No State Funeral For Crocodile Hunter

Steve Irwin's Family: He'd Want To Be Remembered As 'Ordinary Bloke'

(CBS/AP)  "Crocodile Hunter" Steve Irwin, killed in a freak stingray attack this week, would not have accepted a state funeral because he wanted to be remembered as "an ordinary bloke," the TV star's father said Wednesday.

Australian Broadcasting reports Irwin's wife, Terri, has turned down the offer of a state funeral.

In the first public comments by Irwin's family since the hugely popular naturalist died Monday, Bob Irwin thanked his son's many fans for their messages of support, and said his son had died doing what he loved.

The 44-year-old TV star was on camera for a new program as he snorkeled with a stingray on the Great Barrier Reef, when it lashed out with its tail, plunging a poisonous barb into his chest. Irwin died minutes later.

Separately Wednesday, Irwin's manager and close friend John Stainton said videotape showing him being fatally stabbed should never be publicly aired.

"It should be destroyed," Stainton, who has seen the footage and said it showed Irwin pulling the barb from his chest in his last moments, told CNN's "Larry King Live."

The tape is now in the possession of police as evidence for a coroner.

"When that is finally released, it will never see the light of day. Ever. Ever. I actually saw it, but I don't want to see it again," Stainton said.

The Discovery Channel, which produced and aired Irwin's programs to a reported global audience of more than 200 million, said it will not show the footage.

Thousands of fans have flocked to Irwin's wildlife park in Australia's Queensland state, Australia Zoo, creating a shrine of flowers and written tributes. Prime Minister John Howard said a state funeral was appropriate, calling him a great ambassador for Australia.

Bob Irwin said a state funeral wouldn't be what Steve wanted.

"He's just an ordinary guy, and he wants to be remembered as an ordinary bloke," said Bob Irwin. "The state funeral would be refused."

Bob Irwin, who started the wildlife park that his son turned into a major tourist attraction, said Steve realized his work was dangerous and that he could die doing it.

"Steve knew the risks involved in the type of work he was doing, and he wouldn't have wanted it any other way," Bob Irwin said.

Michael Hornby, the head of one of Irwin's wildlife charities, Wildlife Warriors, said Terri Irwin is considering having a smaller, private ceremony at an Outback location, and approving a separate large event at a stadium in the state capital, Brisbane.

[jetlizhan]

What an incredible man and even more incredible loss to the world, especially wildlife. Steve's passion was contagious - I watched his show whenever I could. God bless his adorable wife and beautiful kids. What an amazing husband and Dad they had - his time with them was just way too short. They are in my prayers. (I bet even his beloved 'crocs' are going to miss his loving manner). I pray his work will continue.
Jo Tyson - Greenville, NC (USA)

[sharrick04]

To all Australian's Steve Irwin was a legend in his own right. He fought for the wilderness of our marvellous planet and showed a lot of Australians how much conservation means to us. My husband and I visit the Australian Zoo on a monhtly basis and Steve's death has affected us in a way I never thought possible. He will be remembered as a great Australian icon and hero. My heartfelt condolences to Terri, Bindi, bob and the team at the Australian Zoo - he will be missed....

[fxsofttail20]

I have had heart problems for the last five years and the croc hunter was my reason for watching tv.The whole city of Burlington Ia.will miss him greatly.From the Ells family we send are condolence to the Irwin family and friends and the whole crew at the zoo.Doug & gloria Ells.

[carlylaine]

OMG! I can't believe this. Steve was the best. I loved his child-like enthusiasm and the adult reality which he showed on every show I saw him in.

One thing I feel that I learned from Steve was even crocs-as unpredictable as they are-are still "GOGEOUS!!" "Girls are pretty sheilas!"

And when asked how Steve was while growing up, his dad laughed and said, "He was a little monsta!"

To Terry and children and friends of Steve: Please don't ever stop doing what he loved. His is an important work.

Take care all of you who knew him. My deepest heartfelt sympathies.

