Steve Irwin died today from the barb of a stingray to his heart. I just heard this a few minutes ago on the news here. Very, very sad to hear this.
The Queensland Police Service issued a statement saying Irwin collapsed after being stung at Batt Reef, Low Isles, off Port Douglas about 11am. He had been filming a documentary.
“Steve was hit by a stingray in the chest,” said local diving operator Steve Edmondson, whose Poseidon boats were out on the Great Barrier Reef when the accident occured.
“He probably died from a cardiac arrest from the injury,” he said.
My husband was a big fan of his and got me hooked on his shows as well. I really enjoyed his enthusiasm, his zest for life, and his passion for the animals he worked with.
I was surprised by this, although, I don’t know why, since he knowingly put himself in dinner. Very sad. He seemed to love his work.
I heard late last night. It’s sad, but not shocking. I tell you, he had guts though…and a love of wildlife.
By the way, love the new look on your blog!
I don’t know if this is actually confirmed, just yet, but my husband heard that it was more than likely the impact of the stingray barb to Irwin’s chest that caused cardiac arrest. Basically, a fatal, high impact punch to the chest.
I’m just hurting for his kids… his poor family.
When I first read this on someone’s blog this morning, the only thing running through my mind was, “no, no, no!” I feel so bad. He was such a great guy. I still want to visit his zoo someday.
I just heard about this on another blog. It’s so hard to believe that it’s true. My son is going to be shocked. He was a big fan and got me hooked on watching his shows. I think he really did manage to help people understand and respect the animals that surround us.
I’m still in shock this morning after hearing about this and it is so rare to die from a sting ray attack. Granted they can and will hurt a person but such a freak chance that this had to happen. I don’t watch Irwin much, but I have always liked him. -M