New Details In 'Croc Hunter' Death

Video Suggests Stingray Stab Wound, Not Venom, Was Fatal Blow

(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.

[unn4m3d]

I am so very sorry for your loss. I just wanted to express my sincerest condolences to Mrs.Irwin! I am deeply saddened by the unfortunate news concerning the Death of Mr.Irwin! I frist heard of this when I woke up Sunday morning I flipped the TV on and went to CNN, and as I was laying there I heard "Steve Irwin the croc hunter was killed today" I jumped up and looked at the TV and seen a picture of him, and I went from being happy to sad real quick. I grew up watching him on TV I couldn't believe it happened I wanted to lay there and cry! I found a video on the net called "In Memory Of Steve Irwin" I got it off www.break.com and I placed it on my myspace! Well basically I just wanted to tell Mrs.Irwin I'm sorry for her loss and we will never forget the great Steve Irwin!!

[solarskye-2009]

I have six children who all but our youngest has watched Steve Irwin Wrestle Crocs, pick up snakes, swim with sharks,etc,etc. His love for conservation and for animals was awesome. We will miss him dearly. Steve, thanks for letting us get to know you and your family. Quote:( A bird will fall frozen dead from above without ever once feeling sorry for itself.) And I feel you were that bird. May you spread your wings and fly. Love,
The Baker Family
Knoxville,TN

[animal_lover-2009]

You are defiantly a role model to me.
Thank you for everything you did.
God Bless

[chausmann2]

I just wanted to express my sincerest condolences to Steve's wife and his son and daughter. I have followed their careers for years now and have respected the work both he and his wife (and father) have done for the environment and animals throughout the world. I cannot imagine his death being at the sting of a ray since I have dove with rays myself often and safely. This was simply his time to leave us and nonetheless, it will be a great loss to this niche of work for us all and expecially to his homeland Australia.

Steve, rest in peace, our friend. You have livened up my family and my living room for years and we commend you on the zest for life you always showed with every endeavor you set out to do. We join in your wife and family's grief and want you to know many people on this coast (the West Coast of the USA) will miss you and mourn you as well.) You will forever remain in our hearts and minds.

May God bless your family.
Christi Hausmann

[nativehunee]

i am very sorry to hear about the "croc hunter". it broke all of our hearts when we heard the news, and not just for his fans but his whole family. my heart goes out to him and we are all think about his family and hope they can manage to get through some of it. again i am very sorry for ur loss.he was a great man

[capttimmyinc]

I am so very sorry for your loss.The world will truly miss a devoted animal person.He taught me so much about different species.He brought them to life..you could tell he was truly dedicated, to them and his family..I am from louisiana and your family touched my heart.please try to stay strong..sincerely charlene guidry

[berryola]

I am deeply saddened by the unfortunate news concerning the Death of Mr. Steve Irwin. I enjoyed watching his show as much as I enjoyed his larger than life on screen adrenergic persona.
He was: cocky (self-assured), and at times...a bit risque', but also passionate, sincere, entertaining, spellbinding, And above all...a LOVING husband/father. I truly admire this man.

My heart and prayers go out to you Mrs. Irwin and your family. I am so sorry for your loss.

I apologize for the insensitive comments made by the previous onliners who chose to hurt rather than heal.

[mjsere]

I don't know much about Steve, but in agreement with alot of other people I believe he had a great passion for something in life. He educated his mind and other's minds in a variety of God's creations. He grabbed hold of his dreams by the reigns and fulfilled them everday. Not many people can say that. Enough said. My deepest sympathy to his family during this time of need.

[emlover-2009]

Apache56 and Bunionbabe you two should be ashamed of yourselves!! What's wrong with you? I think that you ought to pack up your S*** and go live with Bin Laden, you both are cold hearted people!! I can gurantee you that you could NEVER measure up to the man that Steve Irwin was. And as for Terri (with an I) I know that she'd give all that money and then some to have the father of her children and husband back!!
waidec I hope to see you on the TV soon :)!!

[docidoo]

Who would have thunk it a crazy Aussie touching so many people. Bummer for Bindi, reports says she was there. Hope the best for her and all her family.
Stevo you crazy, loving, man.
Everyone needs to remember Stevo by contributing to his/her favorite zoo.