Thread: The "Crocodile Hunter" Died

Death of 'Crocodile Hunter' caught on video

Associated Press
Sept. 5, 2006 07:10 AM


CAIRNS, Australia - Dramatic videotape of Steve Irwin's last moments shows him pulling a poisonous stingray barb from his chest, officials said Tuesday, as tributes poured in for the beloved naturalist.

As TV's "Crocodile Hunter," Irwin made a career out of getting dangerously close to deadly beasts. But police said there was nothing suspicious about his death and no evidence he provoked the animal.

Irwin, 44, was stabbed through the heart on Monday while snorkeling with a stingray during filming of a new TV program on Australia's Great Barrier Reef.

John Stainton, Irwin's manager who was among the crew on the reef, said the fatal blow was caught on videotape, and described viewing the footage as having the "terrible" experience of watching a friend die.

"It shows that Steve came over the top of the ray and the tail came up, and spiked him here (in the chest), and he pulled it out and the next minute he's gone," Stainton told reporters in the Queensland state city of Cairns, where Irwin's body was taken for an autopsy.

I find it ironic that out of all the animals he has ever handled/encountered it was a STING RAY that did him in. I am thankful he at least went out "with his boots on" doing what he did best. Thank GOD his daughter wasnt there tho, she must be heart broken, those two were best friends

The world has lost a wonderful human being who cared greatly for all life.... RIP, Steve.

Oops... duplicate post.