Steve Irwin & Cryptomundo
Posted by: Loren Coleman on September 5th, 2006
In the midst of a worldwide media story being compared to the death of JFK or Princess Di, and which crashed many websites, Cryptomundo’s “Steve Irwin Killed” apparently filled a critical niche. The tragic death of Steve Irwin was easily the major topic at the lead of most news organizations’ attention on September 4th. Why would people want to read about it here?
What quickly happened was that alternative news sources came to Cryptomundo to learn a little known fact about Steve Irwin: he had searched for cryptids too, including the Thylacine. Reportedly, Irwin devoted an entire episode of “The Crocodile Hunter” to the search for the Thylacine, and there’s even a rumor that he might have captured an elusive Thylacine on film once while he was taping for that episode. I have yet to confirm that. (For more about the Thylacine/Tasmanian Tiger, see “70 Years: Thylacines Still Rule!”.)
Running early with a mention of our story on The Anomalist, this was followed by a pickup on Xeni’s blog at Boing Boing, and a link from Coast to Coast AM with George Noory. Other links started appearing too on Rense, Meta Comments, The Debris Field, and Best Online, to name a few.
Cryptomundo’s comments, I noted throughout the day of Irwin’s death, served as an outlet for people to register how much they liked and will miss the man. His involvement in the cryptozoological world of the giant reptiles he chased and the Thylacines he hunted allowed us to consider his broadbased impact here. I was happy about that.
Cryptomundo appreciates being able to share how Irwin overlapped his passion with ours. Goodbye, mate. The wild world will miss you.
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.
Loren,
That was a very nice tribute to a man that captured the worlds attention. I must admit that I felt he took too many chances. However the man died doing what he loved, and how many of us will be able to do that ?
I have heard that there is a video of his death. I just hope that this video does NOT make it into the media, or the internet. I feel that would be in poor taste indeed.
A very touching article i have seen and read many things about Steve Irwin in the last day. In one of the english papers today it said that steve wanted his video to be shown. I hope it doesnt because this would give people the wrong reason to see this great aussie i want him to be remember for the great things he has achieved.
I have to agree, I really do hope that this video does not ‘make the rounds’ !! I Honestly do not think any man would want that sort of thing out there. I mean I would not want my children to be able to see that, now or later.
I have to wonder who is saying that ‘he would want it shown’ ? Is it the media that wants the sensational news story ? Or is it his family ? I would not have a problem with the ‘release’ if that is what the family decides. But pressure from any other source would be wrong. JMHO
Agreed…a fitting tribute…such a tragic loss…Steve Irwin, unafraid “died” with his boots on…which means a helluva lot around here…JMHO
Best regards to Terri and his family…we will miss Australia’s favorite son…
Steve Summar, Sheba and Rocky
In the latest I’ve seen on the web, the film is mentioned, and that his manager had seen it, and gave some comments. The article did not reproduce any of the footage or images. It did however state that the ray in question was a meter across. Now, if I remember correctly, that’s mighty big for a stingray, even a ‘bull’ as it was described.
I am going to miss the guy a, LOT!
I still can not believe he is dead.
Very touching article.
My condolances go to the Irwin family at their time of sorrow and grief. Along with the rest of humanity mourn this abrupt and tragic loss of one of the most loveable and adored man ever to grace the world of zoology, Steve Irwin.
He will be greatly missed.
That is pretty sad but like you said, he died doing what he loved.
I had often considered contacting Steve and Terri Irwin to see if there was some way in which I could contribute to their cause, but it was only last week that I finally made contact – and that was especially for the thylacine.
I was told that my email would be forwarded for him to look at when he returns from his current research trip. Very sadly, this won’t be the case, and as a father, a man and a human being, my heart goes out to Terri, the kids and Steve’s team at Australia Zoo.
Quite ignorantly I was unaware that Steve had already searched for the thylacine, until reading Cryptomundo’s article mentioned above.
At Where Light Meets Dark I have written a lengthy article which is part tribute, part call to action and part discourse about Steve’s personal impact on my family and myself.
In it, I have included links for ways in which Australians (in particular) can get involved to make a difference in this country.
I urge you – regardless of where you are – get involved!
I for one have chosen to put more spring into my step; inspired by Steve’s legacy of complete dedication and energy.
Let’s make a difference.
Sad to hear about the demise of Steve and my prayers and sympathies to his family. I’ve shared many a family moment with my own young children while watching the show and doing Crocodile Hunter sound effects.
