CAIRNS, Australia, Sept. 4, 2006

Stingray Kills TV's 'Crocodile Hunter'

Steve Irwin Dies From Stab To The Heart By Stingray's Barb

  • Video Expert On Stingray Safety

    Only On The Web: Ray Davis, a marine biologist with the Georgia Aquarium and an expert on stingrays, discusses the death of Steve Irwin and how to protect oneself when swimming near stingrays.

  • Video Filmmaker On Irwin's Death

    Only On The Web: Mark Phillips interviews Nigel Marven, wildlife filmmaker, about Steve Irwin's death in Queensland, Australia.

    • Australian Steve Irwin, famous for his TV show Photo

      Australian Steve Irwin, famous for his TV show "The Crocodile Hunter," holds his month-old son, Robert, in front of a 13-foot crocodile in an image from television during a croc feeding, Friday Jan. 2, 2004, at his Australian Zoo reptile park in Brisbane, Australia.  (AP)

    • Visitors lay flowers outside Australia Zoo at Beerwah, home of Steve Irwin who died on the Great Barrier Reef in far north Queensland, Australia, Monday, Sept. 4, 2006. Photo

      Visitors lay flowers outside Australia Zoo at Beerwah, home of Steve Irwin who died on the Great Barrier Reef in far north Queensland, Australia, Monday, Sept. 4, 2006.  (AP)

    • A doctor on board Croc One, Steve Irwin's research vessel, was unable to resuscitate Irwin after a stingray pierced his heart Monday. When a rescue helicopter reached the boat, Irwin had already died. Photo

      A doctor on board Croc One, Steve Irwin's research vessel, was unable to resuscitate Irwin after a stingray pierced his heart Monday. When a rescue helicopter reached the boat, Irwin had already died.  (AP)

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(CBS/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 barb 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.

"It's just absolutely unbelievable," Nigel Marven, a well-known wildlife specialist who was a longtime friend of Irwin's, said on The Early Show. "To be killed by a big crocodile or bitten by a snake, you'd have believed it. But a stingray? There's only been three cases in Australia of deaths by stingrays in the last 100 years. Seventeen worldwide. So it's a tremendous freak accident."

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.

2Irwin 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."

Continued



©MMVI, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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Add a Comment See all 158 Comments
by steveirwin2 September 4, 2006 1:17 AM PDT
Crikey!
Reply to this comment
by amber_k716 September 4, 2006 1:26 AM PDT
Just for the record, his son was 1 MONTH old, not 1 YEAR old. It's a shame to see this quirky character pass away.
Reply to this comment
by ralphj53 September 4, 2006 1:26 AM PDT
September 4, 2006

Hello;

I used to watch Steve Irwin on television. I got the IMPRESSION that Steve was rather brave and totally UNMINDFULL of his own safety with the animals he handled.

And... He defintely seem to enjoy his prowess and his work.

I thought he got his work pruned down to a science. At least he ACTED like he knew what he was doing....... well, life IS short.

He forgot an old saying from the pages of HISTORY........ "PRUDENCE is the better part of VALOR."



Ralph J. Monasterio
Reply to this comment
by glgrogan September 4, 2006 1:30 AM PDT
A sad loss, both for his viewers and his family. He was definately talented and had a wonderful way of bringing awareness and appreciation for wildlife to his viewers, expecially children. My son, who has grown up watching the Crocodile Hunter said, when hearing of his death, "at least he died doing what he loves". Amen to that!
Reply to this comment
by kate-lynn September 4, 2006 1:39 AM PDT
I really find it Ironic that he died so sudden.
I also find it very hard to beleive. I remember watching this guy on TV and wondering how many times he can cheat death.
Now I figure he cant anymore.

I still hvae to look up what a stingray is--how poisness they can be and whatnot.
If this is a hoak..I would be very disapointed in them.

Also-Im a Christian.
I hope he may have found Christ within those minutes of life befor he past on.
I hope those who do this for entertainment will look at this and learn.

Its dangerous.

Love For All
Katelynn
Reply to this comment
by jacobsen9 September 4, 2006 1:47 AM PDT
A stringray barb to the heart...
I'm shocked that he was mortal. God Bless his wife and children. Thanks for the great, wild ride. You have left us much video, which in it's own way make you live forever. Rest well, friend.
Reply to this comment
by ripsteveirwi September 4, 2006 1:51 AM PDT
this man is honorable and i wish i had a chance to meet this man, i am sad but this is a very big for his family, and i am sorry for your loss i wish you guys to have a happy life but just remember your husband or father is always watching u from above we will all miss steve and may god great him with happiness.
Reply to this comment
by merrietoo September 4, 2006 1:58 AM PDT
Disgusting how mean-spirited people can be. He was a young man with a wife and child and his life has been tragically cut short.

