RIP, Crocodile Man

[billswoman]

I just learned in the last half hour that Steve Irwin, aka the Crocodile Hunter, died by way of a stingray's barb off the Great Barrier Reef.

What's really tragic is half the world knows now, and they're not even sure if Terri, his wife, knows that her husband and the father of their babies is dead. She's up in the Tasmanian mountains apparently.

Witnesses said he was filming a documentary, and a stingray's barb got him in the chest; some say directly into the heart.

I'm sad over this for so many reasons, mainly for his family, friends and all the animals of the world he educated us about. I utterly adore that man, one reason being he's my age and he's just so cool. Smart, funny, kind to all, independent, commanding.

We'll miss you, Steve, and I hope your legacy for caring for this world's wild life, "dangerous" or not, goes on in your wife, children and friends all over the planet.

[Ms Boku]

Here here!
www.msnbc.msn.com/id/14663786/

[MelMac]

I totally agree with you. To me, he did a lot of good for wildlife and such, even helping people to learn more about the animals than what they knew, such as alligators and crocodiles.

What's interesting though, is that he died doing something he loved, being with the animals. And the sad thing is, he more than likely would've survived if the barb didn't hit him where it did. From visiting the Texas State Aquarium, they said that the barbs are painful, but rarely fatal unless you're allergic to them or something.

My condolences go out to his family and friends. They did lose a unique and I believe someone who helped make everyone a little more knowledgable about the world and animals around them.

[billswoman]

Apparently it's exceedingly rare to die of the actual sting; per a marine biologist from Sydney that I heard, she said Steve's is only the third recorded death by such a fate.

[The J-Man]

[jopierce]

Well, it's very sad to hear.

As a big time risk taker myself, it's frightening to hear. I have done some stupid things myself for my job. I scratch my head in amazement at how lucky I have been, and wonder when the luck will run out.

On the other hand, every time we watch one of these high adventure/X-treme sports/high chase/shoot them up/"poke the animal" shows, it always seems to me that we are, as a society, tempting fate.

We loved to see the crocodile snap ... but we have to remember, sometimes the critters win.

[billswoman]

They showed a clip from something, and Steve said something similar. To paraphrase, he said "Crocs have been around for 200 million years. If you're not careful, they're going to kill you. And eat you." Then he laughed, lol.

Another thing I loved about him is that he was genuine. His father taught him a lot of what he knows, also being passionate about saving crocs and other wildlife. Steve went to college and received higher, formal education. He went bush for three years, just him, basic gear and his beloved dog Sooey (who his daughter's named after... a croc and a dog, Bindi Soo -- if I remember the spelling right.)

Like everyone's been saying, he went out doing what he loved, so my brother and I can already joke a little about it. He quipped, I'm once again the greatest herpetologist in the world! I feel sad for Terri, Bindi and Bob, his immediate family, his extended family of friends and loved ones, and all the millions of people who loved to watch him. And the people who were there when it happened, trying to get help. He was apparently declared dead at the scene when the medics showed up by evac helicopter. Ironically, the documentary was being called "The Deadly Ocean."

[The J-Man]

jopierce said:

We loved to see the crocodile snap ... but we have to remember, sometimes the critters win.

Word.

[billswoman]

Hey, J-man, on a different note, can I steal a portion of that pic, to make an avatar?

I always love the "bowlin' ball" slam, lol.

[The J-Man]

"Steal"? Go ahead, GAH belongs to all of us.

[The J-Man]

Wait a second. He was killed by a fish? I can't believe it, I completely misunderstood the headline, "Crocodile Hunter Killed by Stingray".

[billswoman]

DOH!

[billswoman]

[MST3Claye]

In case anyone is interested. The Steve Irwin Memorial thing is going to be on Animal Planet in an hour tonight, 9pm EST.

[kattwoman]

billswoman said:

They showed a clip from something, and Steve said something similar. To paraphrase, he said "Crocs have been around for 200 million years. If you're not careful, they're going to kill you. And eat you." Then he laughed, lol.

Another thing I loved about him is that he was genuine. His father taught him a lot of what he knows, also being passionate about saving crocs and other wildlife. Steve went to college and received higher, formal education. He went bush for three years, just him, basic gear and his beloved dog Sooey (who his daughter's named after... a croc and a dog, Bindi Soo -- if I remember the spelling right.)

Like everyone's been saying, he went out doing what he loved, so my brother and I can already joke a little about it. He quipped, I'm once again the greatest herpetologist in the world! I feel sad for Terri, Bindi and Bob, his immediate family, his extended family of friends and loved ones, and all the millions of people who loved to watch him. And the people who were there when it happened, trying to get help. He was apparently declared dead at the scene when the medics showed up by evac helicopter. Ironically, the documentary was being called "The Deadly Ocean."

Hey all i haven't been here in a while...thought i'd drop in and say hi while i had the chance...i hope to be online more soon...hope everyone is doing good......i was also very upset to hear about Steve....he was an amazing person....my heart goes out to Terri and the rest of his family.

[kattwoman]

billswoman said:

These are great Billswoman.