Monday, September 04, 2006

Steve Irwin: A true original dies


Steve Irwin, the hugely popular Australian television personality and environmentalist known as the "Crocodile Hunter," was killed Monday by a stingray during a diving expedition. He was 44.

Irwin was killed by a stingray barb to the heart on Batt Reef, off the remote resort town of Port Douglas in northeastern Queensland state, his wildlife park Australia Zoo said in a statement.

He is seen as the khaki-clad Australian who lived a real life crocodile dundee. His passion and enthusiasm has contributed enormously to our understanding of the natural world by his work at the Australian Zoo and his many TV programmes.

Talks are planned to erect a memorial in the tiny southwest Queensland town of St George where the Crocodile Hunter Steve Irwin has a 37,000ha property to which he retreated when he needed to find solace from his globe-trotting hectic schedule.

The world has lost a great wildlife icon, Australia has lost a great ambassador.

He died doing what he loves best leaving behind rich and wonderful memories that bring immense joy to millions of people, particularly to children.

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