What ever happened to 'if you can't say anything nice, shut the heck up'? Have a little respect for the family and friends who mourn him, please.

Reply to this comment
by eaglepride59 September 4, 2006 1:59 AM PDT
I loved watching steve and his enthusiasum for the animals he loved soooooooo much. My daughter hated him for years until she saw the episode were he found the little dead animal and sat and cried and petted it, he truelly cared for all living creatures. The animal kingdom will truelly be different without him to show us their stories.
Reply to this comment
by justineoxley September 4, 2006 2:00 AM PDT
As a born and bread Aussie growing up with Steve Irwin as a childhood icon the news of his death had put me in a state of nothing other than shock. This devastation has already greatly effected people right across our country, then to read such a heartless and soul less comment as the one Posted by steveisdead at 01:40 AM : Sep 04, 2006 has cut quiet deeply to a 17 year olds heart. The fact is Steve Irwin was a great man, great father, husband and icon for Australia. The work he did for our country and the conservation of our wild life will never be forgotten. To the heartless people out there who saw Steve to be nothing more than a f'n Idiot you should really take the time to see how big his heart really way. You should never wish death upon a person no matter how cruel they are, especially when they are far from it.

Get your facts right, find your soul. I've never felt so disappointed, where is the world heading to.

Justine
Reply to this comment
by johnmikeib September 4, 2006 2:00 AM PDT
I think it's a terrible tragedy to lose ones life so young. His poor wife & Children! I alway's said that he lived very dangerously. So he made some dumb mistakes, There is no need to condem him in death!! He loved his Children & wife very much & would never let them get hurt. He knew what he was doing when he took his son in the pit with him. Rest in peace friend!!
You will be missed.
Reply to this comment
by proudaussie September 4, 2006 2:04 AM PDT
my response to a comment posted by steveisdead.

It is a narrow minded person who remembers a person for the one stupid action that he did. Did you stop to think about the true tragedy of his death and what his loss means to his wife and young family. Your comment is a reflection on you and your country and you should be ashamed of yourself....
Reply to this comment
by spanky6915 September 4, 2006 2:05 AM PDT
It's just sad to read some people's comments here. Someone's husband, son, father, and friend died. And you call it stupid!? How senseless. I lost my daughter a year ago, and if someone made a senseless comment like that, I'll kill them. I just wish I could say the same type of senseless comment at their own funeral. Show some respect.
Reply to this comment
by johnmikeib September 4, 2006 2:08 AM PDT
FRAN Mattos, You should be ashamed of your self!
You don't know his wife, You have no business saying what you said!! You are the ugly one! Your ugly in your heart!!!!!
Reply to this comment
by slashway-2009 September 4, 2006 2:09 AM PDT
At least Steve died doing what he loves. Sometimes that is all that one can hope for.
Reply to this comment
by September 4, 2006 2:11 AM PDT
Steve Irwin has done more for conservation than any other single person i know of.. too the woman who claimed to be a christian.. what sort of christian says she will be dissappointed if his death is a hoax... think about what u just said u fk'n idiot...

Reply to this comment
by fran_mattos September 4, 2006 2:11 AM PDT
If a stingray came near me and shot out a barb, it would bounce off my manly chest and shoot back at the stingray and it would hit the stingray and it would explode. That's how manly I am. Steve is a little girl. The sting ray probably tapped him with his tail and steve probably got all scared and had a heart attack.
Reply to this comment
by johnmikeib September 4, 2006 2:15 AM PDT
Good one birflu4bush!!
They really deserve it!
Reply to this comment
by spanky6915 September 4, 2006 2:17 AM PDT
To FRAN_MATTOS

Whatever you say. But Steve Irwin is Steve Irwin. You are NOBODY just mumbling about how great you think you are while trying to hide the fact that nobody cares about you. Get a life.
Reply to this comment
by snoopy99eb September 4, 2006 2:19 AM PDT
My heart goes out to Steve Irwin's family and friends. I have enjoyed watching his shows over the years and respect the message he always tried to send about protecting our wildlife. I am deeply saddened by his death but I know his message and good deeds will live on in the hearts of his fans and those who loved him.
Reply to this comment
by stingraybarb September 4, 2006 2:22 AM PDT
I pity the foo' who mess with Stingray Barb!
Reply to this comment
by auxhead September 4, 2006 2:22 AM PDT
FRAN_MATTOS you are psychotic. You have no manly chest. No REAL man would ever post such a comment. No REAL human being would say such things. You are nothing but a petty heartless worthless coward. What have you contributed to this world? Not a thing, you sick ***! Anyone who would say such things has no soul. Why do the good people have to die and the idiots get to stay????????????

