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			JIMBO WALES USED MIND RAYS TO KILL STEVE IRWIN!!! FUCK YOU, WIKIPEDIA!!!
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	NOTE: The subject of this article has recently passed away, please be both respectful and informative in your edits as we try to improve the quality of the article. Vandalism to this article will be treated with blocks. Also, please be mindful of the fact that this article is a record of Mr. Irwin's life, not a memorial. Thank you.
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	{{Infobox Celebrity
	\| name = Steve Irwin
	\| image = Steve Irwin.jpg
	\| caption =
	\| birth_date = ] ]
	\| birth_place = ], ], ]
	\| death_date = ] ]
	\| death_place = near ], ]
	\| occupation = ], ], ], ]
	\| spouse = ]
	\| children = 2 (Bindi Sue and Robert Clarence)
	\| website =
	\| footnotes =
	}}

			JIMBO WALES USED MIND RAYS TO KILL STEVE IRWIN!!! FUCK YOU, WIKIPEDIA!!!

			JIMBO WALES USED MIND RAYS TO KILL STEVE IRWIN!!! FUCK YOU, WIKIPEDIA!!!JIMBO WALES USED MIND RAYS TO KILL STEVE IRWIN!!! FUCK YOU, WIKIPEDIA!!!
	'''Stephen Robert Irwin''' (] ] — ] ]), also known as the '''Crocodile Hunter''', was an ]n ] and ], best known for the television program '']'', an unconventional ]
	series broadcast worldwide and co-hosted with his wife ]. The ] owned and operated ] in ], ].

			JIMBO WALES USED MIND RAYS TO KILL STEVE IRWIN!!! FUCK YOU, WIKIPEDIA!!!

			JIMBO WALES USED MIND RAYS TO KILL STEVE IRWIN!!! FUCK YOU, WIKIPEDIA!!!JIMBO WALES USED MIND RAYS TO KILL STEVE IRWIN!!! FUCK YOU, WIKIPEDIA!!!
	==Early years==
	Born to Lyn and Bob Irwin in ], a ] of ], ], Irwin moved with his parents as a child to Queensland in 1970. Bob was a reptile enthusiast and when the family moved, Bob and Lyn Irwin started the small Queensland Reptile and Fauna Park, where Steve grew up around ]s and other reptiles.

			JIMBO WALES USED MIND RAYS TO KILL STEVE IRWIN!!! FUCK YOU, WIKIPEDIA!!!
	Irwin became involved with the park in a number of ways, including taking part in daily animal feedings, as well as care and maintenance activities. On his sixth birthday he was given a ]. He began handling crocodiles at the age of nine, after his father had educated him on reptiles from an early age.<ref>{{cite web \| title = Biography: Steve Irwin \| url = http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,20867,20350280-601,00.html \| work = ] \| publisher = News Limited \| date = ] ] \| accessdate = 2006-09-04}}</ref> He graduated from Caloundra State High School in 1979. He soon moved to Northern Queensland, where he became a crocodile ], removing crocodiles from populated areas where they were considered a danger. He performed the service for free with the '']'' that he be allowed to keep them for the park. Crocodiles that he caught were sent down to the family zoo. He stayed in North Queensland for around five years. Irwin followed in his father's footsteps, becoming a volunteer for the Queensland Government's East Coast Crocodile Management program.

			JIMBO WALES USED MIND RAYS TO KILL STEVE IRWIN!!! FUCK YOU, WIKIPEDIA!!!JIMBO WALES USED MIND RAYS TO KILL STEVE IRWIN!!! FUCK YOU, WIKIPEDIA!!!
	==Career==

			JIMBO WALES USED MIND RAYS TO KILL STEVE IRWIN!!! FUCK YOU, WIKIPEDIA!!!
	===Rise to fame===
	The park was a family run business until it was turned over to Irwin in 1991. He took over the running of the park, now called Australia Zoo (renaming it in 1992). Also that year, he appeared in a one-off reptile and wildlife special for television. In 1992, he met Terri Raines at the park, whilst performing a demonstration. The two later married. The footage, shot by ], of their crocodile-trapping ] became the first episode of ''The Crocodile Hunter''. The series debuted on Australian TV screens in 1996, and by the following year had made its way onto North American television. ''The Crocodile Hunter'' became wildly successful in the United States and the UK. By 1999, he had become very popular in the United States, making his first appearance on '']''. By this time, the series was now broadcast in over 122 countries, reaching 200 million people. His exuberant and enthusiastic presenting style, broad Australian ], constant wearing of ], and ] "Crikey!" became known worldwide. <ref>{{cite web \| first = Sandra \| last = Lee \| title = Wild Thing \| url = http://www.usaweekend.com/00_issues/000618/000618croc_hunter.html \| publisher = ] \| date = ] ] \| accessdate = 2006-09-04 }}</ref>

