Death of a wildlife warrior
John Howard, the Australian Prime Minister, said of Steve Irwin that he "entertained millions of people with an unconventional style that helped him become a household name around the world".
And major Australian news sites including news.com.au were brought to the brink of collapse today as fans logged on to find out more about Irwin's death at the age of 44 and to send in their tributes.
Irwin died after being pierced through the heart by a stringray barb while filming off the Great Barrier Reef.
It was, according to Mr Howard, "a sudden, untimely and freakish" death. Grant Willis, a researcher at the Sydney Aquarium (who has been stung himself by a ray), says that it is only the third known stringray barb death in modern Australian history.
If you never saw Irwin's work (you wouldn't forget it if you had) there are some examples on the Discovery Channel website. Irwin's own site, www.crocodilehunter.com, is unavailable, presumably deluged by mourning fans.
Inevitably, Irwin's death has raised questions about the wisdom of making a career out of aggravating wild animals (although the Crocodile Hunter himself would argue with that word). “It’s a shame that television audiences need that to be attracted to wildlife,” said Ray Mears, the British survival expert and television presenter. “Dangerous animals, you leave them alone because they will defend themselves."
But this Melbourne Age profile from 2003 makes clear that Irwin was more than just a loud-mouthed Aussie larrikin with a taste for outrageous stunts. He was also a keen conservationist who saw himself as a genuine "wildlife warrior".
That is tough - He obviously felt drawn to wildlife and was passionate about conservation, however as the article implies, he was living on borrowed time. You can't muck about with crocs, snakes, spiders, 'gators sharks and other dangerous creatures without some time picking up an injury, and if you do it too often, then the law of averages says that one day you're probably going to end up dead, as harsh as that sounds. It's bad for his family and for his fans; He was a father & a husband after all and was someone who obviously made a lot of people happy. He didn't deserve it.
Posted by: Matthew | 4 Sep 2006 17:01:43
’m 26 and I looked up to Steveo. I think he was the only ‘celebrity’ that I was ever interested in actually meeting. I would have shook the blokes hand and just told him that he is one of the few genuine people you see on the telly these days. It is the end of an era in my opinion. Steve Irwin has died. I still cant really believe it. Im waiting for the head lines to say “Irwin brought back from brink of death” or “Croc Hunter escapes death”. Thanks for the laughs Steve.
Posted by: Evin | 4 Sep 2006 18:27:08
Steve Irwin was a colossus for the cause of wildlife preservation, especially in his native Australia. His enthusiasm, unique style and respect for the subjects he was filming attracted huge audiences worldwide.
My condolences go to his wife and family. He will be sorely missed.
Posted by: Edwin Thornber | 4 Sep 2006 19:10:12
I loved Steve and he taught me lots about wildlife.
Terri, Bindi and her little brother will miss their Daddy and I am sending love to them.
Mum says that a talented educator, conservationist and wonderful man has gone but his work will live on.
Posted by: Mia Bhadresa (aged 4 years). | 4 Sep 2006 19:36:33
It was only a mater of time...
Posted by: Pete | 4 Sep 2006 20:00:56
A truly tragic death - love to his family.
Posted by: Ian Cameron | 4 Sep 2006 21:02:43
I was shocked to discover that Steve had passed. I have enjoyed his shows and thought he a very knowledgable and courageous man for all of the things that he has done, all of the places he has been and for his love of animals!
Posted by: jlybn123 | 4 Sep 2006 21:55:06
STEVE: WAS AS I SAW A MAN INTENT ON USING HIS METHODS OF EXICETMENT TO BRINGING AWARENESS OF THE NEED FOR MORE PROTECTION AND HUMANITY FOR WILD ANIMALS OF ALL KIND! I FEEL HE WILL BE SORELY MISSED BY EVEN THOSE WHO DID NOT AGREE WITH HIS METHOD OF MAKING US AWARE OF THE PLIGHT OF SOME CREATURES, BUT ONE THING IS FOR SURE THIS HAS BEEN A MUCH MORE EXCITING AND LOVING PERSON THAT SOME PEOPLE LOOKED AT AS A SHOWMAN AND NOT A CONSEVATIONIST, WHEN IN FACT HE WILL BE REMEMBERED AS A VERY REAL PERSON! ALL GOOD!