Reply to this comment
by steveisdead September 4, 2006 2:23 AM PDT
Stive Irwin was just abig game, I can play with animanals real gaem.

where does his head?

lemmefind out shes preobably a les

Steve Irwim got owned. owned. owned.
Reply to this comment
by stingraybarb September 4, 2006 2:23 AM PDT
Fran Mattos 4 President :)
Reply to this comment
by spanky6915 September 4, 2006 2:25 AM PDT
Hey! FRAN_MATTOS!
I didn't know you were still here! I thought you were already on a way to your mama's house crying. Oh, wait. I forgot. You DO live with your mama!
Reply to this comment
by fran_mattos September 4, 2006 2:27 AM PDT
I'll run for president, but the StingRayBarb has to be my vice president. Oh, and Steve's ugly wife can be secretary of state.
Reply to this comment
by justineoxley September 4, 2006 2:27 AM PDT
FRAN Mattos,

As a born and bread Aussie growing up with Steve Irwin as a childhood icon the news of his death had put me in a state of nothing other than shock. This devastation has already greatly effected people right across our country, then to read such a heartless and soul less comment as the one Posted by steveisdead at 01:40 AM : Sep 04, 2006 has cut quiet deeply to a 17 year olds heart. The fact is Steve Irwin was a great man, great father, husband and icon for Australia. The work he did for our country and the conservation of our wild life will never be forgotten. To the heartless people out there who saw Steve to be nothing more than a f'n Idiot you should really take the time to see how big his heart really way. You should never wish death upon a person no matter how cruel they are, especially when they are far from it.

Get your facts right, find your soul. I've never felt so disappointed, where is the world heading to.
Reply to this comment
by spanky6915 September 4, 2006 2:29 AM PDT
Yeah. FRAN_MATTOS and StingRayBarb. Can't live without each other, can you? How ***...
Reply to this comment
by fran_mattos September 4, 2006 2:31 AM PDT
Spanky, if you're going to make a comeback, make it good, your comments aren't even offensive.
Reply to this comment
by spanky6915 September 4, 2006 2:32 AM PDT
Do I hear baby crying?
Reply to this comment
by stingraybarb September 4, 2006 2:32 AM PDT
My friend once met the crocodile hunter when he came to 6 flags... he's a security guard there, he told steve he couldn't park in a fire lane when he pulled up to his gate. Hehehe, yeah... anyway...
Reply to this comment
by tdawg944 September 4, 2006 2:34 AM PDT
anyone posting after this should be well aware that what you are saying is not yours alone. everything here is being read by hundreds of thousands of people around the world. that being said, what kind of moron mouths off and acts like a complete and utter moron with the world watching?

Steve Irwin has left behind a legacy, his passion for animals was beyond knowing, and anyone who hasnt worked with animals can have no idea of the dificulties involved. in short, i wish i could have met steve irwin, more than i can possibly say. my prayers go out to his family and friends as they mourn his passing.

and to all the insensitive idiots flaming this forum with garbage, may that same garbage await you when you leave this world.
Reply to this comment
by justineoxley September 4, 2006 2:38 AM PDT
StingrayBarb & FRAN_MATTOS. I hope you are no older than 12 because I have never seen people write such immature comments... Please grow up and get a life. You must be really really sad people to be sitting on the net putting other people down about their views and beliefs coming form the hear and then to making fun out of a tragedy.
Reply to this comment
by proudaussie September 4, 2006 2:42 AM PDT
to tdawg944.........my sentiments exactly.
spanky,,,take my advice and leave this site as i am about to do and let those rednecks fester in their own foul stench.... they don't deserve any further comment.......
Reply to this comment
by stingraybarb September 4, 2006 2:42 AM PDT
What? Oh no... I'm just making fun out of the tradgedy. I never meant to put anyone down for their views or beliefs, my apologies <3
Reply to this comment
by September 4, 2006 2:46 AM PDT
Steve Irwins baby could take out FRAN MATTOS and StingrayBarb with one arm tied behind his back..
Reply to this comment
by justineoxley September 4, 2006 2:46 AM PDT
StingrayBarb...

You just proved my point exactly. Once again grow up your a joke.
Reply to this comment
by September 4, 2006 2:48 AM PDT
good advise proudaussie... another proud aussie signing off.. RIP Steve
Reply to this comment
by spanky6915 September 4, 2006 2:49 AM PDT
proudaussie, Justineoxley, and many others - I totally agree with you and I'm glad to see there are still some good people out there. It's just sad to see some senseless comments. When you can hide behind the "username" and don't need to reveal yourself, it's just amazing how ugly people can be. My heart goes out to Steve's family and friends, as well as all of you in Austraria. Like I said earlier I lost my daughter about a year ago, and it's just very painful to see someone go through the same thing...
Reply to this comment
by mortalhuman September 4, 2006 2:49 AM PDT
I really hope that everyone here realizes the preciousness of life, and how suddenly it can go away...just like that. I hope that none of you cynical heartless people ever has to experience the loss of a loved one because it is no joke, and you have seriously messed with the balance of your fate by writing such evil, evil things.