			JIMBO WALES USED MIND RAYS TO KILL STEVE IRWIN!!! FUCK YOU, WIKIPEDIA!!!JIMBO WALES USED MIND RAYS TO KILL STEVE IRWIN!!! FUCK YOU, WIKIPEDIA!!!
	Under Irwin's expansive leadership, the operations grew to include the zoo, the television series, the Steve Irwin Conservation Foundation, and the International Crocodile Rescue. Improvements to the Australia Zoo include the Animal Planet Crocoseum, the rainforest aviary and Tiger Temple. Irwin mentioned that he was considering opening an Australia Zoo in ], ], and possibly at other sites around the world.

			JIMBO WALES USED MIND RAYS TO KILL STEVE IRWIN!!! FUCK YOU, WIKIPEDIA!!!
	===Film===
	In 2001, Irwin appeared in a ] in the ] film '']''. In 2002, his first and only feature film '']'' was released to generally negative reviews. Irwin portrayed himself in addition to performing numerous stunts for the film. The film follows Irwin who mistakes some ] agents for poachers. He sets out to stop them from capturing a crocodile, who, unknown to him, has actually swallowed a tracking drone. The film won the Best Family Feature Film award for a comedy film at the ]. The film was produced on a budget of about $12 million, and has grossed over $28 million (as of September 2006).<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=crocodilehunter.htm \|title=The Crocodile Hunter:Collision Course \|accessmonthday=] \|accessyear= 2006 \|work=] \|publisher=Box Office Mojo, LLC}}</ref><!-- presumably US$ --> In 2003 Irwin was reportedly in line to host a ] on Australian network television, a series that never went into production.{{fact}}

			JIMBO WALES USED MIND RAYS TO KILL STEVE IRWIN!!! FUCK YOU, WIKIPEDIA!!!JIMBO WALES USED MIND RAYS TO KILL STEVE IRWIN!!! FUCK YOU, WIKIPEDIA!!!
	===Animal Planet===
	] ended ''The Crocodile Hunter'' with a series finale entitled "Steve's Last Adventure." The last Crocodile Hunter documentary went for three hours with footage of Irwin's across-the-world adventure, visiting locations like the ], the ], ], and the ]. Irwin went on to star in other Animal Planet documentaries, including ''The ]'', ''The ]'', and ''New Breed Vets''.

			JIMBO WALES USED MIND RAYS TO KILL STEVE IRWIN!!! FUCK YOU, WIKIPEDIA!!!
	===Later projects===
	].]]
	In January 2006 as part of "Australia Week" celebrations in the USA, Irwin appeared at the ], ] in ], ]. During an interview on ''The Tonight Show with Jay Leno'', Irwin announced that ] would be developing a show for his daughter, Bindi Sue Irwin.<ref>''The Tonight Show with Jay Leno'', ] ].</ref> The show, ''Jungle Girl'', was tipped to be similar to ] movies, with songs that surround a story. A feature-length episode of Australian kids TV show '']'' entitled "Wiggly Safari" appears dedicated to Irwin, and he's featured in it heavily with his wife and daughter. The show includes the song "Crocodile Hunter, Big Steve Irwin".

			JIMBO WALES USED MIND RAYS TO KILL STEVE IRWIN!!! FUCK YOU, WIKIPEDIA!!!
	In 2006, the American network ] had begun to show a series of specials starring Irwin and his family as they traveled on cross-country tours.

