Crocodile Hunter slain by stingray barb through the heart |
Yesterday while driving around checking out some wonderful scenery, I heard the sad news on terrestrial radio of Steve Irwin, AKA Crocodile Hunter’s, death by a stingray barb through the heart. My first thought was he had cheated death one too many times, until I learned that human beings dying from stingrays is rare. Of all the dangerous animals Steve Irwin has showcased he was killed by an animal that has killed only 17 people since 1969.
“The stingray swings its tail up over its back; the barb is then not really laying against the tail but comes out a bit and allows them to slash or jab to try and get the predator away from them.”Once the barb has pierced the skin, it injects venom, which can be excruciatingly painful, said the vice president of zoological operations, who said he was speaking from experience.
Animal Planet is running a special on Irwin at 6pm EDT tonight which unfortunately I’m going to miss. I think what Irwin did for sharing some of these fantastic animals with the rest of us was more than what daredevils like Evel Knievel have done. At the same time, Irwin’s death by the very company he kept won’t be that surprising to most people.
Also unsurprisingly his death was captured on film and his last act was removing the stingray’s prickly barb from his heart. Various reports are saying we may never see that video, but I seriously doubt that will happen. I’m sure it will be packaged and and presented at some tasteful point in the future. Or it might be leaked out and show up on a tacky sequel to Faces of Death. I’m still haunted by images seen on that show like the guy who bungie jumped off a building to his death after miscalculating the length of the rope. Or the guy who got out of his car to film the bear, despite many warnings not to get out of the vehicle.
Perhaps the one and only time media attention to Irwin’s antics backfired was when footage surfaced showing what appeared to have him dangling his child in front of a crocodile. Will Irwin’s children follow in his footsteps? Smart money says yes.
R.I.P crikey one, I’m sure you’ll tame that stingray along with your excited Aussie accent in the next life.
Did this post make you go hmm?
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My daughter was seriously bummed. She loves that show.
Comment by Sterling Camden — September 5, 2006 @ 7:18 pm PST
I guess Steve’s family are in favor of showing the video of his death. Wonder how long after it is released before it shows up on YouTube?
When we had a YMCA membership Animal Planet was usually on. A fascinating show. Have you seen the video (click the CNN logo) and checked out what a stingray barb looks like? That thing looks pretty threatening.
Comment by TDavid — September 5, 2006 @ 7:56 pm PST
I expect it’ll debut on YouTube. I’ll have to check out that CNN video, but right now I’ve got to go.
Comment by Sterling Camden — September 5, 2006 @ 8:07 pm PST
I like Steve show and I watch it every time I could. One of the many things I like from him was that he was not surrender of the wild life, instead, he loves and feel the commitment to help the wild life. It is sad that he dies,but he dies doing what he wanted the most.
Comment by Pedro Flores — September 5, 2006 @ 11:21 pm PST
well i actually dont think that the picture looks like a sting ray. it looks like a blob. steve irwin was like the coolest guy ever. he had a lot more balls then anyone.
Comment by Annie — September 6, 2006 @ 10:34 am PST
My 7 year old daughter sadly misses Steve ,, she had to watch the show everytime is was on and the whole family loved his shows to but it really upset my 7 year old daughter ,, she wanted to send his wife and kids a card and flowers.. We have been praying for his family..
Comment by melissa — September 6, 2006 @ 1:07 pm PST
I just wonder what would have happened if Steve hadnt yanked the barb out. Could he possibly have survived? It was only natural for him to immediately yank it out–thats the reaction most humans would have.
Judy
Comment by Judy Greer — September 7, 2006 @ 7:11 pm PST
So damn sad. This guy will be a Legend and he fought all his life to make people more aware of wildlife conservation. He will always be remembered.
Comment by Aden — September 8, 2006 @ 12:58 pm PST
i thinks its just awful about what happened to Steve. i loved his show. its such a shame about what happened. yeah i know i didnt *know* him but from all the years i watched him on t.v it was as if i was loosing someone dear to me. i was able to see the footage of him dying on youtube.com but i dont recommend you watch it. it is plainly disturbing and just horrible.
Comment by natalie — September 8, 2006 @ 4:59 pm PST
Natalie - from what I just saw, nothing but a bunch of leeches claiming to have that video footage on YouTube. I’m sure the real footage will get there eventually, but so far it’s not there as of this comment anyway.
Comment by TDavid — September 8, 2006 @ 7:02 pm PST
Steve Irwin was a great man. He loved his family and he loved life itself to the fullest. While I am heartbroken for him and his family, especially the children, I take comfort in the fact that he died doing what he loved most. I never knew Steve Irwin. I only watched him on Animal Planet yet he and his message touched my heart. I have nothing but the utmost respect and love for the man who helped us all understand just how important conservation of wildlife and all animal life is to all of us. God Bless you Steve. May you find a new animal kingdom to explore in Heaven. My prayers are with you, your wife, and your two beautiful children.
Comment by A. Cichetti — September 8, 2006 @ 9:34 pm PST
[…] Recently this blog has been receiving a significant amount of visitors looking for more information on the stingray barb, no doubt because they are curious how and perhaps why the Crocodile Hunter Steve Irwin was killed. […]
Pingback by Make You Go Hmm: » More cowbell, more stingray barb — September 11, 2006 @ 12:21 pm PST
man that really sucks I loved that show and know al I get to watch is reruns and Jeff Corwin
Comment by david c — September 20, 2006 @ 11:34 am PST
Dear Tarry,Bindi,Bob,and the rest of the Irwin family,
I am so sorry! Steve, I know you are in heaven with your Mom and Sue.
I miss you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Your#1 fan,
Maggie Neff
Comment by Maggie Neff — October 15, 2006 @ 7:45 am PST