Having said that, Steve Irwin was truly an adventurous man who enjoyed his life, and the most important thing is his last moments were spent doing what he loves. That is truly the best way to go.

R.I.P.
Reply to this comment
by australia06 September 4, 2006 2:51 AM PDT
Im from Melbourne Australia, this is a horrific accident, dont make fun of it, we have just lost one of our favourite Australian icons, so shut up!
Reply to this comment
by fawnamom September 4, 2006 2:53 AM PDT
as a family we would watch setve irwin all the time and still do. We wish nothing but love to the irwins and hope the best for them. stve was a great man who died doing what he loved.
Reply to this comment
by gbs195906 September 4, 2006 3:03 AM PDT
To BirdFlu4Bush at 02:11 AM : Sep 04, 2006

>too the woman who claimed to be a christian.. what sort of
> christian says she will be dissappointed if his death is a hoax...

I think you misunderstood Kate-Lynn's comment. I took it as she would be disappoint in a person who would perpetrate such a hoax, not that she would be disappointed if the report was a hoax. Can anyone even imagine what such a hoax would do to "the diver's" family??

Even this report posted here seems to be conjecture as both the paramedics and the treating hospital have refused to release the name until the family is notified and only refer to the victim as "the diver". And neither CBS nor AP give a source in the report that "the diver" is actually Steve Irwin. So at this point, we all need to be patient and wait for an OFFICIAL report to be released after "the diver's" family has been notified.

Regardless of whether "the diver" is Steve Irwin or not, this is a sad event, and we should all give our deepest and most sincere sympathies for such a tragic loss.

GBS
Reply to this comment
by debmo312 September 4, 2006 3:08 AM PDT
I am very sorry for the family. I know what it's like to lose. (I have lost a daughter).
I feel terrible for his animals. He was doing some pretty amazing things. I hope his family and co-workers choose to continue with his projects.
The animals have lost a good human.
LOL Debmo312
Reply to this comment
by steveisdead September 4, 2006 3:15 AM PDT
after the death of steve, Isee nothing else for myself, I almost obligated to join the Evanglical Christians.


Ican handle some petty brainwashing.
Reply to this comment
by zestforlife September 4, 2006 3:17 AM PDT
It's a sad day. Steve Irwin will be missed. He devoted his life to what he believed in and stood up for them, can't say that for most. He will be remembered for his love and respect for animals. my prayers are with his family. good day mate
Reply to this comment
by virbull September 4, 2006 3:18 AM PDT
Like many Australians, I felt a certain "cringe" when I first saw Steve on TV, and learnt that he was huge in the USA. You see, we Australian's aren't really like that, Steve is an amplified version of an Australian.

As I learnt more about the man, I learnt to respect and even love him. The way he worked with children and even appeared on the Wiggles and donated his time and money (his incredible fortune earnt from American money)to conserving the environment and in particular the protection of the habitat of animals world wide.

He is responsible for the saving of many species, he was their superman, not ours, innocent animals who are hunted for enjoyment and have no defence. Steve Irwin was that.

I feel a huge sense of loss, as this man hase become an icon here in our Country and before any of you think it was al an act, it wasn;t he was so passionate, and passion should never be slashed by those who envy success in another.

I wish to pass my condolences to his wife and his very young children, who will now grow up without their adoring father.

Rest in peace Steve Irwin and watch over our wildlife from your new lofty position in the universe.

Shane Driscoll
Melbourne, Australia
Reply to this comment
by dillygirl-2009 September 4, 2006 3:20 AM PDT
I am very saddened about the death of a wonderful human being like Steve Irwin. Not only is the "animal" world losing a great advocate and explorer... but so is the world losing a loving and kind man. He was one of the good guys... and that is how I'll remember him. May God Bless his family and receive him with open arms.
Reply to this comment
by luke_1979 September 4, 2006 3:23 AM PDT
I am from Sydney Australia and can confirm from all our news services that it was Steve Irwin who passed away. My deepest sympathy goes to his family and friends. Thanks to all the Americans who appreciated his work and love of animals.
Reply to this comment
by mzpozzum September 4, 2006 3:32 AM PDT
Not only did he entertain millions of us... he taught us many things about the animal kingdom.

Entertainer, Teacher, Husband, Son, Father, Friend... the man wore many hats and wore them all well!

Sadly those who speak ill of this man could never stand tall enough to have looked him straight in the eye!
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