irwin dead?

Question

wow.

Answer 1

It's very unfortunate.

Answer 2

What tributes are happening in your area? Send photos, videos and tributes to [e-mail] or SMS [phone]

The underwater video footage of Steve Irwin's death after he was speared in the chest by a stingray was "shocking" his manager reportedly said today.

John Stainton told reporters the footage, which he had handed to police, was the worst thing he had ever seen, Sydney's 2GB radio reported this morning.

"I have seen the footage and it's shocking," Mr Stainton said.

"It's a very hard thing to watch because you're watching somebody die and it's terrible."

Crickey fund announced

Crocodile Hunter Steve Irwin's conservation work would continue despite his death yesterday, a close friend said today.

The executive director of Irwin's Australia Zoo at Beerwah, near Queensland's Sunshine Coast, pledged today that Irwin's work to protect wildlife would go on.

"We have an obligation now to do more, and through his legacy we hope more Australians and more people around the world will get into conservation," Michael Hornby told Channel Nine's Today program.

"Things like the culling of wildlife, which Steve was very passionate (against). That has to stop. We've got to create safer habitats. we've got to carry on the mantle."

Irwin made a great contribution to the conservation movement around the world, Mr Hornby said.

"I don't think we'll ever come to grips with his impact," Mr Hornby said.

"It's not just the direct stuff, the land that he has purchased to create habitats, the money he has invested, the motivation that he has provided so many people.

"But it's because of him that other people have now taken up a career or taken up a passion in conservation, and he has directly influenced them, and hopefully many, many people to come.

Irwin was also a great friend, he said.

"He's a lovely guy, you know. If you didn't know him, he kind of polarised, I guess, some people. You know, the tall poppy syndrome; but as a person, so genuine," Mr Hornby said.

"What you saw on TV was how he was as a guy - always up, always motivated always inspiring, but always there for you."

Earlier today, the American TV company that made the Crocodile Hunter a household name in the US -- Discovery Networks, which owns the Discovery and Animal Planet channels -- announced it will continue Irwin's legacy with the creation of the Steve Irwin Crocodile Hunter Fund, nicknamed The Crikey Fund.

The fund will "honour Steve's passion and exuberance for conservation and the animal kingdom" and will fund programs around the world.

It will also aid Irwin's Australia Zoo as well as provide educational support for his two young children.

State funeral offer

Queensland Premier Peter Beattie says Irwin will get a state funeral if that's what his family wants .

Mr Beattie today said Irwin put Australia on the world map.

"He will be remembered as not just a great Queenslander, but a great Australian," Mr Beattie told Channel Seven.

"Whenever I travel overseas, particularly to countries like the United States, he was certainly the most well known Australian.

"People didn't know who our prime minister was, or who our premiers are, but they certainly know Steve Irwin."

Asked if his government would honour Irwin with a state funeral, Mr Beattie replied: "We will honour Steve Irwin in whatever way his family wants."

But first it was important to let his wife Terry and two young children, who recently returned to Queensland from Tasmania, deal with the tragedy, he said.

"Our first thoughts have to be with Terry and the children and I don't want to say or do anything that will make their grief worse because they are a wonderful family," Mr Beattie said.

"We will approach the family and we would obviously be keen to honour him in some sort of way from the Queensland government point of view, from the state's point of view, but we would only do that with the family's approval.

"They have to deal with this terrible news which has shocked everyone."

- with AAP

Answer 3

i will never forget the image of steve irwin talking to the camera while sharks were in a feeding frenzy all around him while he stood in the water...the guy was a crazy kook but he was fascinating, funny and very entertaining...i kind of felt one day his luck would run out the way he took risks dealing with wildlife but i would never have guessed it would take a stingray to be the culprit....my condolences to his friends and family....he was one of a kind and his legacy will continue as his shows run on animal planet

Answer 4

Yes, already, he is. Sting ray got him through the heart. Bad stuff.

Who is is this Kross fellow someone mentioned?

Goddess Bless them both!

Answer 5

Sad. A real showman who could draw attention to creatures that needed it.

Answer 6

A feak accident.

Answer 7

I know I heard at 4am

Answer 8

http://www.crocodilehunter.com/
http://www.forbes.com/feeds/ap/2006/09/04/ap2991385.html

Answer 9

Its very sad

Answer 10

i know i was shocked too