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 It
has been confirmed that Australian icon and world famous Crocodile
Hunter, Steve Irwin, died instantly yesterday after being speared in
the chest by a Stingray.
The news caused shock around the globe after Irwin
was killed when the poisonous barb on the Stingray's tail pierced his
chest, puncturing a hole in his heart, while filming for a new
television program "Deadliest Sea Creatures" at a reef off Port Douglas
for Animal Planet.
The footage of the incident has been obtained as
part of a police investigation into the incident and is believed to
show Irwin swimming above the Stingray just as it's tail lashes
upwards, believed to be a natural defensive manoeuvre, instantly
killing him.
The 44-year-old superstar, known to the world as
the Real Life Crocodile Dundee, became an international sensation
thanks to his catch cry "Crikey!" and his undeniable enthusiasm towards
nature and the conservation of the planet's environment. His Crocodile
Hunter program and over 50 documentaries which appeared on the cable TV
channel Animal Planet led to a phenomenal empire for Irwin, including
books, interactive games, action figures and his own film Crocodile Hunter: Collision Course.
A state funeral will be held for Irwin, with
Queensland Premier Peter Beattie stating "We will honour Steve Irwin in
whatever way his family wants...But first it's important to let his
wife and children deal with the tragedy."
US Network Animal Planet is yet to confirm as to
whether Irwin's final trip on The Great Barrier Reef will ever be shown
to the public with talks to take place with Irwin's wife Terri at a
suitable time. Terri was bushwalking through Tasmania at the time of
the incident and wasn't contactable until after the news had been
released to the public.
The Discovery Network has already announced it
would create the Steve Irwin Crocodile Hunter Fund, which it will
nickname "The Crikey Fund", with all proceeds to go towards Irwin's
Australia Zoo in Queensland and support the education needs of his
children.
Steve Irwin was an Australian legend, an icon for
our generation who had an infectious ethusiasm that isn't likely
to be equaled. He is survived by his American-born wife Terri and
two children, eight-year-old daughter Bindi and three-year-old son Bob.
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