Stingray Kills TV's 'Crocodile Hunter'

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

(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

• 1
• 2
• Next

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 This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.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

Share:

Digg

Facebook

Yahoo! Buzz

Twitter

Mixx

More From Entertainment

• Joe Jackson to Inherit Nothing From Son
• Paisley Focused on CMA Duties, Not Noms
• Records: Jackson's Funeral Cost $1 Million
• Taylor Swift Rules at BMI Country Awards
• Aaron Carter Off "Dancing with the Stars"
• Lawyer: Halderman Wouldn't Cop Plea
• Are You Ready for Dec. 21, "2012"?

• 

  VideoJoe Cada, 21, Wins $8.5M

• 

  VideoLetterman Case Gets Ugly

Add a Comment

• 1
• 2
• 3
• 4
...
• 8
• next

See all 158 Comments

by lilsurf0 September 7, 2006 11:55 PM EDT

I know we all are greatly hurt since the incedent. We will miss him dearly and always will.he brought joy to our hearts and just remember if you remember him his spirit will last forever, but if we were to forget he would become a ghost of the past.we all loved him.He was a brave and packed with courage.he has changed the way people see the animals he dealed with and i would have loved to thank him for every thing he did.Let his name sour threw our hearts.


sincerely,
makenzie love
age 11

Reply to this comment

by apdepetris September 7, 2006 6:24 PM EDT

I was reading comments out here and was very disturbed at the negative comments made. You people are rude and insensitive. A man with a wife and 2 small children dies and all you are concerned about is his education. Steve Irwin grew up around animals and they were his passion in life. Too bad there aren't more of us in this world lucky enough to go to work each day with his enthusiasm (because he was doing what he loved to do). And people blaiming him for his own death is absurd. Did he risk his life and take chances working with these animals - of course. But do you say the same thing about other people with dangerous jobs like policemen or firefighters? How about the 9/11 rescue workers. Are the ones that died that day responsible for their own deaths? There are people all over the world that go to work and risk their lives every day because they believe what they are doing is important. Steve you will be missed. Rest in peace.

Reply to this comment

by exoticona September 7, 2006 7:50 AM EDT

To know the animal world...is to know the other world. That world we are so alien to, and yet so akin to. Steve brought us close to the creatures of the world that we no longer are able to see. So many things we don't know about our planet, and the liaison he brought to the screen brought us closer to the creatures. He vitalized our spirits, brought energy to our feet, made our hair stand on end, and got our hearts to skip a beat. We grew entranced by the beasts we knew so little about. The message was loud and clear...this truly is the animal's planet. We are all part of the ecosystem. So much as changed, and will continue to change. His death comes as a shock, a surprise, and untimely. What a single action of one of the beasts of the world can cause an international stirring of deep remorse, and affection...to elicit a response...this surely has!

Reply to this comment

by kimbaba2 September 7, 2006 12:21 AM EDT

BUNION BI T C H. who cares if he was "properly educated"? honestly, what the hell. HE WAS DOING WHAT HE LOVED and he went into the face of danger and entertained millions of people. Maybe you can have an opinion after you go and do HALF the things this guy did. and have some respect because he was DEFINITELY a respectable person who lost his life. if you don't have anything to say in regards to being sorry for his death then don't say anything at all.

Reply to this comment

by totallymmhmm September 5, 2006 8:40 PM EDT

So so so sad, it wasnt his time and it just made me sooo mad and sad when i heard it on the news, No one and I mean no one can take his place or be as caring and cool as him. When ever i see a crock. it makes me rember then i start tearing. I pray for his family and friends and all of thoes who care for him and may he sleep in peace. Steve ur in our hearts.

Crocks are cool and will always be cared for.

Reply to this comment

by rggou September 5, 2006 3:51 PM EDT

We really enjoyed watching Steve's program it always interesting.You will be grearly missed not only be your viewers,mostly by all your family members.Nobody will take your place in that part of investigating the different types of wildlife,& nature.
Posted by Rggou At 12:47 Sept.06,2006

Reply to this comment

by batfors September 5, 2006 3:20 PM EDT

My heart is heavy now that Steve is gone. He was a tireless conservationist who wanted everyone to be touch by animals like he was. He taught so many people that even though an animal was not furry, cute and cuddly it still had a right to be loved and have efforts made to save it. I pray that the whole Irwin family and staff at Australia Zoo be given the strength, love and courage that they need right now. Steve, say hello to Mary for me. I know you are sitting next to her. Crocs Rule!!!!