	Having grown up in Essendon, Irwin was a fan of the ], an ] club in the ].<ref> The Times Online September 5 2006. URL accessed on 6 September 2006</ref> Irwin took part in an Australian Rules football promotion in Los Angeles as part of "Australia Week" in early 2006.<ref>. URL accessed on 5 September 2006</ref>

	===Media work===
	]
	Irwin was also involved in several media campaigns. He enthusiastically joined with the ] to promote Australia's strict ]/] requirements, with advertisements and posters featuring slogans such as, "Quarantine Matters! Don't muck with it". His payments for these advertising campaigns were directed into his wildlife fund.<ref name=Willis>{{cite web\|url=http://www.abc.net.au/pm/content/2003/s982212.htm \|title=PM - Steve Irwin defends quarantine ad \|accessmonthday=] \|accessyear=2006 \|author=Willis, Louise \|coauthors=Irwin, Steve; Colvin, Mark \|date=] \|work= \|publisher=]}}</ref>

	In 2004 he was appointed ambassador for ], the passenger train running from ] to ] in the central Australian outback, when the line was extended all the way to ] on the northern coast that year. For some time he was sponsored by ].<ref>: Crikey! Steve Irwin loves his Toyotas! </ref>

	He was also a keen promoter for Australian tourism in general and Queensland tourism in particular. In 2002 the Australia Zoo was voted Queensland's top tourist attraction.<ref name=Murdoch>{{cite news \| first =Anna \| last =King Murdoch \|title =He's smart, by crikey \| url =http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2003/06/09/1055010919523.html \| work =The Age \| publisher = The Age Company Ltd \| date = ] 2003\| accessdate = 2006-09-04}}</ref> His immense popularity in the United States meant he often promoted Australia as a tourist destination there.<ref name=Elliot>{{cite news \| first =Geoff \| last =Elliot \| title =Keep it simple, mate \| work =] \| publisher =News Limited \| date = ] 2006}}</ref>

	===Honours===
	In 2001 Irwin was awarded the ] for his "service to global conservation and to Australian tourism".<ref></ref> In 2004 he was recognised as Tourism Export of the Year.<ref>, copy of ] article, originally published 10th December, 2004.</ref>
	He was also nominated in 2004 for ]; an honour which was won by ]. Doubts were cast over his nomination when the "baby Bob" incident occurred in January of that year.<ref>{{cite news \|title = Irwin defends stunt \|url = http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2004/01/05/1073267964997.html \|publisher = Sydney Morning Herald \|date = ] \|accessdate = 2006-09-04}}</ref>

	===Environmentalism===
	Irwin was a passionate ] and believed in promoting ] by sharing his excitement about the natural world rather than preaching to people. He was concerned with conservation of ] and ] leading to loss of habitat. He considered conservation to be the most important part of his work: "I consider myself a wild-life warrior. My mission is to save the world's endangered species."<ref name=Murdoch/> Irwin bought "large tracts of land" in ], ], ] and the ], which he described as "like ]s" and stressed the importance of people realising that they could each make a difference.<ref>{{cite web \| url=http://www.abc.net.au/tv/enoughrope/transcripts/s960998.htm \|title=ENOUGH ROPE with Andrew Denton - episode 30: Steve Irwin \|accessmonthday= ] \| accessyear= 2006\|author=Denton, Andrew \|authorlink=Andrew Denton \|coauthors=Irwin, Steve \|date= ] \|work= \|publisher=] }}</ref>

	He had urged people to take part in considerate tourism and not support illegal ] through the purchase of items such as turtle shells, or ]:

	{{cquote\|These ] use the camouflage of science to make money out of animals… So whenever they murder our animals and call it sustainable use, I'll fight it. Since when has killing a wild animal, eating it or wearing it, ever saved a species?
	<P>
	There are people who butt out their ]s in gorilla-paw ashtrays, with wastepaper baskets that were once elephant feet, who have ivory ornaments… who wear cheetah fur. Don't buy these things! Then there'll be no market and the animals won't be killed.
	<P>
	We have domesticated livestock raised for consumption and perfectly good fake leather and fur, so why must we kill wild animals to satisfy the ] taste of some rich person? <ref>, copy of an article from '']'', August 2006.</ref>}}

	He founded the Steve Irwin Conservation Foundation, which was later renamed Wildlife Warriors Worldwide, and became an independent ]. He was described after his death by the ] of ] Queensland as a "modern-day ]", and ] naturalist ] lauded his skills as a ] and media performer.<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://today.reuters.com/News/CrisesArticle.aspx?storyId=SP68982 \|title=Australia stunned by death of "modern-day Noah" \|accessmonthday=] \|accessyear=2006 \|last=Tait \|first=Paul \|date= ] \|work=Reuters.com \|publisher=Reuters}}</ref> Irwin discovered a new species of turtle that now bears his name, '']'' — Irwin's Turtle — a species of turtle found on the coast of Queensland. <ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.deh.gov.au/cgi-bin/abrs/fauna/details.pl?pstrVol=REPTILIA;pstrTaxa=3312;pstrChecklistMode=1 \|title=Elseya irwini \|accessmonthday=] \|accessyear=2006 \|work=Australian Faunal Directory \|publisher=Department of the Environment and Heritage, Commonwealth of Australia }}</ref>

	He also helped to found a number of other projects, such as the International Crocodile Rescue, as well as the Lyn Irwin Memorial Fund, in memory of his mother, with proceeds going to the Iron Bark Station Wildlife Rehabilitation Center.