[anitacubero]

what a wonderful man steve was. me and my husband enjoyed watching him all the time.he was vey funny and gentle with the animals. all the animals were lucky to have someone care for them as much as he did. I just wanted to tell his family god bless them and steve will always be in our hearts. anita cubero-houston,tx (usa)

[toomuch2say2]

I haven't met anyone who did not find Steve Irwin an amazing man. Many of us tuned in to see what he would do next; he had a special gift. He will surely be missed. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family.

[bekaroo]

I was devastated at Steve Irwin's death! I can't believe it's true! He was an amazing man, a true inspiration to me and I'm sure many others. I will miss him so much, 'Croc files' and 'The crocodile hunter' were absolutely brilliant and taught me a lot. I hope all his work carries on... Although it will never be the same without him.

[cig0503]

I have watched Steve since he first came on American TV . I loved him from the beginning and have grown to love Terri, the children, staff and crew of Australia Zoo. Such a tragic loss that has left both my husband and I in tears. We pray that you all will keep up the work that Steve so loved.
May God bless all of you. You will forever be in our hearts and prayers.

[godsgrl1993]

i am sooo sad that steve had to go... but, i am happy that he went doing what he loved to do: being with wildlife. May God be with the family and friends, and those that will miss him.. I know i will... He will be remembered the way he wanted to: for being passionate about what he wanted to do....
A croc hunter fan

[turtletrot1]

He accomplished more for mankind in his 44 years than do many twice his age. He brought knowledge and understanding of mancy facets of marine life to all corners of the globe. Australia has lost a national treasure. The WORLD has lost a world treasure. He will be missed. He will always be love. And we are grateful for the gift of his life. God Bless him and his family.

[motherdeb]

my heart goes out two his wife and children. I was so sad to hear the news of steves death.I think it was great how he let viewers into his life, example how he met the love of his life lots never find what he found.Then seeing his childern born and how proud he was,also the fact of how he brought his children into the picture.okay so maybe he did things that i would have never dare do with my own children,but he had a gift.He went the only way he would of been happy going my thoughts and prays are with his family he will be missed

[timmcgrawfan-2009]

Our family was shocked to hear what happened to Steve. We loved to watch him on Animal Planet. We want to send our condolences to his family. We want his family to know they are our thoughts and prayers. We are so sorry. We hope they will keep his show on animal planet. Steve will be missed by the world and his friends and family and his viewers. We love and will miss The Crocodile Hunter. May God Bless Him and his family.

[lisagall]

I thought Mary Ann and the other anchor's comments on the 10:00 news Monday night were heartless. Steve spread the word of animal awareness and animal conservation to hundreds of thousands, maybe millions of people with his unique style. The anchors could only comment on the "baby" incident after the story ran and not how he contributed to our world in a positive way. I will always smile when I see his shows and remember what a true envirornmentalist he was. I hope is mission continues.

[karinitza]

My family loved Steve Irwing and the news about his death broked my heart. He was a special man for all the world and the best crocodile's friend.
Gad Bless him and his family.

[sperkro]

I will miss him greatly. Even though we never met, he seemed like a friend.

[jonn]

Sorry to go against the flow, but Irwin teased and taunted the wildlife, never showed it the respect it deserved.

[jonn]

Sorry to go against the flow, but Irwin never treated the wildlife with respect, always teasing and taunting, sad really.

[parakash]

Indian snake charmers are the best in the world. the play with very dangerous Cobras

[nhpapa]

I'm saddened to hear of Steve's passing. I have watch ever show he had I feel like he was my brother, my grandson and myself used to bond together watching him, we both cried at the news. we loved him for all he did with the animals, and the things he did. Our prayers go out the his wife, daughter & son. So sad they won't know the real Steve " STEVE GATOR UP MY FRIEND GATOR UP "

TOM NEW HAMPSHIRE (USA)

[rgold02]

So sorry, my son and I just cried when we saw the report on TV last night. We are in shock and feel very sad for the family. You all are in our prayers.

[sw1tt1ch]

To say Steve Irwin did not respect animals is from a person who must never worked to educated people about animals of all kind. Most people would kill an animal and not help it and Steve helped people learn that it is not right. Steve was the best in education and it is not the time for negativity, but sensitivty to all who care for the man and his mission....

