunters: Collision Course" and developed the wildlife park that his parents opened, Australia Zoo, into a major tourist attraction.
"The world has lost a great wildlife icon, a passionate conservationist and one of the proudest dads on the planet," Stainton told reporters in Cairns. "He died doing what he loved best and left this world in a happy and peaceful state of mind. He would have said, 'Crocs Rule!'"
Prime Minister John Howard, who hand-picked Irwin to attend a gala barbecue to honor President Bush when he visited in 2003, said he was "shocked and distressed at Steve Irwin's sudden, untimely and freakish death."
"It's a huge loss to Australia," Howard told reporters. "He was a wonderful character. He was a passionate environmentalist. He brought joy and entertainment and excitement to millions of people."
Respectively,
Doctor
blkwdw13
09-04-2006, 9:07 AM
"The world has lost a great wildlife icon, a passionate conservationist and one of the proudest dads on the planet," Stainton told reporters in Cairns. "He died doing what he loved best and left this world in a happy and peaceful state of mind. He would have said, 'Crocs Rule!'"
What more can I say that this hasn't said for me, such a said loss.
iktomiwicasa
09-04-2006, 9:26 AM
I always felt that he wasn't the sharpest knife in the drawer. A decent guy, but more of an annoying dope who didn't have a whole lot of respect for the animals he dealt with. It really was a matter of time before something like this happened. Too bad he had to go like that.....
WrittenLyric
09-04-2006, 10:45 AM
I've "swam with the stingrays" in Grand Caymen and they were so gentle and docile. A friend who was also on the trip with me was so freaked out by them, I'm going to hear it when she finds out about this... *hides*
rosita
09-04-2006, 11:13 AM
"The world has lost a great wildlife icon, a passionate conservationist and one of the proudest dads on the planet," Stainton told reporters in Cairns. "He died doing what he loved best and left this world in a happy and peaceful state of mind. He would have said, 'Crocs Rule!'"
What more can I say that this hasn't said for me, such a said loss.
Here here. :thm:
Chickieepooh2u
09-04-2006, 11:31 AM
Its the first thing I heard this morning. Gawd I bawled! Still wiping tears. I found this on his message board. It was a perfect tribute.
Heaven has a new zookeeper:
"I can picture this beloved man darting past the angels, running up to God and saying, "Crikey! Give me something to do, Mate!" And God chuckles and says, "I've already planned it, son. Turn around." The animals he's known and loved who have passed before him are lined up like an army. His mum is there, too. Steve rushes to hug her. After the embrace, she laughs and points to a sign: Welcome to Nirvana Zoo. Home of the Crocodile Hunter.
Thank you, Steve. You have given me a greater appreciation of this world."
debaric
09-04-2006, 1:22 PM
I always felt that he wasn't the sharpest knife in the drawer. A decent guy, but more of an annoying dope who didn't have a whole lot of respect for the animals he dealt with. It really was a matter of time before something like this happened. Too bad he had to go like that.....
He didnt have respect for the animals he dealt with? I couldnt possibly disagree more. His life was based around his respect for animals. :rant2:
starrystarstarr
09-04-2006, 1:30 PM
R.I.P hunter :thud:
sly2kusa
09-04-2006, 2:25 PM
Just a sad sad loss. I doubt he would have had it any other way though ya know?
RIP Steve, and God bless his widow and 2 children
Yup, rest in peace mate . I feal sorry for his wife and kids. I always figured it would have been a croc or a snake.
iktomiwicasa
09-04-2006, 5:03 PM
He didnt have respect for the animals he dealt with? I couldnt possibly disagree more. His life was based around his respect for animals. :rant2:
If he had tons of respect for the wildlife he dealt with, I don't think he would have taken the chances he did IMO. In that regard, he reminds me somewhat of that Treadwell guy.
plah831
09-04-2006, 5:11 PM
I agree with iktomiwicasa. His behavior with dangerous animals was foolhardy and somewhat irresponsible. I stopped watching his show after the novelty wore off. I couldn't stand how he would harass wild animals. However, that does not mean that I think he was a bad person. His antics exposed the plight of wildlife to millions of people, which was obviously the reason why he did those crazy things. It was the performer in him.
