Australians shocked by Croc Hunter's death The Age September 4, 2006 - 4:08PM Australians from all walks of life have reacted with shock to the death of the seemingly indestructible Crocodile Hunter Steve Irwin. From politicians to radio talk-back callers, most reacted with utter disbelief to news one of Australia's best-known icons had died in a diving accident. The 44-year-old television star and naturalist died around 11am when a stingray barb punctured his heart while he was filming a nature documentary off Port Douglas in north Queensland. Queensland Premier Peter Beattie said a "great Australian" had been lost. "It's a tragedy, it's shocked everybody," Mr Beattie said. He said Mr Irwin, who he met a number of times, had made a huge contribution to Queensland. "He was a great Queenslander and a great Australian and he'll be sadly missed by everybody," he said. "There'll be a lot of people around the world, particularly young kids, who will be very distressed today." Queensland Coalition Leader Lawrence Springborg mirrored Mr Beattie's comments regarding the "larger-than-life" character. "Steve was an amazing Queenslander and the legacy that he has built will live on for generations to come," Mr Springborg said. "Steve epitomised the very best of Queensland. "He will be sadly missed by the countless people whose lives have been touched through Steve's movies, documentaries, TV programs and by visiting the Australia Zoo." Radio networks in Brisbane were jammed by callers who could not believe the Crocodile Hunter was dead. Listeners called in one after another to confirm the news and tell of feelings of devastation. Several callers likened the loss to the death of Princess Diana. Most described him a lovable "yokel" who was passionate about his job and his country. Flowers have already been left by the public at the Irwin family's animal park - Australia Zoo, north of Brisbane. Australian Tourism Export Council managing director Matthew Hingerty said the whole industry was in shock at the news. "Not only was Steve Irwin a true Aussie icon, he was a fantastic ambassador for Australia and particularly for Queensland. "His work in promoting the region, in working tirelessly on nature conservation issues and in building Australia Zoo into one of Australia's "must visit" attractions was a true inspiration to the tourism industry. "The influence of the Crocodile Hunter name across the world contributed in bringing millions of tourist dollars into Australia and in employing hundreds of Australians." Mr Hingerty said Mr Irwin's Australia Zoo was an enthusiastic contributor to the development of the tourism industry and he would like to pass the industry's condolences to the Irwin family. AAP ------------- Shocking news indeed. Steve did a lot of good things for wildlife and also was a great ambassador for Australia.
hello People This is indeed a sad time for SteveO's family. RIP Steve He was a great guy, the more dangerous the animal the more excited he got.. Incredible stuff...
I was teary eyed today when woke up to this disgusting news, the bloody subway sandwich shop in bangkok still playing stevo's promotion video for there shop, which just brought it all back when i went out shopping, what a waste of a young life, i just wish he had took it more easy, instaed of working 365 days a year, & just maybe it might not have happened. A earlier poster likened it to princess diana dying, i thought the same thing myself, not since she died have i been so moved by a famous persons death. Rest in Peace Mr Stevo.
Steve Irwin was a passionate Aussie dude who loved his work. He will be missed by all of who loved his animals. He was one 'fearless dude' when it came to dangerous reptiles.
i dont know much about steve irwin's personal life. however, i do have a few thoughts...some good, some bad. he was a professional animal harrasser. i saw a program for animal planet in which he chases a snake through the brush, and it keeps getting away from him...this happens like five times before he finally gets ahold of the snake, taking about 30 seconds on camera (no telling how long, off camera) to chase this snake. now, put yourself in that snake's shoes. you just had breakfast, and are going for a morning stroll...all of a sudden comes along a giant human, who starts chasing you all over holy hell. it is rude, to say the least. now, granted, steve irwin didnt harm the animals in any way, shape, or form. for this, he gets alot of respect for me. he provided much educational content for young kids, and i think time will see him as this generation's jacque cousteu (sp?). it sucks that he died, but nobody should feel sorry for him, or even mourn his death (outside of his family, that is)....he was a professional "dangerous animal chaser". i think we were all waiting for "when it happened", rather than "if it happened". it sucks that he died, but thats what he gets for practicing his CHOSEN profession.
I always thought a crocodile would get him. But instead a 'lower' vertebrate got the best of him. You bet he was chasing that snake. It was probably theirs. He was good fun. Annoying wife though. She could have been an american.
she was american, i think. steve irwin is no princess diana. his rack doesnt even come close to comparison.
According to a guy who called into CNN, it was a freak accident. As he was swimming over a sting ray, the animal, hidden beneath the sand, suddenly felt threatened, and stabbed randomly, catching him in the chest. He immediatly fell unconscious and within a half an hour - as they tried to bring him ashore to medivac him away - died from his wounds.
That explains a lot. Fuck no he isn't Diana. Steve actually contributed something to this world. I always had to laugh when I saw him. There is nothing more valuable than that. That bitch Diana could learn something from him, except that they are both dead.
Don't mess with steve. They only person Chuck norris was ever afraid off was Steve. Figures that you hate him. You hate the world after all.
what the fuck is wrong with you, you cheer the death of someone i used to love watching his shows when i was younger and im extremely sad to hear of his death. i actually thought it would be a snake not a croc that would eventually get him. RIP steve
His American-born wife Terri was told of her husband's death while on a walking tour in Tasmania, and returned to the Sunshine Coast with their two children.