RIP: Steve Irwin, Crocodile Hunter.

[seawasp]

As reported in:
http://www.smh.com.au/news/national/steve-irwin-killed-by-stingray/2006/09/04/1157222051512.html

Irwin (who, as any reader of Boundary probably guessed, was being referenced by my Aussie pilot Bruce Irwin) died from being stung in the chest by a stingray. The barb penetrated his heart, probably killing him instantly. (For those who don't know, an adult stingray's sting can be six to eight inches long, are venomous, and are serrated like steak knives with backward-pointing, harpoonlike barbs.

Given his lifestyle, I doubt that anyone is surprised by the idea that he was killed by some dangerous animal. What is surprising is that apparently Steve wasn't even wrangling with the stingray. According to the witnesses, the ray just stung him out of the blue. This is EXTREMELY rare and the kind of thing that all the skill and training in the world can't save you from.

I had immense respect and admiration for Mr. Irwin. It was clear that he loved the animals he worked with, and he treated them -- for all his cheerful showmanship -- with care and respect. He always examined the proper techniques for handling any creature he encountered, and taught a generation of kids that even creatures with huge teeth, poison, and mean attitudes were "gorgeous!" animals worthy of admiration and even love and protection.

So here's to you, Steve! Crikey!

Comments

[warrax1.livejournal.com]

It's definitely a blow to the rest of the world that we've lost Steve Irwin... I was an avid watcher of The Crocodile Hunter because it was always extremely interesting and it sucks that he's gone now, especially since he left for such a ridiculous reason.

I mean obviously it isn't ridiculous to him because it happened to him but to be aced by a creature that you weren't doing anything even remotely close to antagonizing? That sucks...

*raises glass* Cheers, Steve, thanks for hours and hours of televised entertainment and education!

[chaotic-nipple.livejournal.com]

*returns toast* And here's hoping he doesn't spend too long poking the Devil with a stick before he reincarnates!

:-(

[heracolyte.livejournal.com]

Irwin was to me a genuine geek. I admired his passion and respect for the animals. He was just doing what he loved and wasn't afraid to show the world.

Tribute to Steve Irwin

[(Anonymous)]

A Tribute to Steve Irwin “The Crocodile Hunter”

A man with a vision, a man that always knew
about crocs snakes’ spiders & animals
the leader of the world’s zoo

The leadership of his parents Bob & Lynn
gave Steve a sixth sense that taught him how to win
To Terri which fate would bring unto his life
would later become his most cherish
adorable & loving wife

From that love devotion and comment would
be their very best came two wonderful offspring
Bindi & little Bob Steve & Terri’s little treasure chests

Not too far behind there was one in the shadows
one that stood the test
was his faithful and loving companion
to us we knew as “Wes”

In the midst of the barren jungle or
the concrete jungle of LA
Steve knew that Wes would not be far away
He covered his back and covered his path
with every careful step
it was Wes that he counted on
because Wes was the best!

His life was saving every creature
and allowed the world to see
never losing that smile or that gesture
“CRIKEY she is gorgeous”
meant the world to me

He will be missed by many of us
who never had a chance to meet
for many he will be missed that learned from Steve
& he made their lives complete

Here is to Steve, now in the comfort of his mum Lynn
which now he can see
he leaves behind for all of us a LEGACY
that inspires others and most of all me!

Steve you will be missed by millions
and Terri and the kids have the world’s
support to carry on your fine legacy

Dr. T. R. “doc” Smith, PHD
Louisville KY
Pinned September 5, 2006

Steve Irwin February 22, 1962
Left this life September 4th, 2006