Posted by: JERRY BRYANT | 4 Sep 2006 21:57:04
This so so sad, but he died doing what he loved to do..and well if he kept going about things...by being fearless..unfortunately i think this still would have eventually happened. But nobody deserves this..and he was a great guy! My heart goes Out to his wife and daughter and son.... Ur not in this alone.... ur in it with the world because the world loved him also!! Rest in peace, he's in a better place! And GoD BLEss you GUys!!! MUCH LOVE!!!!
Posted by: LoRiNa, 17, CA | 4 Sep 2006 22:07:10
He is the greatest naturist and most popular animal program host. His passion for the animals, especially Crocodile, has influenced many people like me. I went to America for the graduate study in Chemisty in August 1996. I saw him first time from the TV program of Crocodile Hunter in the Animal Planet and immediately like his hosted program and his brave way handling animal. I have been his fan since then. Now he left us. I shall miss him. May peace with him! God bless his family!
Posted by: Wei Zhang | 4 Sep 2006 22:19:19
awww sorry he died i really liked him i think he was great. the best really. bless him. he will be very missed
Posted by: sue | 4 Sep 2006 22:19:56
In my household, Steve Irwin will be sorely missed. He has brought much joy to my son over the years who is 13 now, and still likes to run around saying "Crikey mate" whenever the opportunity presents itself. If only we had more out there that grasped wildlife conservation with such a passion! Our hearts go out to Terri and there two children.
Posted by: Bill Alley | 4 Sep 2006 22:41:58
STEVE,
WE WILL MISS YOU AND ALL THE GREAT FUN, ADVENTURE,AND KNOWLEDGE YOU BROUGHT US.
REST IN PEACE FELLOW, YOU ARE GREATLY MISSED.
Posted by: ERIC CARSON WILLIAMSON | 4 Sep 2006 22:42:47
STEVE,
WE WILL MISS YOU AND ALL THE GREAT FUN, ADVENTURE,AND KNOWLEDGE YOU BROUGHT US.
REST IN PEACE FELLOW, YOU ARE GREATLY MISSED.
Posted by: ERIC CARSON WILLIAMSON | 4 Sep 2006 22:46:58
I think that Ray Mears has lost his head, using Steve Irwins death as a soap box to spout his views on human-wildlife interaction, it is in very bad taste. Whatever his views are this would be a good time to hold your tongue out of respect for the dead and the loved ones left behind.
Posted by: NL | 4 Sep 2006 22:56:41
My family and I are shocked and so upset about Steve Irwins untimely death. My sincere sympathies to his wife and 2 beautiful children. My son,8,has cried alot-he loved Steve's show.
Best Wishes to his family once again.
Posted by: nikkie | 4 Sep 2006 22:58:40
Mr. Perez, from Puerto Rico, I am surprised and real sad when I heard the news concerning Steve Erwing death. I do have to say that he was a great guy, very courageous, energetic, and determined; he truly believed on what he was doing. The uncommon type of guy who entertained millions. Rest in Peace Steve, you were one of the kind. "My deepest true feelings to his family".
Posted by: ROBERTO J. PEREZ | 4 Sep 2006 23:05:08
His death is regreted, but he was too keen on silly stunts & showmanship. Many conservationists do as much - if not more - in a less gushing manner.
Posted by: J Carr | 4 Sep 2006 23:19:02
My family extends our deepest sympathies to the Irwin family. Steve brought joy and animal understanding into our lives. Because of him my daughter wants to be an animal caregiver at our local zoo.
Posted by: JB | 5 Sep 2006 00:58:00
my family and i are so shocked about the passing of steve. we all loved his shows so much and by the power of tv followed him and his family on many adventures. he will truley be missed..by best wishes go to his wife, children and many friends..toni avery
Posted by: TONI AVERY | 5 Sep 2006 01:17:19
My children have grown watching this man on his shows. He will be missed.
