Wildlife Warrior: Stephen Robert Irwin
(February 22, 1962 – September 4, 2006)
Very few celebrities move me. Steve Irwin is one of those people. Steve’s death was a shock to me. I pursued a Love of snakes and snorkeling as a result of him. In fact, I was fortunate enough to see a sting ray and photograph one on a snorkelling trip only a few weeks ago.
His enthusiasm for the animal life, passion for conservation and good nature were well illustrated in his show The Crocodile Hunter, that was once one of my favorite TV shows. He was obviously courageous and fearless in what he did with the world’s most dangerous animals. At the same time, he cared for his crew and his own safety. He was a great family man, and I admired his pride in his work and his Love for his wife Terri and children, Bindi and Bob. I looked up to him as a celebrity role model and hung on his every word. He’s one of those people on my list, that I’ll never get a chance to meet, but look forward to meeting him in the Spirit World.
Media statement – September 4, 2006
Steve Irwin
At 11am today, the 4th September 2006, Steve Irwin was fatally wounded by a stingray barb to his heart whilst filming a sequence on Batt Reef off Port Douglas for his daughter’s new TV series.
Emergency services were called from Cairns Rescue Base and met Croc One, Steve’s rescue vessel at Low Isle on the Great Barrier Reef.
The Croc One crew performed constant CPR during the thirty minute dash to Low Isle, but the medical staff pronounced Steve dead at approx. 12 noon.
His producer and closest friend, John Stainton said on Croc One today: “The world has lost a great wildlife icon, a passionate conservationist and one of the proudest Dads on the planet. He died doing what he loves best and left this world in a happy and peaceful state of mind. Crocs Rule!”
