Stingray kills 'Crocodile Hunter' Steve Irwin

[Tiger Trauma]

SYDNEY, Australia (CNN) -- Steve Irwin, the Australian TV presenter known as the "Crocodile Hunter," has died after being stung in a marine accident off Australia's north coast.

Australian media reports say Irwin was diving in waters off Port Douglas, north of Cairns, when the incident happened on Monday morning.

Irwin was killed by a stingray barb that went through his chest, according to Cairns police sources. Irwin was filming an underwater documentary at the time.

Ambulance officers confirmed they attended a reef fatality Monday morning off Port Douglas, according to Australian media.

Queensland Police Services also confirmed Irwin's death and said his family had been notified. Irwin, 44, was director of the Australian Zoo in Queensland.

He is survived by his American-born wife Terri and their two children, Bindi Sue, born 1998, and Robert (Bob), born December 2003.

Irwin became a popular figure on Australian and international television through Irwin's close handling of wildlife, most notably the capture and relocation of crocodiles.

Irwin's enthusiastic approach to nature conservation and the environment won him a global following. He was known for his exuberance and use of the catchphrase "Crikey!"

But his image suffered a setback in January 2004 when he held his then one-month-old baby Bob while feeding a crocodile at his Australian zoo.

In a statement released to Australian media, Foreign Minister Alexander Downer expressed his sorrow and said that he was fond of Irwin and was very appreciative of all the work he had done in promoting Australia overseas.

In 2003, Irwin spoke to the Australian Broadcasting Corp.'s Australian Story television program about how he was perceived in his home country.

"When I see what's happened all over the world, they're looking at me as this very popular, wildlife warrior Australian bloke," he said, the ABC reported.

"And yet back here in my own country, some people find me a little bit embarrassing. "You know, there's this... they kind of cringe, you know, 'cause I'm coming out with 'Crikey' and 'Look at this beauty'."

[Tiger Trauma]

I thought it would have been a croc that eventually got him...crikey. He has done alot for animals, its a bit sad to hear this has happened. Good people happen to bad things. I guess you can only take so many chances before the dice come up and you lose. He leaves behind 2 young kids and his wife.

[Some_Arrogant_Jerk]

I mean no disrespect when I say this, but its about time.

The man should have died hundred times over again by the hands(or mouth) of a crocodile. Possibly even a snake, a tarantula, his wife, but instead, a stupid stingray gets him. Quite a shame, he did things the guys off jackass wouldnt do.

We all saw it coming, we just didnt know when it was gonna get him. But it doesnt end here.

With the death of the crocodile hunter, someone else with balls of steel and a hollow skull will take his place and dance in a shark tank with a steak in his hands for tv ratings and amusement. You just wait and see.

But all in all, he was a good guy. He will be missed. Rest in peace, Steve.

[Hatguy]

We can't just assume he was a good guy because he's dead. I don't mean to be rude either, but he had it coming. Some of the things he did were just stupid and cruel. He seemed like a good community guy and ambassador for what ever it is he did. Sad to see him die, but we all knew it would happen sooner rather than later. Apparenty their taking it hard in Aussie land, he's kind of a local hero there. Well that's my rant.

[Tiger Trauma]

He became a crocodile trapper, removing crocodiles from near populated areas, performing the service for free with the quid pro quo that he kept them for the park.

In 2001 Irwin was awarded the Centenary Medal for his "service to global conservation and to Australian tourism"

He founded the Steve Irwin Conservation Foundation, which was later renamed Wildlife Warriors Worldwide, and became an independent charity.

He also helped to found a number of other projects, such as the International Crocodile Rescue, as well as the Lyn Irwin Memorial Fund, in memory of his mother, with proceeds going to the Iron Bark Station Wildlife Rehabilitation Center.


Just a few of his accomplishments. He may off been excentric and sometimes just plain weird... but he did what he loved and has done so much for raising awareness about animals, and animal conservation, and for that he has my respect.

[Blades 4 Life!]

I have even heard that people that are made are going out and killing sting rays cause they are made that the animal that kill crocidile hunter. People can be pretty danm crazy. He died at what he like doing. One of my friends said that there is even a video on the internet but i havent seen it yet but they should take the video off the internet of respect of steve irwins family.