He also had a deep compassion for living things that couldn't be faked. I was constantly touched at how he would shed tears whenever one of his zoo animals passed away. I've cried along with him, more than once, while watching the Croc Diaries show. I was much more interested in that show, than the Croc Hunter, because it showed more of the private day-to-day aspects of his life and his zoo. His staff was really an extended family for him, and we could all stand to work in a supportive environment like that.
cheeseluva
09-04-2006, 5:32 PM
alls this guy does is say Crikey! and then he jumps on a freekin Crocodile and starts wrestling with it. It's like o..k... you do that Steve
This guy was raised around these animals all his life....he knew them and their habits intimately. Unlike that other spin off and Steve Wannabe...Jeff Corwin....Steve was genuin and real.
I always watched him when he was interacting with these awsome critters....he always had them in the corner of his eye as he was talking to the camera. He knew what to expect from them and I believe he had a great deal of respect and admiration for the animals he dealt with.
He was a showman at heart, that's obvious, but his showmanship and crazy behavior is what brought all the attention to the plight of these critters and he was a great advocate for them and thier needs. The world was the better for having him around and he'll be sorely missed by many of us. :(
2 Things...
1 - R.I.P., you were and will always be, loved by millions.
2 - I think he'd find joy in knowing his death has inspired people to learn more about the Bull Ray. I'd never heard of, nor seen, a Bull Ray until today. I googled it endlessly for about a hour today learning everything I could about it. That, ultimately, was his intent. Education and conservation of these amazing animals he interacted with.. Sure, he acted like a goof most of the time, but that was his gimmick to make you pay attention. How many fans would were a Cousteau t-shirt? Probably not many. Steve died doing what his passion lead him to. Anyone that don't "get that", needs to just STFU and find another thread to annoy people in..
TrevDizzle
09-04-2006, 10:31 PM
Couldint agree anymore Emg. This guy was great and deserves the respect.
R.I.P. STeve
debaric
09-04-2006, 10:56 PM
alls this guy does is say Crikey! and then he jumps on a freekin Crocodile and starts wrestling with it. It's like o..k... you do that Steve
Tell me, what do you do that is so exciting? What gets your adrenaline flowing? Maybe the rush he got from jumping on Crocs made his life a lot more fruitful. I'll tell you one thing, I've seen crocs up close in Central America and just being a few feet away gives you an amazing feeling of excitement.
cheech
09-04-2006, 11:08 PM
I used to make fun of the guy all the time with friends, always in good fun though.. but, when I would change the channels on the tube and he came on, I wouldn't be able to change the channel.
I was very surprised to read that he died... I felt realy bad for the guy and his family... So passionate about what he did....
rest in peace Steve
webcricket
09-04-2006, 11:27 PM
I'll confess to having mocked him a few times - his personality and enthusiasm really lent itself to mocking - that was just part of the gimmick.
Ultimately though, he was very serious about wildlife conservation and education. You see a lot of that on his Croc Diaries show. He died doing what he loved - how many of us will be able to claim that when the moment comes? RIP
Even if you didn't like Steve Irwin, please think about the two young children (Bindi, 8 and Bob, 2) who lost their daddy today and have a little respect.
BombCat
09-05-2006, 12:01 PM
Not only did he died for what he loves most, he also died for all of us. He conserves wildlife so our children, grand children can one day see these amazing animal, imagine with out him or other conservationist our children will not be able to see these live animals. They probably will need to search pictures on the web trying to find out how a crocodile looks like.
RIP Steve Irwin, you will always missed and be my hero.
sly2kusa
09-05-2006, 2:09 PM
I just read this morning that Steve apparently pulled the barb out of his chest himself prior to passing away. I wonder if had not done that if perhaps he would still be with us. :(
BombCat
09-05-2006, 2:17 PM
If he didnt pull it out, the stingray would have drag him into the ocean where we might not be able to find his body.
