Steve Irwin, the crocodile hunter, dead at 44.

[Cassiepeia]

How sad that this wonderful man, who has done so much for Australian wildlife, had to die so young. He annoyed me beyond belief sometimes...but there's no denying what a great champion for the Aussie animals he was. Especially for those animals most people didn't much care for.

The world will miss you Steve.

Original article - http://www.news.com.au/story/0,23599,20349888-2,00.html

Originally Posted by news.com.au

HE Crocodile Hunter, Steve Irwin, is dead.

He was killed in a freak accident in Cairns, police sources said today.

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 occured.

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 his American-born wife Terri is trekking on Cradle Mountain in Tasmania and is yet to be told of her husband's death.

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.

Tributes have already started pouring in for the larger-than-life character.

Foreign Minister Alexander Downer, who used a photograph of his family at Australia Zoo for his official Christmas card last year, hailed Mr Irwin for his work in promoting Australia.

Irwin was heavily involved in last year's "G'Day LA" campaign.

"The minister knew him, was fond of him and was very, very appreciative of all the work he'd done to promote Australia overseas," a spokesman said.

A Tourism Queensland spokeswoman said the death was shocking and paid tribute to Irwin's "enormous contribution" to his adopted state.

Louise Yates said it was impossible to quantify how much Mr Irwin had meant to the Queensland tourism industry.

"I don't think we could even estimate how much he brought us through his personality and his profile and his enthusiasm about Queensland," she said.

"It would be difficult to estimate how much he was worth. And it would be difficult to underestimate."

She said Irwin had been a larger-than-life ambassador.

"It's not just what he brought but what he took with him when he travelled, his passion."

Australia Zoo, on southeast Queensland's Sunshine Coast, employs more than 500 people and attracts thousands of visitors every day.

But Ms Yates said it would be "unfair and unjust" to put a dollar value on Irwin's worth to the state, because of how much he had given.

With The Courier Mail and AAP

Original article - http://www.stuff.co.nz/stuff/0,2106,3786509a10,00.html

Originally Posted by stuff.co.nz

Crocodile Hunter Steve Irwin dead
04 September 2006

BREAKING NEWS: 4.40pm
Australian television personality and environmentalist Steve Irwin has died in a marine accident in north Queensland, Australian state government sources say.

According to Australian Associated Press the 44-year-old is believed to have been killed by a stingray barb that went through his chest.

He was filming an underwater documentary off Port Douglas when the accident occurred says AAP.

Mr Irwin's body was being flown to Cairns.

The Sydney Morning Herald reports that Australian emergency officials could not immediately confirm the reports.

A spokesman for Emergency Management Queensland Helicopter Rescue in Cairns would not confirm the identity of the dead man, stating that next of kin had not been informed.

His American-born wife Terri was reported to be trekking in Tasmania at the time of the incident.

Cass.

[Tortilla]

Oh my gawsh, that's terrible! I feel so sorry for his family. Didn't he have a little girl?

[Cassiepeia]

Yes he had a daughter and a son.

Cass.

[Tortilla]

Poor, poor kids. That is absolutely heart shattering.

[PitBullie09]

That is crazy. I would have never thought he would die.

[IceyBlueSibes]

I used to watch his show all the time.

That's so sad I really wish his family the best. How horrible.

[Novel]

Oh how sad... That just breaks my heart. I loved his vigor and enthusiasm for life and animals. This world has lost a unique and wonderful person.

[shandoggy1]

When I saw this on the news this morning I literally sat in shock watching the story. He can't be dead, he is the "croc man". If anything I thought they would of said he died from a croc mauling not a sting ray! RIP Steve! I will keep your wife and children in my prayers. Suey will be at the rainbow bridge waiting for you and you can raise hell with her in heaven RIP ! I can't believe he is gone.....

[Kelly]

I was really upset by it as well. He was a great man, father, educator, entertainer, and animal conservationist.

He will me missed in this house, that's for sure. We've always liked and respected him.

[poodlesmom]

So, so sad! The animals of this world have lost such an enthusiastic and committed advocate for their well-being. My thoughts and prayers for Terri and his children. He will be missed by many.

[Tiffany0204]

I always figured that he'd pass doing his job. How sad! I always liked watching his programs as well

[Raised By Wolves]

So very tragic and sad. It's on the news right now. My heart goes out to his whole family and everyone who worked with and knew this wonderful man. I'm still in shock.

Goodbye Steve, you were an inspiration and a tireless educator. May you and Suey watch over us all.

[britishbandit]

OMG, I had no idea! How aweful. He was always such a hoot to watch, and what a guy. Rest in peace Steve, I'm sure you're life's work will never be forgotten.

[D.Schäferhund]

oh that is horrible....
but :what is a stingray barb?

[calgal]

It's a tragic loss for his family and the world. My prayers go out to his friends and family.