Crocodile Hunter Steve Irwin Killed...

[dbuck]

Yes, I thought a snake would probably get him too. Sometimes I would watch him and think "he ain't right." I feel sorry for his young family that is left behind, but as SJ said, he went doing what he loved.

 

[DD]

 

[Kimmifunn]

Ugh...I just saw it on the news.
That's so sad.

 

[Lady D]

What a tragedy! I cannot believe this has happened. I am so sad for Terri and their children. My husband and I too would have thought a snake bite or a crocodile would have taken his life. And he did die doing what he loved to do, but now his wife and children have lost their husband and father. This saddens me and my husband so much! We really enjoyed his shows!

 

[TooFarTampa]

Ugh -- while I agree with Smiling Joe that he died doing what he loved to do, and he lived life to the fullest, I sure feel bad for those kids. However I think they will be OK. I'm sure they have a ton of support and their dad will loom nearly as large as he did while he was alive.

My 6 yo went through a Crocodile Hunter phase last year and actually emailed Steve Irwin to tell him how much he liked him. We got a response from the Australia Zoo and they sent him a "fun pack" with stickers, information on animals and a pic of the family. He doesn't watch the show much at all now so I don't think I will tell him about this. But it is incredibly sad. Such a freak accident.

 

[beachmouse]

He filmed a couple of his American episodes on Eglin Reservation and parts of the surrounding Panhandle. (Eastern Diamondbacks! Black Bears! Gators!). Both the people who worked with him for the show, and the people who ran into him at KMart in Niceville said he was exactly the same when the cameras weren't rolling- a somewhat crazy but good hearted guy who loved life and all the critters around him.

 

[Hollibird]

I always thought it would be a croc. maybe a snake. I remember when a venemous snake spit in his face, close to his eyes. I never dreamed this is how he would go. I always thought stingrays were docile unless you stepped on them. I will be more careful in the Gulf

 

[Mango]

I always thought it would be a croc. maybe a snake. I remember when a venemous snake spit in his face, close to his eyes. I never dreamed this is how he would go. I always thought stingrays were docile unless you stepped on them. I will be more careful in the Gulf

They are pretty docile. The particular ray that stung him is called a bull ray and has an extremely toxic venom and if it gets you in the torso, you virtually have no chance since it causes cardiac arrest. I am not sure that bull rays frequent the gulf? I tried to find a site on-line but the server was busy. I imagine people are reading up on them around the world especially Australia. I also heard that this is extremely rare. There was a group of them that came where he was filming. They didn't actually go looking for them. They may have been mating or having babies, who knows?

They say with any rays, when you are in the water, shuffle your feet on the way out. They sense you coming in the direction and will move to get out of your way.

 

[Lady D]

If this is what got him that has what looks like jagged teeth on it. Eew!

 

[RiverOtter]

Finally saw some news stories on his death. This just stinks! He was a great guy. I feel so bad for his family and friends.