:sad:
Chickieepooh2u
09-05-2006, 2:47 PM
Animals Planet is running memorials every half hour or so. I stopped watching because I'm getting tired of crying... every half hour. I've been a huge fan of his forever, I just didn't realize how much I'd miss him until now. I can't even imagine how hard this is on his family and friends. :sad:
bettagurl
09-05-2006, 4:16 PM
i grew up watching him,he saved so many animals in his life,he was such a good person.ill miss him even though i never knew him(though it feels like i did)i feel so bad for his family,two kids and a wife.:(
iktomiwicasa
09-05-2006, 6:33 PM
It seems he was "interacting" with the ray.
"State police Superintendent Michael Keating said Irwin was "interacting" with the stingray when it flicked its tail and speared his chest with the bone-hard serrated spine it bore — the normally placid animal's main defense mechanism."linky (http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060905/ap_on_en_tv/obit_irwin)
Interacting? I think the guy was a (likable) fool.
gst4life
09-05-2006, 7:54 PM
How would A police man know, he wasn't on the scene when it hapened.
iktomiwicasa
09-05-2006, 8:19 PM
Looking at the video might give one a clue :huh:
jm1212
09-05-2006, 8:56 PM
about the video... the Queensland Poliece have the video, and it is up to them and the Erwin family if they are going to release it.
anyway... i just saw one of those memorial things they have every half hour on the Discovery Channel during the comercials for Dirty Jobs w/ Mike Rowe (rember... the Discovery Channel is basically Animal Planet's older brother channel)
debaric
09-05-2006, 9:52 PM
It seems he was "interacting" with the ray.
"State police Superintendent Michael Keating said Irwin was "interacting" with the stingray when it flicked its tail and speared his chest with the bone-hard serrated spine it bore — the normally placid animal's main defense mechanism."linky (http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060905/ap_on_en_tv/obit_irwin)
Interacting? I think the guy was a (likable) fool.
you werent there to witness it so you really dont have the right to pass judgement on the incident. Have a little more respect, people here are upset about it.
iktomiwicasa
09-05-2006, 10:05 PM
.....passing judgement, just voicing an opinion. Two very different things :)
fish_freak
09-05-2006, 10:44 PM
Ill admit the guy was kind of a fool. Draging his baby into a stage full of croc's while he fed them proved that but he cared for animals in a profound way and hopefully his conservation efforts will carry on. Remeber that some of the biggest "fools" in history where also some the the greatest most intelectual men alive. Think Picaso, Davinci, Einstein, the list goes on. All these guys where considered nuts but look at what they did and acomplished in there lives. Lets respect a good man who enlightened many of us to the plight of many animal species in the world.
TheZoo
09-05-2006, 11:09 PM
Lets respect a good man who enlightened many of us to the plight of many animal species in the world.
hear hear...
as far as him interacting with the ray, well, wouldnt swimming near it be considered interacting? from what I heard, he may not have even known the ray was there, and was snorkling over it.
Yeah, I heard that too.....but I imagine you aren't thinking too clearly when you get whacked in the chest by a large manta barb.....underwater.......
Dang Steve !!!! You finally made that one tiny itty bitty mistake that cost us all dearly..............gonna miss ya buddy !! http://www.planetsmilies.com/smilies/sad/sad0049.gif
BombCat
09-06-2006, 8:27 AM
Who would have guess that he has so many fans (including myself, I was unable to sleep for the past 2 nights :( ).
He has influence so many people, saved so many animal, educated millions of people. For all he cares was not the frame (maybe some). He just wants to do what he loves and help to preserve what we have "OUR PLANET EARTH", "OUR ANIMAL", "OUR ENIVORNMENT".
If we really are his fans, we should all help him with his wish. One man can only help, One million people can change the world! I am sure he would love to see his death can help change this.
Things that can help,
Donate $ to his funds
Reuse plastic bags
Recycle whatever you can
We can all make this a better world for ourselves, our children and our animals.
fishcatch22
09-07-2006, 9:37 PM
Who would have guess that he has so many fans (including myself, I was unable to sleep for the past 2 nights :( ).
