Steve Irwin also known to most people as the “Crocodile Hunter” died Monday September 3rd after a fatal puncture from a stingray while filming footage off of Australia’s coast. According to the media, Irwin was snorkeling at Batt Reef, a small part of the Great Barrier Reef. He was killed by a stingray that punctured his heart through his chest plate. It was so sudden and unexpected. "He came over the top of a stingray that was buried in the sand, and the barb came up and hit him in the chest," says John Staiton, Irwin’s manager. He died at only 44. According to his manager and others who were present he accidentally boxed the animal in and caused it to defend itself.
Australia Prime Minister John Howard said he was "shocked and distressed at Steve Irwin's sudden, untimely and freakish death," according to Animal Planet. "It's a huge loss to Australia." Irwin wasn’t only loved in Australia. He had many viewers and fans all over the world who were in mourning when they heard about his death. Over 5,000 people attended his funeral in "Crocoseum" at the Australia Zoo. Tens of thousands of people traveled to Australia to drop off flowers in respect of him and his family.
Three of Australia’s top television networks were filming the memorial service live and feeding it to the U.S. television network. "There will be one seat alongside of the family for Steve because he loved the Crocoseum, he built it," Stainton said. "And his Australia Zoo cap that he always wore watching all the shows with his daughter will be on the seat." Irwin left behind his wife and two kids. "Steve, from all God's creatures, thank you. Rest in peace," was written on a card with a bouquet of native Australian flowers.