Reply to this comment

by twinella47 September 5, 2006 3:17 PM EDT

Dear Steve you will be missed, but you will not be forgotten. There was NEVER a man like you and will NEVER be, that took so many risks to educate us, to entertain us, to put us so close with wild life, all animals and just to enjoy Mother Nature. You will be missed by me and the Whole World. Sorry you had to go so soon. The Good and the Great die young. You died doing what you love the most, but it is sad that you had to go doing what you loved. My thoughts and prayers are with your family. You will always be remembered as the Greatest Naturalist of our time.

Reply to this comment

by crocsrule-2009 September 5, 2006 12:26 PM EDT

bunionbabe, you have to be one of the most heartless people I have ever known about in this world. I mean, What is it to you to go along spreading your hate and discontent about people? Has this man ever done anything to you personnally? Why the attacks? I don't know anything about Steve Irwin's education and frankly to me it doesn't matter. I have worked around alot of people in my life, both highly educated and non educated. And most of the time, the ones with less "college education"are the ones that seem to know more about what they are talking about, provided that they had worked and gotten the training,"on the job ". It has to do with something called common sense and job knowledge, which is as far as I'm concerned what Steve had. Believe me, I would trust someone with my life much more completely that has worked and gotten their training by working in the field for years rather than to trust my life to someone that can just say they have a degree in whatever...To me it sounds like you have more of a problem with jealosy about someone who has happened to in the right place and time and they are very successful. Are they getting more Airtime than you are?? Please do us all a favor and button your lip!! This man was more of a human being than you seem to be....

Reply to this comment

by crocsrule-2009 September 5, 2006 12:12 PM EDT

First of all, anyone with negative comments should at least pick a better time to be expressing their opinions about this man. Regardless to how you view him, you should respect his family thru this time and not post any belittling and negative things. If it were you and your family member has been taken, regardless to how it happened, it's still a very painfull time to go thru. How would you like it if your family was going thru this and there were people out there saying things like this? It only further adds to the pain and grief they are going thru. Come on now, Please try to show a little compassion and respect for the family during this time of grief! You have plenty of time LATER to express your views and negatism...As for me and my house, all I can say about this right now is "We will miss you Steve" G-Day Mate!!

Reply to this comment

by starfelipa September 5, 2006 11:42 AM EDT

we are so sorry to here of steves death my sons never missed a show.we all loved steves shows.to steves wife our prayers are with you and your family.we are very sadned for your loss.God bless and take care.once again our prayers are with you.

Reply to this comment

by twinlakespd1 September 5, 2006 11:26 AM EDT

What happened was very unfortunate. Although I was not a huge fan of Steve, he was entertaining and taught us much. I respect the man for what he did. He died doing what he loved.

Reply to this comment

by pogino September 5, 2006 10:55 AM EDT

This is in response to all the negative comments made about Steve Irwin. I feel that whether or not you agree with Steve Irwin's life style and belief's, this is definitely not the time or place to make your personal judgments or do your hateful bashing on someone you disagree with. Is this really something you want his family and relatives to read during their time of grief and feeling of loss? It saddens me to know, some of you actually seem happy Steve is gone and that he actually deserved his death. Are you really that uncaring and uncompassionate when someone makes different life choices then your own ,that the death of that person means nothing other then good rid dens? How very very sad!!! I do hope life gets better for all of you soon because what ever is going on in your life right now must be pretty miserable when you feel the need to attack a dead person who can not even defend them self to make yourself feel better%u2026.. As to Steve Irwin, thank you for all that you have given us Steve and I along with many will miss enjoying the happy energy you shared with us. Farewell and have a good journey. Patricia Aiko Ogino, North Pole, Alaska

Reply to this comment

by melkaycee September 5, 2006 5:02 AM EDT

I can't believe some of the comments that have been left! FIRST OF ALL A MAN HAS DIED. (That alone should be the reason to be respectful). Second if you don't like the man then why would you waste your time commenting? (again and again).
Third, If you don't have nothing nice to say then don't say it all.
Melissa
Nebraska

Reply to this comment

by zratace September 5, 2006 4:25 AM EDT

This is directed at bunionbabe! Why are you even posting on this site? It is clear that you have a problem with Steve so why are you here? Please go away and let all of us who have some human dignity and express our feelings in peace. It's people like you who don't deserve to live a joyful long life. Steve Irwin has done a great thing with his life and why don't you bunionbabe do your research before running your BIG FREAKIN MOUTH about things that you don't know about. Steve did not do what he did for money he lived very frugle and honestly put most of his money into the conservation of wildlife. For you to sit on this site and slag a dead honest and great person like Steve you are a terrible human. It's people like you who have not done a honest great thing with your life so it's easy for you to TRY to bring Steve down to your level of a person. It's not working so do us all a favor and vanish PLEASE? I ask you what have you done? What will you be remembered for? Or will you just die off AND be another lost soul in life. The truth is BUNIONBABE who cares about you because we don't so take a hike!!!! I can back up what I speak and YES I have done a great deal in my life.