	Irwin, however, was criticised for having an unsophisticated view of ] that seemed more linked to tourism than the problems Australia faces as a ]. The '']'' reported in 2002 that Irwin had stated:

	{{cquote\|"Here is my greatest gift to the world," he cries. "We need to stand proud of what is Australia … the greatest grazing nation on the face of the Earth! The whole joint is grazing land … and by crikey we're good at it! We should be … beef and lamb, not kangaroos and crocodiles. They're why ] come to Australia. They are tourism icons!"}}

	In response to questions of Australia's problems with ], ], ], Irwin responded: "Cows have been on our land for so long that Australia has evolved to handle those big animals." The ''Sydney Morning Herald'' concluded that his message was confusing and amounted to "eating roos and crocs is bad for tourism, and therefore more cruel than eating other animals".<ref>{{cite news \| first= Frank \| last= Robson \| author= \| url= http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2006/09/04/1157222053963.html?page=fullpage#contentSwap3 \| title= Crikey, it's raw Stevo! \| work= Good Weekend \| publisher= Sydney Morning Herald \| date= First published April 2002, republished ] \| accessdate=2006-09-05}}</ref>

	==Media image==
	Irwin cultivated an image as an "]", however making liberal use of ] (such as his catchcry, "Crikey!") in a very broad ]. His unabashed enthusiasm for dangerous animals and childlike energy sometimes made him appear simple, which drew some criticism at home. He expressed disappointment at times for media criticism, believing he was being targeted due to a ].<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/stuff/0,2106,3786548a12,00.html \|title=Cultural cringe irked Irwin \|accessmonthday=] \|accessyear=2006 \|last=Tourelle \|first=Greg \|date=] \|work=stuff.co.nz \| publisher=Fairfax New Zealand Ltd }}</ref>

	Regardless of local opinion, his media personage was very popular worldwide but especially in the ], akin to another great international Australian success — ] as "]" in the 1980s.<ref name=Elliot/> His friends and family often reported that he was to them as he was to the rest of the world — larger than life.<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.abc.net.au/austory/content/2003/s949278.htm \|title=Australian Story What Lies Beneath Transcript \|accessmonthday=] \|accessyear=2006 \|last=Crowe \|first=Russell \|authorlink= \|coauthors=Irwin, Steve \|date=] \|publisher=]}}</ref>
	]
	Due to his memorable persona, numerous parodies of Irwin exist, including appearances in '']'', '']'', '']'', '']'', '']'', the ] '']'', the ] '']'', '']'', and the "]" episode of '']'', among others. He appeared to have fun with his image, even participating in a 2006 ] television commercial depicting him wrestling ], the ]'s mascot, to the ground in an ESPN studio hallway.

	Even with regard to his own death, Irwin displayed a sense of humor undermining conventional pieties that drown out other kinds of expressions of grief. Irwin once insisted, "My number one rule is to keep that camera rolling. Even if it's shaky or slightly out of focus, I don't give a rip. Even if a big old alligator is chewing me up I want to go down and go, 'Crikey!' just before I die. That would be the ultimate for me." <ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.contactmusic.com/news.nsf/article/crocodile%20hunter%20death%20to%20be%20broadcast_1007314 \|title=CROCODILE HUNTER DEATH TO BE BROADCAST? \|accessmonthday=] \|accessyear=2006 \|publisher=contactmusic.com}}</ref>

	==Personal life==

	===Family===
	In 1992, Irwin married Terri Raines from ], ], ]. The pair had met a few months earlier when Raines had visited the zoo on a holiday. Together they had two children: a daughter, Bindi Sue Irwin (born ] ]), and a son, Robert Clarence "Bob" Irwin (born ] ]). Bindi Sue is jointly named after two of Steve Irwin's favourite animals: Bindi, a ], and Sui, a dog who died in June 2004.