Love Ya Steve in the Heavens Above.
Kris
Posted by: Kris | 5 Sep 2006 01:36:25
we are going to miss steve =( i loved his show he s the best
Posted by: rita | 5 Sep 2006 02:16:14
It's a tragedy. He'll be missed....
Posted by: sam | 5 Sep 2006 03:26:23
It's a tragedy. He'll be missed....
Posted by: sam | 5 Sep 2006 03:28:12
I was devastated at the news of Steve Irwin's death. I was suppose to be able to meet him at a Pet Expo in Columbus, Ohio a few years ago but he wasn't there as he had been injured by some type of animal and didn't make it so all I got was a photo I took of a cardboard photo of him with a crocodile and me standing next to him which looked pretty real. I have cried so very many times today over him and his family. I felt as though I knew him because I too love animals and watched almost all his shows and sometimes even twice.. I really enjoyed him whenever I could see him on TV. My dream was always to be able to one day meet him and Terri somewhere (preferrably in Australia) at his Zoo but any place would have been great. I KNOW there will NEVER be anyone who can take his place and do the kind of job and show he has done for all these years. I guess if the good Lord had to take him doing it at something he loved and felt passion about is as good a way as any and hopefully he really didn't have any pain and died instantly.. God be with you now Steve and hold your family in the palm of HIS Hands.
Hugs and Love,
Robbe
September 05,2006 12:29 AM.
Posted by: Robbe Fisher | 5 Sep 2006 05:30:27
At first I did not believe this story. I thought Steve had pulled the ultimate bad joke and finally felt he had really gone too far! I was saddened at how active and alive Steve had lived his life only to be cut short from from his wonderful activities with wildlife and removed from his loving family. When I tried to go to the Australian Zoo's site, I was unable to connect due to its traffic by his loving public. It still absolutely seems unbeleivable to me that this intelligent, comical and unique man would not still be with us today. If it is possible, I know that even he is surprised at his quick trip there and smiles while looking down upon us, amused somehow. I wish his family - his wife and the two children the very best life has to offer. I know that when his children grow up they too will enjoy the wonderful memories his father and mother have shared with them. I would like to tell his family that the public has never mourned such a talent in modern age as we are mouring him today and will forever. May he rest in peace. We love you Steve Irwin! :)
Posted by: Melba | 5 Sep 2006 05:51:52
steve will be greatly missed..our love goes out to the irwin family..may god be with you in this hour of need..the alley family..
Posted by: Eileen Alley | 5 Sep 2006 06:06:28
Good bye Steve, you were crazy .. yet beloved .. even by my children whom learned a valuable lesson as well.
Thank you for sharing your life and passion.
Posted by: | 5 Sep 2006 06:10:37
All crocodiles and alligators are giving each other "high fives". The Croc molestor is dead.
Posted by: emanuel appel | 5 Sep 2006 06:37:53
i understand the privacy of the irwins would best be protected at a time like this, and noone is going to push them to make a statement. however, we are all praying for them, and hope to hear they are doing as well as could be expected in this difficult time. we love you terri, bindi, and bob! you are in the hearts and prayers of all texans!!! we wish you all the best and better times to come, the sun WILL shine again, and the you will be blessed as long as your walk in the L-rd is strengthened and grows through this very sad time. all the best.
~E from TX
Posted by: emily | 5 Sep 2006 07:15:11
steve was a great entertainer and a wonderful caring person when it came to animals and people he will be very much missed my condolenses to his family he will live on therough his children and his programs
Posted by: amanda griffiths | 5 Sep 2006 13:12:17
A true "Icon" was lost Monday. We will truely miss "Steve Irwin" as he was such a "Great" family man as well as a conservationist for all misunderstood creatures. I was taught a lot about them through his T.V. shows. I admired his Wife, Terri, and thought they were a wonderful couple. Their family was beautiful and he exuded "Pride" for his family (an attribute that men rarely show on Television).