Steve will be missed by alot of people throughout the world unlike BIG MOUTH BUNIONBABE.
ZRATFACE has spoken!!!!

Reply to this comment

by raybet43 September 5, 2006 3:48 AM EDT

When I heard of Steves death it made me sad.
He was such a wonderful man. He was always so loving to animals whether he was in danger or not. His gentle nature made him who he was. I am so sorry for your loss. You are in my prayers. When Steve and his wife was together in a show the world could see the love he had for her. This showed no matter who was looking.
You will be missed. There will never be anyone as great as STEVE.

Reply to this comment

by frank-hunter September 5, 2006 1:54 AM EDT

bunionbabe, you are one of the most dispicable arrogrant rude animal rights terrortis ever. You have no sympathy, you condemn, belittle, place judgement of a man who was a true conservationists. One who spoke for the animals right to survive in this world. He did not learn thru books, or go to school to get a degree, he learned thru hands-on education. That is something that can never be taught in a class room. Who would you listen to, a professor who taught in a class room that had no experience what so ever about wildlife, or an conservation who lived it, who experienced it, who was actually out there, doing something about it - educating the public with hands-on experience. Experience is a great key in promoting wildlife, teaching the young to respect not only nature but human kind. You have no respect what so ever for the passing, You are nothing more than a child.

Reply to this comment

by gizmo1975-2009 September 5, 2006 12:18 AM EDT

Our prayers are with Steve's family. I"m so sorry that the family couldn't say goodbye to him and say they loved him very much. I know that got to be really hard. Steve was a very brave young man. He had more gust than I do or anybody else. Once again ours love's gone out to Steve's family.

Reply to this comment

by turn621 September 4, 2006 11:46 PM EDT

The world will miss the croc hunter.Will pray for his family. Turn621

Reply to this comment

by tomflint69 September 4, 2006 10:36 PM EDT

Dear CHRIS AND TARA,
Many thanks for posting such lovely comments here :o)
Are you both also in heaven? lol.... dont mind.

have a nice time.

Reply to this comment

• 1
• 2
• 3
• 4
...
• 8
• next

See all 158 Comments

Add a comment

Comment SUBMIT

Click here to add another comment.

The posting of advertisements, profanity, or personal attacks is prohibited. By using this Web site you agree to accept our Terms of Service. Click here to read the Rules of Engagement.

Comment reply

Submit Cancel

The posting of advertisements, profanity, or personal attacks is prohibited. By using this Web site you agree to accept our Terms of Service. Click here to read the Rules of Engagement.

Report offensive content:

If you believe this comment is offensive or violates the CBSNews.com Terms of Use, you can report it below (this will not automatically remove the comment). Once reported, our staff will be notified and the comment will be reviewed.

Select type of offense:

Offensive: Sexually explicit or offensive language

Spam: Advertisements, commercial links, or repetitive posts

Disruptive posting: Flaming or offending other users

Illegal activities: Promote cracked software, or other illegal content

Off-topic: Commentary unrelated to the storyline

Comments (optional):

Report Cancel

E-mail this comment to a friend.

E-mail this to: (Separate multiple e-mail addresses with commas. Limited to 10 addresses.)

Your e-mail address:

Send me a copy of this message

Note: Your e-mail address is used only to let the recipient know who sent the e-mail and in case of transmission error. Neither your address nor the recipients's address will be used for any other purpose.