I am saddened about the loss of Steve, as well as Terri and the childrens loss. I had e-mailed their Zoo awhile back, in regards to Jeff Corwin looking for the snowman. I asked if Steve ever considered looking for the Yowie, and I received an excellant response that it was hard enough looking for known animals that they wouldn’t have time to devote to unknown species, though they would consider the thought. He will be greatly missed.
Just call me Sadsquatch.
Bye Mate
I am terribly sad about Steve’s death.
Last I heard the family is saying they will release the video because they believe Steve would have wanted it that way, so people can see that it was just an accident and not to blame the stingray.
I think I saw the episode in question. They were in Tasmania, hoping to catch one on film, but all they found were Quolls. However, they talked to a lot of locals who had seen them.
When Steve Irwin was killed, his wife was again in Tasmania. Looking for the thylacine again?
I had a friend tell me that when she read an article about his death, she was waiting for “the other shoe to drop” simply because he was one who took those chances and probably should have died years ago. When it finally sunk in, she said that she could see him in heaven asking, “Is the ray ok?” All the best to his family.
A very tragic loss, he will be missed.
Loren, you mentioned his feelings on the Yowie and Thylacine, have you heard what his opinion was on the possibility of surviving Megalania?
When i first heard about Steve’s death i really felt stunned and quite crushed. I was surprised at my own reaction to the tragedy. Well, it is very gratifying to see the world wide reaction to Steve’s passing. Obviously, I’m not the only one that greatly admired him and also, i think, developed a tremendous fondness for the whole Irwin family, even Sui.
Steve was tough enough to tussle with a croc or handle the most venomous snakes in the world and yet, when talking about his wife Terri, or his wonderful children Bindi & Bob, or his parents, or when his beloved Sui passed away, he wasn’t afraid to shed a few tears.
This world needs more people with Steve Irwin’s great spirit, enthusiasm, and zest for life.
So, this world is a little darker now that Steve Irwin has passed, but as “youcantryreachingme” said, we should get involved and make a difference! Let’s carry on Steve’s legacy by doing whatever we can, however small, to protect our wildlife and our biosphere.
My girlfriend and I watched Animal Planet non-stop yesterday and watched this amazing man do what he loved to do. And I remarked to her that in his 44 years, he probably lived life more than anyone could ever hope to.
Possibly the most amazing part of this man’s life was that he lived it exactly as we were privileged to see on camera. It’s rare to see a person who has so completely found their niche in life that every day becomes an affirmation of their purpose.
I hope that his family is consoled by the thought that their son/husband/father/friend so touched so many people’s lives, and made us appreciate nature that much more.
Steve, G’day, mate.
Prayers go out to Terri, Bindi, Bob, Steve’s dad Bob and his entire family and friends. When I heard the news of Steve’s death I was in a state of disbelief.
My thoughts immediately turned to his wife and children. Steve was a proud husband and father, just to hear him talk about them and to see his face light up at the mention of Terri and the kids.
I wish every man could have a touch of that in them. Steve brought so much joy into the lives of those who watched his career flourish.
I hope Terri stays in Australia and keeps his work alive and teaches the children all about the work their dad did. The world has lost a wonderful role model and I doubt that there will ever be another like him.
God Bless you Terri, Bindi and Bob. May the many wonderful memories of Steve keep you strong.
Loren,
I realise you’ve said you’ve yet to confirm the rumour that Steve Irwin might have captured a thylacine on film, but I’m wondering where the rumour came from, for you?
Source of the “rumor” of The Crocodile Hunter’s Thylacine footage? It comes from comments of people who have seen the program and who have discussed the matter with Steve Irwin.
I am still running down all specifics on these statements. Stay tuned, or if anyone reading this knows more, get in touch with me directly at Loren Coleman [at] maine [dot] rr [dot] com
This is sad, sad news. The world has lost a truly great naturalist and conservationist. He really made people interested in animals and the world around them, and I think his legacy will live on for a long time. Thank you, Mr. Irwin, it was quite a ride. My condolences to the family.
His family has stated they will never show the video, and many of them have said it should be, or has been, destroyed.
I woke up to this news, and I was in complete denial (I almost thought it was a joke.) He was a hero to me, and to millions worldwide. Steve Irwin brought creepy crawlies into our homes, and taught us to love them.
Rest In Peace Steve Irwin, life just won’t be as crikey without you…