Steve Irwin Killed
Posted by: Loren Coleman on September 4th, 2006
“I have no fear of losing my life. If I have to save a koala or a crocodile or a kangaroo or a snake, mate, I will save it.” – Steve Irwin
Steve Irwin who once devoted time in the hunt for the Thylacine has been killed. Crikey!
Irwin, the hugely popular Australian television personality and conservationist known as the "Crocodile Hunter," was killed Monday, September 4, 2006, by a stingray while filming off the Great Barrier Reef. He was 44.
Irwin was at Batt Reef, off the remote coast of northeastern Queensland state, shooting a segment for a series called "Ocean’s Deadliest" when he swam too close to one of the animals, which have a poisonous barb on their tails, his friend and colleague John Stainton said.
"He came on top of the stingray and the stingray’s barb went up and into his chest and put a hole into his heart," said Stainton, who was on board Irwin’s boat at the time.
Irwin appears to have had a mild interest in cryptozoology. In August 6, 2002, Irwin was on the radio talk show, "Coast to Coast AM with George Noory." Noory asked Irwin about the Yowie/Bigfoot and Irwin replied that he had traveled extensively and hadn’t seen anything. He felt that he might have seen something by now, if they were real.
Additionally, Steve Irwin had gone on expeditions in search of Thylacine, although he reportedly had found no physical sightings. Nevertheless, he would tell people that there are some areas so remote that it is difficult to explore them fully and that if there is a small population of Thylacine they could easily go undiscovered. (For more about the Thylacine/Tasmanian Tiger, see “70 Years: Thylacines Still Rule!”.)
Good-bye, mate.
Our thoughts are with his kids, wife, family, and friends.
Update
Animal Planet is running repeats of the biographical episodes of “Crocodile Hunter” and other tributes all day, Labor Day, September 4, 2006.
About Loren Coleman
Loren Coleman is one of the world’s leading cryptozoologists, some say “the” leading living cryptozoologist. Certainly, he is acknowledged as the current living American researcher and writer who has most popularized cryptozoology in the late 20th and early 21st centuries.
Starting his fieldwork and investigations in 1960, after traveling and trekking extensively in pursuit of cryptozoological mysteries, Coleman began writing to share his experiences in 1969. An honorary member of Ivan T. Sanderson’s Society for the Investigation of the Unexplained in the 1970s, Coleman has been bestowed with similar honorary memberships of the North Idaho College Cryptozoology Club in 1983, and in subsequent years, that of the British Columbia Scientific Cryptozoology Club, CryptoSafari International, and other international organizations. He was also a Life Member and Benefactor of the International Society of Cryptozoology (now-defunct).
Loren Coleman’s daily blog, as a member of the Cryptomundo Team, served as an ongoing avenue of communication for the ever-growing body of cryptozoo news from 2005 through 2013. He returned as an infrequent contributor beginning Halloween week of 2015.
Coleman is the founder in 2003, and current director of the International Cryptozoology Museum in Portland, Maine.
Very saddened to hear about Steve Irwin’s death although I am not surprised as he took seroius risks with the most dangerous animals.
Oh, my gosh! My family and I are saddened by the news of Steve’s death as a result of the freak accident during filming. We idolize Steve and deeply appreciate his unwaning works with animals around the world. We have lost a gem of a man!
Our hearfelt condolences to his beloved wife and adorable children. We were miss him dearly.
His memories will remain in our hearts for a long long time.
Bye, Steve. You may no longer be around but you will forever be remembered.
Shocking news indeed. My condolence to his family and friends.
Very, very sad news.
A man who will be missed by many.
I am sure his work will carry on, and his name will go into the history books for all his hard and dedicated work in animal conservation.
Steve-O was a one of kind. I always knew that I would hear about this in the news one day. But it was still shocking. He died doing what he loved to do. We should all be so lucky. He’ll be sorely missed.
The guy dealt with deadly saltwater crocs nearly every day, and he gets killed by a normally gentle Stingray? How ironic. Yet, as others have noted, he did take risks, and I think just about everybody (His wife most certainly included) knew he would likely meet his end too soon in some similar way. He may have been a bit over the top (What person who makes a difference isn’t in some way?), but he was a good man who tried to do good things. He may have been a memorable character, but all his antics helped fund his projects, and those are what he really should be remembered for.
Crikey, Indeed…
Well, can’t say I’m totally shocked…the man did some crazy things…though I suppose he was fortunate in a way to be doing something he was so passionate about. IF everyone could approach their lives with 10% of the gusto that he did just imagine how much better the world would be…
Rest in Peace, Mr. Irwin…we WILL miss you…
D
I shed some tears when I heard the news. Steve was a great educator, researcher, conservationist, and all around great guy. He will be missed. See you later Steve-0, Bless your Soul, Yarri
He may have been takin chances, but only because of the passion he felt. Steve Irwin made a difference when it comes to animal conservation. RIP
The loss of a true original. My thoughts and wishes go out to his family, especially his wife. He was a good man, and his loss leaves a hole in our world. Farewell, Steve, we are all a bit less for your absence.
