(AFP) - World-famous Australian "crocodile hunter" and television environmentalist Steve Irwin has been killed by a stingray blow to the heart while filming a new documentary.
The larger-than-life Irwin, 44, known for his fearlessly enthusiastic handling of even the deadliest of wildlife, was killed when a stingray barb punctured his chest during underwater filming on the Great Barrier Reef.
"He came over the top of a stingray and the stingray's barb went up and went into his chest and put a hole into his heart," said the ebullient Irwin's longtime producer John Stainton, who was with him at the time.
"It's likely that he possibly died instantly when the barb hit him, and I don't think that he ... felt any pain," a tearful Stainton told reporters in the city of Cairns Monday.
Police and officials at Irwin's zoo confirmed his death in the freak incident that took place at about 11:00 am (0100 GMT) off the coast of Port Douglas in the northeastern Australian state of Queensland.
Irwin was evacuated from his boat by helicopter and ambulance service officials said he had suffered a puncture wound to the left side of his chest and was immediately pronounced dead.
Stingrays have several sharp and venomous barbs on their tails that they use to defend themselves when they feel threatened, but Stainton insisted that Irwin had not provoked the creature while filming.
"I have never met a more professional person in my whole life nor a more passionate person in my whole life on wildlife issues," Stainton said of the iconic Irwin, who was making a show about deadly sea dwellers.
Australian wildlife filmmaker David Ireland said that the stingray's tail was "like a bayonet on a rifle".
"If it hits any vital organs it's as deadly as a bayonet," he said.
Police said Irwin's US-born wife Terri had been informed of his death while hiking in Tasmania. The couple had two children aged eight and three.
2006-09-04 02:43:51
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answer #1
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answered by Emm 6
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this is, at best, an insensitive question. How about showing some respect?
For the record, no person is invincible. What possible gain could he have by faking his death?
2006-09-04 09:42:58
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answer #2
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answered by hhabilis 3
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He has not faked his death. He was a good man, a very special person who will be missed greatly. No person is invincible.
2006-09-04 09:47:42
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answer #3
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answered by organic gardener 5
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Its truly sad that someone as he enjoyed his work soo much & believed in conservation of wildlife had to die in this way. He took so many risks to educate us all about wildlife, conservation and respect for animals. He was definitely taken before his time and no he didnt fake it (how can you say that he did!?)
2006-09-04 09:56:08
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answer #4
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answered by Boon5 3
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No, no one is invincible. I'll miss watching him as will lots of others. Why do think he faked his death...
2006-09-04 09:50:11
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answer #5
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answered by b's wife 2
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*agrees with Biker*
It was an unfortunate accident which could have happened to anyone. Sting rays rarely attack; this was just a tragic accident. Steve Irwin may have disturbed a buiried ray, who defended itself as it would.
2006-09-04 09:47:09
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answer #6
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answered by ? 6
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ARE U CRAZY???? Steve was a fantastic person, loved life, loved animals, loved his family!!! how could you ask such a stupid question?? And for the guy who is thinking Steve committed suicide--get off the drugs, it kills you!!
May Steve rest in peace and his family feel angels on their shoulders
2006-09-04 09:56:39
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answer #7
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answered by Anonymous
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No, I think it may even be on tape since it was during filming of an upcoming show. I'm not judging you but you shouldn't mock the dead.
2006-09-04 09:56:45
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answer #8
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answered by momie_2bee 5
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lol .i would like to think that was the case .but from reliable sources say it really happen so I'm going with what their telling me .dam i hate that it happen .i though maybe he get bitten by a snake not a fish really sad for me .
2006-09-04 09:56:32
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answer #9
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answered by ? 6
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No he was not invincible.
He was a good man that cared about the animals of this planet and loved his work.
May he rest in peace.
2006-09-04 09:41:09
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answer #10
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answered by Biker 6
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