He has influence so many people, saved so many animal, educated millions of people. For all he cares was not the frame (maybe some). He just wants to do what he loves and help to preserve what we have "OUR PLANET EARTH", "OUR ANIMAL", "OUR ENIVORNMENT".
If we really are his fans, we should all help him with his wish. One man can only help, One million people can change the world! I am sure he would love to see his death can help change this.
Things that can help,
Donate $ to his funds
Reuse plastic bags
Recycle whatever you can
We can all make this a better world for ourselves, our children and our animals.here here, bombcat..... he would have wanted that..... :sad:
125gJoe
09-08-2006, 3:34 AM
No matter what you think of Steve Irwin; passionate animal activist or reckless showboat for the cameras, he did have a last wish:
"My number one rule is to keep that camera rolling. Even if it's shaky or slightly out of focus, I don't give a rip. "Even if a big old alligator is chewing me up I want to go down and go, 'Crikey!' just before I die. That would be the ultimate for me."
Whether on not you choose to watch the video is your choice. That is, when the video comes out..
Link: http://www.nationalledger.com/artman/publish/article_27268208.shtml
__________
BombCat
09-08-2006, 8:22 AM
I will definitly watch it and keep a copy of it. If thats his last wish, he will get my support!
:sad:
Chickieepooh2u
09-08-2006, 3:07 PM
There would be no point in me watching it. I'd be bawling so hard I wouldn't be able to see it anyway.
I've ran it through my head enough times I got the picture forever embedded in me as it is.
Day 5 and I still find myself crying. :sad:
Ghostshrimp55
09-10-2006, 10:27 PM
This is a little old by now but, being that Steve has been buried today in Australia, I figured I'd take a look while I was on the board and see if anyone has said anything about him. And boy did they ever. Having been a big fan of his and admirer of his efforts for as long as he's been on Animal Planet, I was affected by the news of his death. Actually, I was surprised at how much I was affected by the news. I'm not a terribly emmotional person when it comes to people that I've never known but, somehow, Steve was different. I think it's because, when he was on camera, it was as if you were seeing the man for who he was. You were experiencing his genuine passion for conservationism. His genuine enthusiasm and excitement about nature were almost addictive. I shared many of his beliefs about the way that man should interact with his environment and his ideas about how animals should be treated. It's because of this that I'm genuinely disgusted by some of the comments on here by some who try to mark the man as an idiot or an abuser of wildlife.
Steve's mission was to bring wildlife as close to the forefront of people's minds as possible. You can't do that by simply filming them in a sterile way, completely detached and devoid of interaction. You have to be there, right next to them to show that these things are real. They are beautiful. They are strong. And, most importantly, a lot of them are dangerous and deserving of respect. He understood that their dangerous behavior was not something that should mark them for death. Rather, he "taunted" them to show that their behavior is what makes them beautiful and deserving of respect. We shouldn't fear these animals for their behavior but, rather, we should admire them for it and how they contribute to their environment. He also used their behavior to showcase the idea that these animals need to be left alone in their environment and that, if we didn't wish to encounter their behavior by accident, we need to make certain that we give them an environment to live in that we will not enter into. That was his mission, his message. The way he got it out to us was the perfect way and was not harmful to the animals or to nature.
With that being said I am going to miss Steve Irwin. My heart goes out to his wife and to his two children. His daughter, Bindy Sue, seemed to worship the ground he walked on. I can't imagine how she must feel, especially if she knows that her dad died while filming a segment for her Animal Planet show. His son, Bob, will only know his dad from reruns of his show and by stories told by his mom and those who knew him best. I also feel for his father, Bob. Not being a parent yet I can't imagine what it's like to outlive your wife, your highschool sweetheart, AND your son who shared all your passions and who carried on and expanded your legacy in the form of Australia Zoo. It's a terrible, terrible tragedy for his family. Thinking about all of these things just makes me sick with grief. It doesn't matter that it was Steve Irwin. No one's family should ever have to go through that.
Rest in peace Steve.
Chickieepooh2u
09-11-2006, 11:35 AM
Here's a tribute video from myspace. If you need a good cry.
http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoID=1141847882