I’m just sitting here stunned. Steve Irwin dead. How awful. My condolences to his family. The world has lost another great one.
A fond farewell…to Steve Irwin…condolences to Terri, and his family…God Bless…
all the best…
Steve Summar, Sheba and Rocky…two of his biggest fans.
I will admit I shed a tear this morning when I heard this news. If you ever watched him the only thing he loved more than animals was His Wife Teri and Daughter Bindi and Son Bob. God Bless his family.
We have a 3 yr old cat that my wife named Bindi after Steve’s daughter. Me and my family will miss him much. I hope Teri keeps up his work. I know it will be very hard w/o him.
This is definitely a sad way to start my day. My condolences to his wife and children. But, you have to say, he died doing what he loved. I’m sure he wouldn’t have had it any other way. I sincerely hope his work is carried on by others with at least half the passion he had, he will be sorely missed by myself and the members of my household.
very sad news…
His wife has lost a great husband and the Australian Zoo has lost a great director.
The biggest Crocodiles couldn’t kill him, but one little stingray stung directly into his heart… ironic and sad story.
RIP, Mr. Crocodile Hunter 🙁
My 7-year-old’s response was “we’ll miss him…but now he’s gone to be with Sooey” (his beloved dog). From the mouths of babes.
Healing, loving thoughts to Terry and the kids.
So sorry to hear this. He sure will be missed. Prayers to his family.
It was bound to happen. Like Timothy Treadwell found out, if you spend that much time in close contact with deadly wild animals, the odds of coming out alive get more and more stacked against you as time goes on.
That being said, this does not lessen the tragedy of his death.
Sunny- Gosh, he loved that dog of his, didn’t he? What a pleasant thought, and I hope my daughter grows up to be able to see the positive side of things as well as your child obviously does.
Personally, I can think of nothing more heavenly than being reunited with my pets who’ve passed on.
He shall be greatly missed.
Rob
I am really shocked. I’ll never see him again. I loved his animal planet shows. He was a great man and zoologist.
I remember that time when his daughter had found an ostrich egg and she was saying “Daddy, Daddy, is this a unicorn egg?”
“A unicorn?” he said then. “That would be a great discovery sweetheart!”
Goodbye Steve. We’ll miss you. All of us.
I was a big fan of his and I remember the very first time I saw him tussle with an alligator, at night, in the water,it was scary.
My thoughts and prayers go to his family.
I was watching Corwin the other day get real close to a wild Rhino and I was thinking, wow he is really risking it, I turned to my friend and an ominous prediction came true. I said that anyday now we are going to wake up and find out one of these guys died while filming.
Yesterday watching “snake wranglers” I am seeing snake scientist tussling with wild Black mambas.
If it is in the quest for science, then it is unfortuante but ultimately a noble cause. If it is in the quest for tv ratings, it is a total waste.
Hi All,
Its very tragic and sad to hear about the passing of Steve Irwin. I think all of us feel as though we kind of knew the man. I feel so bad for his wife and little boy though. He will be very sorely missed! Thanks for all of the education about the animals Steve-o. You will be missed my friend.
RIP
I wrote to Steve just last week to propose a search for the thylacine on the merits of Klaus Emmerichs’ 2005 photographs, the photographer himself and author Col Bailey.
I and my family are deeply saddened by his loss.
I have written a short tribute to Steve on Where Light Meets Dark.
Thank you for taking the time to read it, and I do hope that Steve’s life becomes an ongoing inspiration to each one of us, to protect what we have left of this fragile natural world.
Sunny mentioned the mouths of babes. Mine said that “God thought that it was time to bring his spirit back to Him”, and “I’m sad that he’s dead, but I’m happy that he’s with God; that we’ll be with him up there”.
As many have written – he was a man of true spirit and noble character.
He was an interesting man. When I first saw him on tv I thought he was very annoying, but then again excitable australians can be, but then as I continued to see him he became almost a family member. I always thought it would be a snake or croc that would get him, not a sting ray. Thoughts and prayers go out to his family. The world will never be the same again.
I have watch anything with him in it for many years. He was the man you got me interested in nature in the first place. If I never watched his show I might not now be the proud owner of one ball python and two bearded dragons. I own who I am in part to his show. When my brother walked down from his room and told me that he had died I thought he was joking, I mean how could he die? But when I check I was shocked. I just can’t believe it.
I was deeply, deeply saddened by the news. I just felt like I knew him.
I hope to go into the field of biology.
I was very sad to hear the terrible news that steve irwin was killed or passed away. but he is in heaven now in peace, amen.
Steve has been an idol of mine for almost 17 years. He was a good man. He will be missed.
I really think the ‘Crikey!’, however, was uncalled for.
Irwin will be missed. I’ve occasionally read gripes that he was a showman who didn’t add much to science, but science NEEDS showmen. It always will.
Godspeed, Steve.
I have been a huge fan of Steve’s for many years, and both my wife and I were very saddened to hear of his tragic death.
In my mind I can see him now, chasing a Tyrannosaurus through the eternal forests of time. We will miss you Steven.
