World-famous Australian “crocodile hunter” has been killed
Monday, September 4th, 2006
World-famous Australian "crocodile hunter" and television environmentalist Steve
Irwin has been killed by a stingray blow to the heart while filming a new
documentary.
The larger-than-life Irwin, 44, known for his fearlessly enthusiastic
handling of even the deadliest of wildlife, was killed when a stingray barb
punctured his chest during underwater filming on the Great Barrier Reef.Police and officials at Irwin’s zoo confirmed his death in the freak incident
that took place at about 11:00 am (0100 GMT) off the coast of Port Douglas in
the northeastern Australian state of Queensland.
"It’s likely that he possibly died instantly when the barb hit him, and I don’t
think that he … felt any pain," a tearful Stainton told reporters in the city
of Cairns Monday.
He brought immense joy to millions of people, particularly to children, and it’s
just such a terrible loss. He was one of those great quintessential Australian
faces that people recognised everywhere.His "Crocodile Hunter" show, in which the tousle-haired adventurer appeared in
his trademark khaki shorts and shirt, was first broadcast in 1992 and has been
shown around the world on the Discovery cable network ever since.
(I have never met a more professional person in my whole life nor a
more passionate person in my whole life on wildlife issues.)
