“Crocodile Hunter”, Steve Irwin, killed by stingray off Australia’s north coast

Described as a one-in-a-million fatality, Steve Irwin was fatally stung by a stingray while snorkeling at Batt Reef, a part of the Great Barrier Reef. Irwin was in the area to film scenes for an upcoming show called “Ocean’s Deadliest” but weather prevented the cast from any filming. Rather than scrap the day, Irwin elected to film footage for a new children’s show he had been working on with his daughter.

While swimming just above the ocean’s floor Irwin was hit in the chest by the barb of a sand-covered stingray. Not known for their aggressive behavior, the bull rays sting can be threatening but not often fatal.

Close friend and director emeritus of the Columbus, Ohio Zoo Jack Hanna said “It’s unbelievable, really, you think of Steve Irwin and you think ‘indestructible.’”

It would be hard for anybody to conjure up a different image. Irwin often placed himself in situations that most people thought insane, but Irwin always seemed to sense danger before it struck and an unspoken ability to communicate with his surroundings. Noted as a passionate conservationist, Irwin sought to bring awareness about wildlife to the everyday person. His excitement and exuberance won him a devoted following and landed him television and film features.

Irwin’s producer John Stainton, who was with Steve when the accident occurred, said “He died doing what he loved best and left this world in a happy and peaceful state of mind. He would have said, 'Crocs Rule!’”

Stainton went on to say, “The world has lost a great wildlife icon, a passionate conservationist and one of the proudest dads on the planet.”

Steve Irwin was 44-years-old and leaves behind his wife Terri and two children, Bindi Sue and Robert.