Aaron & Michelle Legler
“Crikey” is Steve Irwin’s signature expression; it is an exclamation of surprise and shock that he introduced to Americans. It perfectly captures how I felt when I heard the news. Frankly, I always appreciated Irwin’s sense of humor despite what happened to him from week to week. I think he would have enjoyed seeing his word used here today. Sad news it is, shocking too, but my memories of Steve Irwin will always bring a smile to my face. Always.
“Dragon poo!”
I was sad and surprised when I read the news. While you expect someone who regularly chases the world’s deadliest animals to meet this sort of fate, at the same time after watching them do it time and again and come out mostly unscathed you start to falsely believe that they are invincible.
Steve helped spread interest in wildlife and particularly made us look differently at some of the ‘scary’ creatures of this world.
He will be missed.
The most salient thing about him was his ebullience; he was like a ray of sunshine on a rainy day.
He lived the life he loved and he loved the life he lived.
My granddaughter is 7. Her first real notice of TV was Coc-a-dyle Steve five years ago. He WAS the Animal Planet channel for our family. These days my granddaughter and 5 year old grandson watch Animal Planet as much as we let them. Thank you Steve for your dedication and your ultimate sacrifice in the name of animal awareness and conservation. We will always love you.
G’day All,
Steve was a top bloke and a great ambassador for Oz. He’s done some terrific work and was passionate about animals and imparting that love for nature on others. My best wishes to Terri, Bindi and Bob.
Hooroo
Adam
Besides long remembrance segments on the news stations, Animal Planet is running repeats of the biographical episodes of “Crocodile Hunter” and other tributes all day, Labor Day, September 4, 2006.
Crikey Mate, we will miss you
I always have a dream of becoming a real man like Steve—carefree, brave and enthusiastic. Too bad my idol’s life meter terminates at 44. But as a faithful Chinese fan of him, I’ll remember his forever. This is a name which will stick to people’s minds and hearts.
RIP, Mr.Irwin. Take care, Mrs. Irwin, you have a wonderful husband. Take care, Bindi and Bob, your father is a great soul and icon. You’ll realize how lucky you two are to be his daughter when you reach my age.
God bless. My prayers go out to Terri and family and friends.
When I heard this news this morning, it really broke my heart. Steve was so passionate about his work and his family. He was fun to watch, and of course educational, and had the daring edge. He always made me laugh. Thanks Steve! RIP.
I was born with a heart condition, and have spent a good deal of my quarter century recooperating. I will always remember Crocodile Steve as my one of 3 truly strong influences during those days I could not go out to enjoy the sun, or take a walk in the park. His enthusiasm and sheer charisma was inspiring when I was down. I am now far better than when I was, now try to live my life with a zing and a flare.
One of modern times true poets who lived life according to his morals (at least I got). Though I did not know him, I WILL miss him greatly.
Forever he IS the Crocodile man to me. Rest in peace, Steve, I thank you. GREAT CRIKEY! IT’S GORGEOUS!!!
Throughout our history, there have been but a few souls who have graced our planet with their never-ending devotion to bring light and life into our hearts. Galileo was a brilliant astronomer, who brought the heavens down to us. Einstein-a Theoretical Physics genius-who was considered a little “crazy”-brought the world a better understanding of everyday life. Steve Irwin-a WildLife Expert-was fearless and resilient in his quest to enlarge humanity’s vision and perception of the world around us. His personality was a much needed-and rewarding-breath of fresh air. The world hushed as news of Lady Di spread like a terrible wind, so too shall it mourn in the deepest corners for this wonderful soul-who has been called to Heaven. Our hearts and prayers go in unison to send Steve on a peaceful journey to Heaven. Our continued support, love and devotion go to Terri, Beautiful Bindi and Little Bob. I hope peace comes swiftly for you.
R.I.P the great aussie truly going to be missed sad news.
Steve Irwin did more to popularize the concept of wildlife conservation than any other living human. He took the general public into the world of reptiles and showed us that there world is our world too. He has done more for the image of the rugged Aussie than anyone else.
My family and I will miss him very much.
As a reptile lover and handler myself, I must admit Steve was and still is someone I look up to. He might have taken great risks in the course of his work, but he did it out of a passion for these creatures, a passion which I can relate to.
I was rather taken aback by his sudden demise and just pray that his wife and kids are ok. My heart goes out to them.
I am deeply sadden by the loss of Steve and pray for his family. Steve’s unique personality and enthusiasm taught us over the years to look past preconcieved fears and realize all creatures have a place and purpose on this old world. He ability to make the viewer feel as if they know him, makes me feel as if we have lost an extended member of our family. He will be missed.
Best friend I never knew.
Having been in the water with stingrays numerous times, I can tell you that there is no way a more freakish way to go. Nothing with such power uses it so rarely and almost never fatally.
Freakish. But wait, maybe more ironic and, dare I say, appropriate. Steve wouldn’t have wanted to leave this soon, or to leave a family. But to die in the very act of doing what you love more than anything else, well, it’s been said a lot, but if you were given a choice, be honest?
My kids may be hurting more than me.
But I hurt.
RIP, Steve.
Crikey indeed. Another good ‘un bites the dust. He was a mad bastard, but he was our mad bastard.