New Details In 'Croc Hunter' Death

(CBS/AP)  "Crocodile Hunter" Steve Irwin was videotaped pulling a poisonous stingray barb from his chest moments before losing consciousness forever, a witness said Tuesday.

The tape of the final moments Monday of the man known by TV audiences worldwide for his infectious enthusiasm in hosting wildlife program "The Crocodile Hunter" has been secured by Queensland state police as evidence for a coroner's inquiry.

Irwin, 44, was shooting footage for a new wildlife project he was making with daughter Bindi, 8, for airing next year in the United States when he was fatally wounded off the north Queensland coast.

Irwin's manager and producer John Stainton described the footage, which he had seen, as "shocking."

"It shows that Steve came over the top of the ray and the tail came up, and spiked him here (in the chest), and he pulled it out and the next minute he's gone," Stainton told reporters in the city of Cairns where Irwin's body was taken for an autopsy.

"That was it. The cameraman had to shut down," Stainton added.

"This is just unbelievable," Nigel Marven, a well-known wildlife specialist who was a longtime friend of Irwin's, told CBS News correspondent Mark Phillips. "It's not the venom of the stingray. What happened was, because these things have got eight-inch spines, it must have lashed its tail and it was almost like he was knifed into the heart."

Irwin became famous through his series "Crocodile Hunter," which was picked up by the Discovery Channel in 1993 and became an international hit.

The station's owner Discovery Communications Inc. announced it plans a marathon screening of Irwin's work and will create a wildlife fund to continue his conservation work.

"Rarely has the world embraced an animal enthusiast and conservationist as they did Steve Irwin," Discovery Networks International President Dawn McCall said in a statement.

Billy Campbell, the Discovery Network's U.S. president, said the first time he went scuba diving with Irwin on Australia's Great Barrier Reef, they went through the lengthiest safety check he had ever experienced.

So when Campbell heard Irwin died while filming in the same area in a freak diving accident, he was "stunned."

"Everyone knows he was a risk-taker and he acknowledged that, but safety always came first," Campbell said.

[comet_hunter]

Some say God takes the best. Steve was certainly the best at what he did. Steve had more knowledge and awareness of the wildlife surrounding him than any other wildlife celeb I have seen in my entire life. He was a dedicated professional, thanks to the support of his parents, family, and all who knew and loved him. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his wife Terri and the kids, and his father who I know was very proud of what he taught (and learned) from Steve. We'll miss his energetic and outgoing personality and all he
gave to conservation. Steve was a great source of entertainment and education for myself and family. Thanks Steve, Godspeed, and G'nite.

Mike Bonner and family.
Westland, Michigan USA.

[kate435]

Our hearts go out to Steve Irwin's family and our gratitude also for allowing us to share in his passion for animals through his videos and documentaries. God Bless You Steve and we know the Lord is looking over your family.

[chiphilly007]

TO THE WIFE AND CHILDREN OF OUR BELOVED STEVE,
YOU HAVE MY HEART FELT SYMPATHY ON THE PASSING OF STEVE. FOR MYSELF,MY HUSBAND DARNELL AND OUR FIVE CHILDREN JAMES,SHEENA,SEMAJ,OMARI,AND KOVEN YOU ALL ARE LIKE FAMILY. THERE HAS NOT BEEN ONE DAY IN OUR HOME SINCE 1995 THAT WE DIDN'T SHARE WITH YOU ALL. MY CHILDREN OUR JUST FASCINATED WITH STEVE. THEY WANT TO BECOME ZOOLOGIST(A DREAM UNHEARD OF IN A POOR BLACK COMMUNITY). PLEASE, CONTINUE YOUR WORK AND MAY BLESS YOU AND ALL YOUR FAMILY AND STAFF. WE LOVE YOU AND YOU ALL ARE IN PRAYERS. THERE ARE NO WORDS TO DESCRIBE HOW IMPORTANT STEVE WAS TO US. MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND KEEP YOU STRONG
LOVES ALWAYS
THE BLAKEY-HUDSON-BARNES AND COKLEY FAMILIES

[rkaupas1]

Mrs Irwin, Children and Mr Irwin (dad) "May you feel the loving arms of God around you and find comfort in the knowledge that he is always with you". Steve will be greatly missed, I do hope his work will be carried on. Keep the show going!

God Bless...
Sunny Florida rk

[yurfriend]

Steve Irwin set an example for the world to see. He excited and encouraged us with his enthusiam. He lived his life out of love for his family, friends, co-workers, fans and wildlife. This love set a perfect example of how God wants us to live, enjoying every moment. He will be missed, but the lessons we all learned from this selfless life will never be forgotten. He accomplished all of what he was here to do and God took him home. This life was not lived in vain. and he will be richly rewarded, for his motivation was love. We will see him again one day if we walk in love as he did.
On the victory side, Marian

[rossomahaar]

I keep thinking over and over..Like that accident never happend but later i realize it really happend..then it would happend again..That he died by a animal that is not so dangerous as the crocs and snakes he dealed with..

and this Greer. In my opinion, i will not shut up about this and therefore for even saying that i should bust her lip.. thats my 2 cents on it

[godsveryown]

It breaks my heart that such an incredible man's life ended so prematurely. How wonderful it would be if more of us had the passion and compassion of this great man. He did so much to improve the world we live in. My wish now is that his wife and children can be spared the illness of a world that craves sensationalism. Once the video has been viewed by those who need to see it, I hope that it will be destroyed. The beautiful family that supported and shared in this marvelous life deserve time to heal and move on without the public encroaching on their peace. My condolences and prayers go out to the Irwin family.

[pantalenoj]

Steve Irwin was a lucky man. He found his passion in life and shared it with the world. People like Steve are rare. They are willing to take risks in pursuit of their dreams. While entertaining us, he did much good for raising awareness of wildlife preservation issues. May he rest in peace, and may others be inspired to carry on his work.

[feefu]

hi my name is anirudh.i've watching crocodile hunter since i was a kid.i allways wanted to meet steve when i grow up but now i know its not gonna happen.i dont think there was anything wrong in whatever steve did with kid with the croc,c'mon man i would do the same if i were in his place,he's aproffensial and he knows whats gonna happen.but in the case of the sting ray it was something which is next to impossible.he's a great guy and i'll miss him very much.........miss u steve!!!

[joe_dawg_9]

As far as I see it, Irwin was (for the most part) a lucky man. Unfortunately, his luck ran out. Either way, I would NOT want to be his cameraman. That would just suck!
I do send my condolences to Irwin's family.