Zoologist, Steve Irwin, 44, cared about animals and did his best to relieve their suffering. He entertained us with his passionate and humorous television documentaries on species that most people detest. His subjects included Crocodiles, Cobra's, Komodo Dragons, Sharks, Spiders, etc. He specialized in getting an up-close and personal view of these and many other misunderstood creatures. The only thing that measured up to his larger-than-life persona and passion for animals was his love for Terry, his beautiful and equally adventurous wife. They fell in love at first sight, were married 6 months later and had 2 children together. Bindi Sue, 8 and Bob Irwin, 3.
Steve died instantly doing what he loved just off the Great Barrier Reef when a big Stingray smacked him with a barbed tail which pierced his heart. According to the report I read, Stingray barbs are serrated and filled with toxins. This particular barb was around 10 inches long. Steve was pulled out of the water by camera crew and CPR was performed, but he was pronounced dead when medical crews arrived to assist. His wife, Terry apparently was not with him when he died.
I know it probably seems silly, but I'm sitting here bawling. I was a faithful viewer of his shows. My son, was a HUGE fan and went around the house imitating Steve's catch phrases, "Crikey", "Isn't SHE a BEAUTY!" and "Look at THIS!". I wrote letters to he & Terry thanking them for the work they do for those who have no voice. I had hoped someday to see or even meet Steve & Terry in person and wanted to visit the famous 'Australia Zoo'. I have tried in vain to visit the Croc. Hunter website: www.crocodilehunter.com but it's down- probably overloaded with grieving fans. I'm sure Terry and all the staff at Australia Zoo & Animal Planet are in shock. This is quite devastating!
My fondest memory of Steve was the show where they tried to rescue an orphaned baby elephant and she was dying. Steve spoke about the importance of better conservation efforts from the depth of his heart, while trying to refrain from sobbing on camera.
Steve, thank you for the joy you brought into my life! You were a giant of a man and very loved. We will miss you!!!!
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5 comments:
You know the only one not worried
the only one not sad
the only one not bawling
The Crocodile Man
He lived his life to the full
He lived with no fear -
and he has only gone thru the inevitable stage we must all pass
Fear is the only "killer"
Fear of death is "Death"
Having said all that
he was not as reckless
as people claimed
Sure he like to play with fire
crocs and poisoned snakes
but he showed the respect for danger that we all understand.
Ironic? a stingray sting
a poisoned dart thru the heart
One thing for sure, where he is now there is fear & death no more!
Hey, lady of the trail...I may actually be back in the saddle. check out my blog.
He will be mourned and missed by many. Another blogger I visit wrote that this will be hardest thing to tell his daughter who saw The Crocodile Man as her hero.
i too am saddened. i always felt like he loved his work and his animals. he was upbeat and compassionate. the only consolation at a life lost too soon- he died doing what he loved.
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