Add your own personal message: (Optional)

Hi, I found this user's comment on CBSNews.com and thought you might be interested in reading it. Send e-mail Cancel

[lilsurf0]

I know we all are greatly hurt since the incedent. We will miss him dearly and always will.he brought joy to our hearts and just remember if you remember him his spirit will last forever, but if we were to forget he would become a ghost of the past.we all loved him.He was a brave and packed with courage.he has changed the way people see the animals he dealed with and i would have loved to thank him for every thing he did.Let his name sour threw our hearts.


sincerely,
makenzie love
age 11

[apdepetris]

I was reading comments out here and was very disturbed at the negative comments made. You people are rude and insensitive. A man with a wife and 2 small children dies and all you are concerned about is his education. Steve Irwin grew up around animals and they were his passion in life. Too bad there aren't more of us in this world lucky enough to go to work each day with his enthusiasm (because he was doing what he loved to do). And people blaiming him for his own death is absurd. Did he risk his life and take chances working with these animals - of course. But do you say the same thing about other people with dangerous jobs like policemen or firefighters? How about the 9/11 rescue workers. Are the ones that died that day responsible for their own deaths? There are people all over the world that go to work and risk their lives every day because they believe what they are doing is important. Steve you will be missed. Rest in peace.

[exoticona]

To know the animal world...is to know the other world. That world we are so alien to, and yet so akin to. Steve brought us close to the creatures of the world that we no longer are able to see. So many things we don't know about our planet, and the liaison he brought to the screen brought us closer to the creatures. He vitalized our spirits, brought energy to our feet, made our hair stand on end, and got our hearts to skip a beat. We grew entranced by the beasts we knew so little about. The message was loud and clear...this truly is the animal's planet. We are all part of the ecosystem. So much as changed, and will continue to change. His death comes as a shock, a surprise, and untimely. What a single action of one of the beasts of the world can cause an international stirring of deep remorse, and affection...to elicit a response...this surely has!

[kimbaba2]

BUNION BI T C H. who cares if he was "properly educated"? honestly, what the hell. HE WAS DOING WHAT HE LOVED and he went into the face of danger and entertained millions of people. Maybe you can have an opinion after you go and do HALF the things this guy did. and have some respect because he was DEFINITELY a respectable person who lost his life. if you don't have anything to say in regards to being sorry for his death then don't say anything at all.

[totallymmhmm]

So so so sad, it wasnt his time and it just made me sooo mad and sad when i heard it on the news, No one and I mean no one can take his place or be as caring and cool as him. When ever i see a crock. it makes me rember then i start tearing. I pray for his family and friends and all of thoes who care for him and may he sleep in peace. Steve ur in our hearts.

Crocks are cool and will always be cared for.

[rggou]

We really enjoyed watching Steve's program it always interesting.You will be grearly missed not only be your viewers,mostly by all your family members.Nobody will take your place in that part of investigating the different types of wildlife,& nature.
Posted by Rggou At 12:47 Sept.06,2006

[batfors]

My heart is heavy now that Steve is gone. He was a tireless conservationist who wanted everyone to be touch by animals like he was. He taught so many people that even though an animal was not furry, cute and cuddly it still had a right to be loved and have efforts made to save it. I pray that the whole Irwin family and staff at Australia Zoo be given the strength, love and courage that they need right now. Steve, say hello to Mary for me. I know you are sitting next to her. Crocs Rule!!!!

[twinella47]

Dear Steve you will be missed, but you will not be forgotten. There was NEVER a man like you and will NEVER be, that took so many risks to educate us, to entertain us, to put us so close with wild life, all animals and just to enjoy Mother Nature. You will be missed by me and the Whole World. Sorry you had to go so soon. The Good and the Great die young. You died doing what you love the most, but it is sad that you had to go doing what you loved. My thoughts and prayers are with your family. You will always be remembered as the Greatest Naturalist of our time.

[crocsrule-2009]

bunionbabe, you have to be one of the most heartless people I have ever known about in this world. I mean, What is it to you to go along spreading your hate and discontent about people? Has this man ever done anything to you personnally? Why the attacks? I don't know anything about Steve Irwin's education and frankly to me it doesn't matter. I have worked around alot of people in my life, both highly educated and non educated. And most of the time, the ones with less "college education"are the ones that seem to know more about what they are talking about, provided that they had worked and gotten the training,"on the job ". It has to do with something called common sense and job knowledge, which is as far as I'm concerned what Steve had. Believe me, I would trust someone with my life much more completely that has worked and gotten their training by working in the field for years rather than to trust my life to someone that can just say they have a degree in whatever...To me it sounds like you have more of a problem with jealosy about someone who has happened to in the right place and time and they are very successful. Are they getting more Airtime than you are?? Please do us all a favor and button your lip!! This man was more of a human being than you seem to be....

[crocsrule-2009]

First of all, anyone with negative comments should at least pick a better time to be expressing their opinions about this man. Regardless to how you view him, you should respect his family thru this time and not post any belittling and negative things. If it were you and your family member has been taken, regardless to how it happened, it's still a very painfull time to go thru. How would you like it if your family was going thru this and there were people out there saying things like this? It only further adds to the pain and grief they are going thru. Come on now, Please try to show a little compassion and respect for the family during this time of grief! You have plenty of time LATER to express your views and negatism...As for me and my house, all I can say about this right now is "We will miss you Steve" G-Day Mate!!