[twinella47]

This morning going for physical therapy I heard that Steve was gone. I could NOT believe it and I started crying. Croc Hunter you wore a very special person and an exceptional human being you will be missed by me and all the world. You show us Nature as No one before and you educated us and amused us with all that you did. You will be missed, but YOU will NOT be forgotten. All generations will remember you for your amazing skills with animals and the love and respect you had for them and Mother Nature. The Good and Great die young and sorry to see you gone so soon.
Love and Blessings and hope your family will be able to bare such a great loss.

[twinella47]

Dear Steve you will be missed by me and all on this Planet Earth. You wore the Greatest and the Best when it came to Nature and all animals.
Love you

[courtb20]

I was very sad when I heard of Steve's death. He was not only incredible to watch on TV, but he was an incredibale animal conservationist, husband, and a wonderful father. I have always believed that animals should be protected, Steve made that happen. I don't think his message will never be forgotten. He touched our hearts in more ways then I think he knew. I have nothing but total love for the Irwin family. I know from watching Terry she is a strong woman with a lot of courage. I hope she has the strength to overcome this tragedy. I know Steve is in a beautiful place now. My heart goes out to Terry, and little Bindi and Bob. I want them to know there Dad was a spectacular man that has changed the worlds view on animals for years to come.
God Bless
Courtney

[tsfun]

I was very saddened to hear that Steve Irwin was killed by a stingray. My heart and prayers go out to the family. He will be truly missed. I'm so sorry.

[yanomas-2009]

Sad story.... Bad Ending


http://ihatecastro.blogspot.com/

[patti831]

Loved the show. Steve will truely be missed and yes he did do dangerous things with deadly animals but he had a talent which no other will compare to have and at least he was out there educating children and all about the animals. I praise both him and his family. Our prayers are with you all.

[leticia78539]

it is a very sad day yesterday when we lost a great man. Steve Erwin brought so much joy and laughter to so many people including our family. i cried when i heard the news.my heart goes out to his wife,kids and all his family.he will be missed and his legacy will never be forgotten....leticia in texas

[harley401]

Everyone in life has a job and it was Steve Irwins job to learn and teach about animals of the wild. Steve Irwin believed animals had their place just like humans but he had the privilege of understanding and loving these animals in their habitat like no one else. If it were not for him our children would not have known as much about these animals as they do now. I think he brought a very intelligent program to TV for all children to enjoy as well as learn. We will miss Steve. Many blessings go to his wife and 2 children.

[achilleskris]

one of the few legends who has redefined the terms like "intimacy with nature","animal kingdom".He is an unparalleled man.

[scrogman2]

CNN interviewed some people yesterday that were there with him and one man said he was offended by the question "Did Steve pull out the barb that killed him?" The witness said that was "rubbish". Is this possibly an attempt at making Steve look better? Either way..the man was awesome! He could not have looked any better!

Nice job Davis...you prick.

[scrogman2]

CNN interviewed some people yesterday that were there with him and one man said he was offended by the question "Did Steve pull out the barb that killed him?" The witness said that was "rubbish". Is this possibly an attempt at making Steve look better? Either way..the man was awesome! He could not have looked any better!

Nice job Davis...you prick.

[scrogman2]

CNN interviewed some people yesterday that were there with him and one man said he was offended by the question "Did Steve pull out the barb that killed him?" The witness said that was "rubbish". Is this possibly an attempt at making Steve look better? Either way..the man was awesome! He could not have looked any better!

Nice job Davis...you prick.

[scrogman2]

CNN interviewed some people yesterday that were there with him and one man said he was offended by the question "Did Steve pull out the barb that killed him?" The witness said that was "rubbish". Is this possibly an attempt at making Steve look better? Either way..the man was awesome! He could not have looked any better!

Nice job Davis...you prick.

[scrogman2]

CNN interviewed some people yesterday that were there with him and one man said he was offended by the question "Did Steve pull out the barb that killed him?" The witness said that was "rubbish". Is this possibly an attempt at making Steve look better? Either way..the man was awesome! He could not have looked any better!

Nice job Davis...you prick.

[scrogman2]

CNN interviewed some people yesterday that were there with him and one man said he was offended by the question "Did Steve pull out the barb that killed him?" The witness said that was "rubbish". Is this possibly an attempt at making Steve look better? Either way..the man was awesome! He could not have looked any better!