I used to take off on his speech, and entertained my Sister-In-Law one Sunday using his terms and accent. She laughed and laughed. I used terms like "Crikey" and "Isn't She A Beauty"....nice memory for me.
Posted by: Cay Holliday | 5 Sep 2006 13:40:25
Steve had this incredible passion for life and for the beauty of God's marvellous creation, and we were only so fortunate to have been given an opportunity to be a part of that passion. Though he is no longer here, i believe he will be fondly remembered as a genuine spokesman for all of God's creatures - both human and animal alike. The most deepest and sincere condolences to his bereaved family; may the peace and comfort of God be yours today
Posted by: Nick Kim | 5 Sep 2006 17:30:33
hey i will say prayers for the famliy he was a wonderful man i will miss him and so would the rest of my family we loved his shows i am so sorry for your lost he will be missed and he is loved
Posted by: tabatha | 6 Sep 2006 03:08:25
i hate to here of the news we were planning on seeing the zoo next year once my youngest got a little older my kids have been wanting to go see the croc man ive been watching your show for 10 years steve always put his passion for life and animals out there for all to learn he will be missed terribly and i feel so sorry for terri and the kids bindi and bob dont think the word crikey will ever be said right again best wishs to all the family and staff from croc hunters zoo
jason from ohio
Posted by: jason | 6 Sep 2006 04:16:32
I can't believe he is gone.... Our whole family would sit and watch his shows together. All of us looked up to him and thought the world of Steve and his family. My children has learned so much from him and his family. I know God has a Awsome Angel with him and I know that God must of had other plans for him.
I know from experience that freekish accidents happen and that God must of wanted him for a reason to take him so soon......
His energy and memories and knowledge will live on forever as each of us tell our children about him and everything we have learned from him and his family.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends as we mourn their loss. His family and his cause will never be forgotten.
Posted by: Adkins Family | 6 Sep 2006 04:40:29
Terrie if you read this I am a 12 year old year boy and miss you husband. For he was my Idol for so many years and many years to come I came to your park on my 12th birthday and he let me love wildlife I would love to keep in contact with you and one dream of having a job at your park like STEVE and one day met your famly for I saw Bindi sing with the croc men it realy lifted my sprit.
CAMERON KERR
Posted by: cameron kerr | 6 Sep 2006 12:00:29
I miss you steve, three days gone by,and still very upset to learn about your passing,and my concern is with your family
takecare of yourself Terri,my prayer is with you and the childern,and dad irwin.
Goodby you crazy croc.guy.Me and my husband loved you....
margaretandjeff
Posted by: margaret mellinger | 6 Sep 2006 12:58:40
He was a tremendous advocate for wildlife conservation and a great educator who inspired people of all ages to respect and appreciate the world's creatures. He is greatly missed by me and my children. We love you Steve and our hearts go out to Terri, Bindi, Bob, his dad, and other family and friends.
Posted by: Jill | 6 Sep 2006 17:19:44
Shocked and saddened. Those are the only 2 words to describe the feelings my family and I had when we learned of Steve's death. My brother and I truly grew up watching Irwin, and I know countless other kids have and do aspire to be a Wildlife Warrior just like him.
Though he was cut down in his prime, he at least died doing what he loved, and how many of us get that oppurtunity?
Terri, if you read this, know that, from MILLIONS upon MILLIONS of people around the world, you have our thoughts, our prayers, and our sincerest condolances.
Steve may be gone in Body, but he is always with you and your children, in Spirit.
-Peace-
Posted by: Elizabeth | 6 Sep 2006 18:48:37
dear terri n children..THe lord is my sherpard i shall not want..God bless u and urs in ur time of need ..our deepest regrets on ur and our loss...steve was a "good bloke" take care and we love you...from eastern band of cherokee enrolled member..desiree george..cherokee nc u.s.a.