[starfelipa]

we are so sorry to here of steves death my sons never missed a show.we all loved steves shows.to steves wife our prayers are with you and your family.we are very sadned for your loss.God bless and take care.once again our prayers are with you.

[twinlakespd1]

What happened was very unfortunate. Although I was not a huge fan of Steve, he was entertaining and taught us much. I respect the man for what he did. He died doing what he loved.

[pogino]

This is in response to all the negative comments made about Steve Irwin. I feel that whether or not you agree with Steve Irwin's life style and belief's, this is definitely not the time or place to make your personal judgments or do your hateful bashing on someone you disagree with. Is this really something you want his family and relatives to read during their time of grief and feeling of loss? It saddens me to know, some of you actually seem happy Steve is gone and that he actually deserved his death. Are you really that uncaring and uncompassionate when someone makes different life choices then your own ,that the death of that person means nothing other then good rid dens? How very very sad!!! I do hope life gets better for all of you soon because what ever is going on in your life right now must be pretty miserable when you feel the need to attack a dead person who can not even defend them self to make yourself feel better%u2026.. As to Steve Irwin, thank you for all that you have given us Steve and I along with many will miss enjoying the happy energy you shared with us. Farewell and have a good journey. Patricia Aiko Ogino, North Pole, Alaska

[melkaycee]

I can't believe some of the comments that have been left! FIRST OF ALL A MAN HAS DIED. (That alone should be the reason to be respectful). Second if you don't like the man then why would you waste your time commenting? (again and again).
Third, If you don't have nothing nice to say then don't say it all.
Melissa
Nebraska

[zratace]

This is directed at bunionbabe! Why are you even posting on this site? It is clear that you have a problem with Steve so why are you here? Please go away and let all of us who have some human dignity and express our feelings in peace. It's people like you who don't deserve to live a joyful long life. Steve Irwin has done a great thing with his life and why don't you bunionbabe do your research before running your BIG FREAKIN MOUTH about things that you don't know about. Steve did not do what he did for money he lived very frugle and honestly put most of his money into the conservation of wildlife. For you to sit on this site and slag a dead honest and great person like Steve you are a terrible human. It's people like you who have not done a honest great thing with your life so it's easy for you to TRY to bring Steve down to your level of a person. It's not working so do us all a favor and vanish PLEASE? I ask you what have you done? What will you be remembered for? Or will you just die off AND be another lost soul in life. The truth is BUNIONBABE who cares about you because we don't so take a hike!!!! I can back up what I speak and YES I have done a great deal in my life.

Steve will be missed by alot of people throughout the world unlike BIG MOUTH BUNIONBABE.
ZRATFACE has spoken!!!!

[raybet43]

When I heard of Steves death it made me sad.
He was such a wonderful man. He was always so loving to animals whether he was in danger or not. His gentle nature made him who he was. I am so sorry for your loss. You are in my prayers. When Steve and his wife was together in a show the world could see the love he had for her. This showed no matter who was looking.
You will be missed. There will never be anyone as great as STEVE.

[frank-hunter]

bunionbabe, you are one of the most dispicable arrogrant rude animal rights terrortis ever. You have no sympathy, you condemn, belittle, place judgement of a man who was a true conservationists. One who spoke for the animals right to survive in this world. He did not learn thru books, or go to school to get a degree, he learned thru hands-on education. That is something that can never be taught in a class room. Who would you listen to, a professor who taught in a class room that had no experience what so ever about wildlife, or an conservation who lived it, who experienced it, who was actually out there, doing something about it - educating the public with hands-on experience. Experience is a great key in promoting wildlife, teaching the young to respect not only nature but human kind. You have no respect what so ever for the passing, You are nothing more than a child.

[gizmo1975-2009]

Our prayers are with Steve's family. I"m so sorry that the family couldn't say goodbye to him and say they loved him very much. I know that got to be really hard. Steve was a very brave young man. He had more gust than I do or anybody else. Once again ours love's gone out to Steve's family.

[turn621]

The world will miss the croc hunter.Will pray for his family. Turn621

[tomflint69]

Dear CHRIS AND TARA,
Many thanks for posting such lovely comments here :o)
Are you both also in heaven? lol.... dont mind.

have a nice time.