tribute to an australian legend - steve irwin

as i was driving home from uni this afternoon, i heard some disturbing news from fox fm. as the message was broadcast, i felt a chill run down my spine. it really took me by surprise because it was just so sudden, like .. huh? no way, that's impossible! he can't just leave like that! but sadly it's true. steve irwin, the infamous australian crocodile hunter, died today. he was stung through the heart by a stingray while diving off port douglas.

the famous animal lover who put australia on the map

steve irwin, the ebullient australian tv personality and conservationist known as the crocodile hunter, was killed monday by a stingray barb to the heart during a diving expedition, police and his wildlife park said.

irwin, 44, was filming an underwater sequence for a television series on remote batt reef off the far northeast coast of australia when he encountered the ray and was stung about 11 a.m., australia zoo, irwin's park, said in a statement.

crew members aboard irwin's boat, croc one, called emergency services in the nearest city, cairns, and administered cardio pulmonary resuscitation techniques as they rushed the boat to nearby low isle to meet a rescue helicopter.

medical staff pronounced irwin dead at about midday, the statement said.

"today the world has lost a great wildlife icon, a passionate conservationist and one of the proudest dads on the planet," john stainton, irwin's friend and producer who was on board croc one said in the statement.

"he died doing what he loves best and left this world in a happy and peaceful state of mind," he said. "crocs rule!"

(the canadian express 4-09-06)

sincere condolensces to steve's family and friends.

steve irwin is a huge loss to australia.

his legacy will live on and there will never be another one like him. ever.

it's a sad day today. may this fantastic ambassador for australia rest in peace.