Posted by: desigeorgeand family | 6 Sep 2006 22:28:06
In all my 50 years have I ever meant or known of a man like this. He was a angel sent to teach us something now all we can do is hope what he has taught will continue. I will miss this person for the rest of my life. I'm glad I got the chance to know of him. My heart goes out to his dad, Terri and their children. May the lord watch over you and may Steve be at peace... God Bless
Posted by: Patricia Philpot | 7 Sep 2006 00:13:56
My heartfelt sympathies go out to the family of Steve Irwin, he inspired in our family to do what you love that showed in Steves shows everytime , I hope they create a fund for Steves dreams to go on I even think their should be a conservation stamp in his memory made he will never be forgotton .
Posted by: J. Totterdale | 7 Sep 2006 00:41:08
Steve,may God Almight be with you and the family you left behind.The whole World mourn your death .Rest in peace.
Posted by: James | 7 Sep 2006 21:19:38
Terri and family,
I am so sorry for the tremendous and sudden loss of your dear husband and father. He was such a positive example of how far in life a person can go when they live their beliefs. HIs spirit will be his legacy for the public that I trust will continue to watch his amazing adventures for years to come.
I especially want to convey my deepest sympathy to Bindy & Robert.I lost my father suddenly as a child and it has taken years to adjust. PLease know that some people are irreplaceable and some bonds are never broken.
God bless you,
Ellen Rappaport
Posted by: Ellen R. Rappaport | 8 Sep 2006 14:28:46
Heartfelt sympathies to Mr. Irwin's family. He loved his animals and his family with a passion rarely seen. His legacy will live on through all the wonderful shows and work he did throughout his life. He will be sorely missed, but he will live on in our hearts as one of the greatest animal conservationists and teachers of this century. He is now in God's hands.
Posted by: Kaaren | 8 Sep 2006 18:16:25
STEVE, TO ME WAS AN IDOL, LIVING THE MOST ADVENTUROUS, PERFECT LIFE. WHAT AN INSPERATION HE WAS TO ME, AND TO ALL. THE PASSION HE HAD FOR LIFE AND ALL LIVING BEINGS IN IT WAS UNSPEAKABLE. THERE ARE NO WORDS TO DESCRIBE SUCH A HUMAN. IT WAS SO WONDERFUL TO KNOW THERE WAS SOMEONE ELSE OUT THERE THAT CARED FOR THE WILD LIKE I HAVE ALWAYS. HE FULLFILLED HIS DREAM, LIVING HIS LIFE TO THE FULLEST. HE LIVED FOR WHAT HE TRULEY BELIEVED IN, AND THAT IS SOMTHING NOT MANY CAN HONESTLY SAY THEY HAVE DONE. GOD BLESS YOU STEVE, YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN.THANK YOU FOR CARING SO MUCH.
MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERES GO OUT TO YOU TERRI, BINDI, AND ROBERT. YOUR HUSBAND/FATHER WAS TRULY A REAL LIFE HERO.
Posted by: tina desautels | 11 Sep 2006 03:06:24
On behalf of myself & my son-our deepest sympathy & prayers go out to the Irwin family. My son Aaron is a huge fan of Steve & all his work. He is 12 and has already decided to become a zoologist, because of Steve! We both will never forgot the awesome work & message of Conservation that Steve & Terri have taught both of us. As Steve would say-CROCS RULE!!! Rest in peace-CROC HUNTER Sincerely-Donna & Aaron Stidger/Yucaipa CA
Posted by: Donna & Aaron Stidger | 11 Sep 2006 17:28:29
Me and My family enjoyed the show of
Steve Irwin the crock hunter. I was sad to hear the news i thought i was not hearing what it said. Im sorry for your lost Terri & Kids and Dad and friends the world will miss him. May God bless you all
Posted by: Karen | 14 Sep 2006 06:05:52
The world has lost a brilliant and shining star. Your fight was not in vain, Brave Warrior.For me,you were the crocodile dancer.
I will remember you, not only for your enthusiasm and passion, but for the GREAT love you had for God's creatures.
Steve Irwin your dream will live on!!
Posted by: Debra Cole | 16 Sep 2006 06:31:24