You’ve most likely heard the news of ‘Crocodile Hunter’ Steve Irwin’s death off Australia’s Great Barrier Reef as he filmed a documentary. Irwin was killed when a bull stingray tore through his chest with a venomous barb. A great loss for those passionate about the natural world. Irwin was 44.
Irwin’s body arrives home…
Death was caught on film: “It shows that Steve came over the top of the ray and the tail came up, and spiked him here (in the chest),” Stainton said after watching the footage. He pulled it out and the next minute he’s gone. The cameraman had to shut down. It’s a very hard thing to watch because you’re actually witnessing somebody die … it’s terrible.”
Crikey: “Irwin’s death clogs web sites, stuns world fans…”
Prime Minister: “Australia has lost a wonderful and colourful son”…
Approximately 120 known species of Stingray: “Humans are usually stung in the foot; it is also possible, although less likely, to be stung by brushing against the stinger. Contact with the stinger causes local trauma (from the cut itself), pain and swelling from the venom, and possible infection from parts of the stinger left in the wound. Injuries to humans include, but are not limited to: poisoning, punctures, severed arteries and possible death.”
Australian news reports and tribute video…
