Stever Irwin dead

Tyrannis · Post by **Tyrannis** » 04 Sep 2006, 01:26

Steve Irwin dead
The naturalist and television star Steve Irwin has died in a diving accident in far north Queensland. He was 44.

Police say he was stung through the heart by a stingray while diving off Port Douglas.

He was filming a documentary when the accident occurred around midday AEST near the Low Isles.

A helicopter arrived with paramedics on board to try to resuscitate him, but it was too late.

Irwin, who was was born in Victoria in 1962, inherited his love of reptiles from his father.

His father Bob was a keen reptile enthusiast and moved the family to Queensland in 1970 to open a small reptile park on the Sunshine Coast.

Irwin took over the family business in 1991 and grew it into Australia Zoo.

In 1992 he ventured into television, making the first series of the Crocodile Hunter.

When the program aired in the United States, he shot to international fame.

Irwin is survived by his wife Terri and two children.

Nature lover

In 2003, he spoke to the ABC's Australian Story about how he was perceived in his 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.

"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'.

"Just say what you're gonna say, mate. You know, is it a cultural cringe? Is it, they actually see a little bit of themselves when they see me, and they find that a little embarrassing?

"I'm fair dinkum, like kangaroos and Land Cruisers, winged keels and bloody flies! I think we've lost all that. I think we've all become very, sort of, money people."

He also spoke of his love for surfing.

"You get out there, it's just you against the waves.

"There's no paparazzi, there's no fan base, and it gives me a chance to recuperate and regenerate.

"I think I've actually got animals so genetically inside me that there's no way I could actually be anything else.

"I think my path would have always gone back to or delivered me to wildlife. I think wildlife is just like a magnet, and it's something that I can't help."

lilgamefreek · Post by **lilgamefreek** » 04 Sep 2006, 01:40

Geez, through out my life, I've wondered whether it was possible for these people to die, you know handeling wild animals the way they do. Always made me feel like the whole thing was set-up sometimes.

But geez, a stingray in the heart. That's harsh and sort of unexpected.

beeurd · Post by **beeurd** » 04 Sep 2006, 06:28

I know, I just read it here: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/5311298.stm?ls

Kinda shocked actually. tis crazy.

Android raptor · Post by **Android raptor** » 04 Sep 2006, 08:19

I just got back from 4chan... it's epic there. They have a sticky and everything /sad.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":(" border="0" alt="sad.gif" />

Hadrosaur river · Post by **Hadrosaur river** » 04 Sep 2006, 13:31

Well, I'm just paying my respects to Mr Irwin, he truly was a legend! May everyone continue his beliefs in the conservation of wild animals and the environement.

RIP Steve Irwin

T-rex23 · Post by **T-rex23** » 04 Sep 2006, 18:14

I was a big fan of his show, I find it sad he died, it's actually hard to believe he is dead..you never expect this type of thing....

dilo_06 · Post by **dilo_06** » 04 Sep 2006, 18:18

I was saving up cash to see my uncle in Australia, first thing I wanted to do was go see one of Steve's shows. Thats one dream of mine blown away

He was a great man. Did more for zoology in the past few decades than anyone I can think of.

Ms. DNA · Post by **Ms. DNA** » 04 Sep 2006, 18:30

I was so shocked when I heard this, and still am! Steve risked his life around wild animals so much that he just seemed almost invincible. It's very very sad. /sad.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":(" border="0" alt="sad.gif" />

KyleRipman · Post by **KyleRipman** » 04 Sep 2006, 21:39

Echoing everyone else's sadness about this. He was one of my few actual childhood heroes.

samfan · Post by **samfan** » 06 Sep 2006, 04:34

I still can't believe it either... unbelievable. He had such a great personality....overall just a great guy. So sad.