Nice job Davis...you prick.

[scrogman2]

CNN interviewed some people yesterday that were there with him and one man said he was offended by the question "Did Steve pull out the barb that killed him?" The witness said that was "rubbish". Is this possibly an attempt at making Steve look better? Either way..the man was awesome! He could not have looked any better!

Nice job Davis...you prick.

[scrogman2]

CNN interviewed some people yesterday that were there with him and one man said he was offended by the question "Did Steve pull out the barb that killed him?" The witness said that was "rubbish". Is this possibly an attempt at making Steve look better? Either way..the man was awesome! He could not have looked any better!

Nice job Davis...you prick.

[umminiyah]

Steve Irwin's shows were my all-time favorite animal shows. I loved how he was so enthusiastic about his work, and about the animals. He really was quite a character, he kept everything so interesting, and he really did touch a lot of people's hearts. My heart goes out to his family, although I could never imagine what they are going through.

[umminiyah]

Steve Irwin's shows were my all-time favorite animal shows. I loved how he was so enthusiastic about his work, and about the animals. He really was quite a character, he kept everything so interesting, and he really did touch a lot of people's hearts. My heart goes out to his family, although I could never imagine what they are going through.

[umminiyah]

Steve Irwin's shows were my all-time favorite animal shows. I loved how he was so enthusiastic about his work, and about the animals. He really was quite a character, he kept everything so interesting, and he really did touch a lot of people's hearts. My heart goes out to his family, although I could never imagine what they are going through.

[umminiyah]

Steve Irwin's shows were my all-time favorite animal shows. I loved how he was so enthusiastic about his work, and about the animals. He really was quite a character, he kept everything so interesting, and he really did touch a lot of people's hearts. My heart goes out to his family, although I could never imagine what they are going through.

[umminiyah]

Steve Irwin's shows were my all-time favorite animal shows. I loved how he was so enthusiastic about his work, and about the animals. He really was quite a character, he kept everything so interesting, and he really did touch a lot of people's hearts. My heart goes out to his family, although I could never imagine what they are going through.

[umminiyah]

Steve Irwin's shows were my all-time favorite animal shows. I loved how he was so enthusiastic about his work, and about the animals. He really was quite a character, he kept everything so interesting, and he really did touch a lot of people's hearts. My heart goes out to his family, although I could never imagine what they are going through.

[umminiyah]

Steve Irwin's shows were my all-time favorite animal shows. I loved how he was so enthusiastic about his work, and about the animals. He really was quite a character, he kept everything so interesting, and he really did touch a lot of people's hearts. My heart goes out to his family, although I could never imagine what they are going through.

[umminiyah]

Steve Irwin's shows were my all-time favorite animal shows. I loved how he was so enthusiastic about his work, and about the animals. He really was quite a character, he kept everything so interesting, and he really did touch a lot of people's hearts. My heart goes out to his family, although I could never imagine what they are going through.

[umminiyah]

Steve Irwin's shows were my all-time favorite animal shows. I loved how he was so enthusiastic about his work, and about the animals. He really was quite a character, he kept everything so interesting, and he really did touch a lot of people's hearts. My heart goes out to his family, although I could never imagine what they are going through.

[umminiyah]

Steve Irwin's shows were my all-time favorite animal shows. I loved how he was so enthusiastic about his work, and about the animals. He really was quite a character, he kept everything so interesting, and he really did touch a lot of people's hearts. My heart goes out to his family, although I could never imagine what they are going through.

[umminiyah]

Steve Irwin's shows were my all-time favorite animal shows. I loved how he was so enthusiastic about his work, and about the animals. He really was quite a character, he kept everything so interesting, and he really did touch a lot of people's hearts. My heart goes out to his family, although I could never imagine what they are going through.

[umminiyah]

Steve Irwin's shows were my all-time favorite animal shows. I loved how he was so enthusiastic about his work, and about the animals. He really was quite a character, he kept everything so interesting, and he really did touch a lot of people's hearts. My heart goes out to his family, although I could never imagine what they are going through.