Entertainer Steve Irwin, 44, known to many as the "Crocodile Hunter", was tragically killed in an accident off the coast of Cairns, Queensland on Monday September 4. He was filming segments for a new documentary and his daughter's TV show. Sources in Australia including the Australian Associated Press and news.com.au have reported that Irwin's chest was pierced by a stingray barb. His crew immediately attempted to rescusciate him and called for assistance. Efforts to revive him were unsuccessful.
The story appeared online and in news reports before the family could be notified. His American born wife, Terri, and two young children were hiking in Tasmania at the time and are now believed to be in transit to Cairns.
American TV star and Director Emeritus of the Columbus (OH) Zoo, Jack Hanna, has praised Steve Irwin's talent for raising awareness about animal conservation. Hanna told the Australian Broadcasting Company: "Whether we agreed with what he did was right or wrong, the awareness he brought to wildlife was in a much different way - it's just that today it seems like there's a lot more trying to be Steve Irwin, when there's only going to be one, and that was the first one," he said.
Steve Irwin was also a tourism ambassador, involved in the "G'Day LA" promotion a few months ago. The AFL also held an exhibition during the Ausweek LA events. Australian tourism had made Steve Irwin's name recognition a central feature of their campaign in the United States. The decision caused considerable controversy in the business community.
Discovery Networks has halted all airing of Irwin's programs on it's networks worldwide in the aftermath of his death.
Irwin was a fan of the Essendon Bombers in the Australian Football League.
The following story was written by AFANA Journalist Michele Garval earlier this year after Steve Irwin's appearance at UCLA prior the AFL exhibition match:
Steve Irwin Show Opens Days Events
Originally posted on: 1/16/2006 at 11:20pm ET
Aboriginal Dancers Even Better 
The show on Sunday January 15th at the Pauley Pavilion on the UCLA campus started off with a tremendous performance by the aboriginal dance troupe from the Tjapukai cultural center near Cairns, Queensland. The aboriginal culture comprises just 1% of the Australian population. The troupe started out with a solo on the didgeridoo as the dancers entered the arena using music sticks as percussion. They performed dances that depicted stories of animals and birds (kangaroo and crane) singing.
Narrating the dances was emcee Cameron Dado and he next introduced the Qantas Girls Choir who sang Waltzing Matilda. Cameron then gave us some info on Steve Irwin before he came on to do his show. Irwin has been a cultural ambassador for Australia with a serious commitment to wildlife conservation and getting people to have a new found respect and understanding for crocodiles and snakes. Fans then got a plug for Irwin’s new show for the Animal Planet channel called “New Breed Vets”.
Irwin’s show at UCLA got underway and consisted of video clips and live presentations by Irwin of several endangered species from around the world. Among the animals shown were the Western Diamondback Rattlesnake, a species being lost due to habitat destruction and being killed out of fear. Only 200 Hyacinth or Scarlet Macaws remain in the world Illegal trade and over collecting are the cause and Irwin said a captive breeding program is needed to save the species.
Anaconda Great Aquatic Snakes are threatened due to the destruction of their wetland habitat. Steve demonstrated this non-venomous snake’s ability to squeeze its prey to death by squeezing. He allowed the snake to wrap itself around him until his face turned red and he got assistance to uncoil the snake.
Irwin also brought out a Red Wolf pup, a Gila monster, a King Cobra, and a playful Bengal tiger. An American alligator was brought on and Irwin mentioned that the US government had saved the alligator from extinction but other alligators such as the Chinese alligator are highly endangered. The alligator can exert a 2000 lb. per sq. inch force with its jaw as compared to a Rotweiler dog with just a 90 lb. per sq. inch bite.
The final animal of the day was a young orangutan. The orangutan was not very comfortable with Steve and Steve called for his dad to come to hold him. When a tall gentleman walked on stage a young boy exclaimed: “Is that his dad?”.
It was a very kid and family oriented event enjoyed by all in attendance and the aboriginal dancers were especially good. The next time you are in Australia be sure to visit the Cultural Center in Kuranda near Cairns and see them.
Article last changed on Tuesday, September 05, 2006 - 1:03 AM EDT