	Irwin was as enthusiastic about his family as he was about his work. He once described his daughter Bindi as "the reason he was put on the Earth". His wife once said, "The only thing that could ever keep him away from the animals he loves are the people he loves even more."<ref name=King>{{cite web\|url=http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0411/25/lkl.01.html \|title=LARRY KING LIVE Interview With Steve Irwin \|accessmonthday= ]\|accessyear=2006 \|last=King \|first=Larry \|authorlink=Larry King \|coauthors=Irwin, Steve \|date=] \|work=CNN \|publisher=Cable News Network LP, LLLP}}</ref>

	===Controversy===
	Some controversy arose during a public show on ] ], when Irwin carried his one-month-old son, Bob, in his arm whilst hand-feeding a chicken carcass to a 4-meter-long crocodile. The infant was close to the crocodile, and comparisons were made in the press to ]'s dangling of his son outside a German hotel window.<ref name="babydangling">{{cite news
	\| title = It's like a part of Australia has died
	\| author = Patrick Barkham
	\| url = http://www.guardian.co.uk/australia/story/0,,1865085,00.html
	\| publisher = Guardian Unlimited
	\| date = ]
	\| accessdate = 2006-09-05}}</ref> In addition, child welfare groups, ] groups, and some of Irwin's television viewers criticised his actions as being irresponsible and tantamount to ].<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/asia-pacific/3364733.stm \|title=Inquiry into croc baby stunt \|accessmonthday=] \|accessyear=2006 \|\|date=] \|work=bbc.co.uk \|publisher=]}}</ref> Irwin claimed that any danger to his son was only a perceived danger and that he was in complete control of the situation, and consistently refused to apologise for his actions despite public outcry, by some, both in Australia and abroad. His defenders pointed to his many decades of hands-on professional experience and direct interaction with crocodiles, as well as his well-known devotion to his responsibilities as a father. This was also an old crocodile that had been in the zoo for years, and which he knew very well, making it possible to predict its behavior and knowing where the limits of actual danger went.{{fact}}<!--please provide ref - old crocodile assertion not in ducks for cover reference--> Terri Irwin claimed that their child was in no more real danger than a child being taught to swim would be. No charges were filed; according to one journalist, Irwin told officials he would not repeat the stunt.<ref>{{cite news \| url = http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2004/01/04/1073151212433.html \| title = Croc hunter ducks for cover \| first = Claire \| last = O'Rourke \| publisher = ] \| date = ] \|accessdate = 2006-09-04}}</ref> The incident prompted the Queensland government to change its crocodile-handling laws, banning children and untrained adults from entering crocodile enclosures.<ref>{{cite news \|first = \|last = \|author = \|coauthors = \|title = Steve Irwin baby concerns prompt law change \|url = http://www.smh.com.au/news/National/Steve-Irwin-baby-concerns-prompt-law-change/2005/02/23/1109046983142.html \|format = \|work = \|publisher = Sydney Morning Herald \|pages = \|page = \|date = ] \|accessdate = 2006-09-04 \|language = }}</ref>

	In June 2004, allegations were made that he came too close to and disturbed some wildlife (namely ], ] and ]s) whilst filming a documentary, '']'', in ].<ref>{{cite news \| url = http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2004/06/14/1087065037593.html \| title = Crocodile Hunter's frolic with whales gets frosty reception \| first = Karen \| last = Middleton \| publisher = ] \| date = ]\|accessdate = 2006-09-04}}</ref> Subsequently, the matter was closed without charges being filed.<ref>{{cite news \| url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/3896685.stm \| title = Irwin cleared after Penguin Probe \| publisher = ] \| date = ] \|accessdate = 2006-09-04}}</ref>

	] released a "Crocodile Hunter" special called "Crocodiles & Controversy," which attempted to explain some incidents behind Irwin's controversies. This special argues that Irwin's son was never in danger of being eaten by the crocodile, and that Irwin could not have endangered animals in Antarctica.

	====Politics====
	After questions arose about Irwin's being paid $175,000 worth of taxpayers' money to appear in a television advertisement and his possible political ties, Irwin told ]: "I love ], and that's the way I am. So everyone thinks I'm, like, this diehard Liberal supporter. I'm not! I'm not. I'm sitting on the fence, mate; I'm a conservationist. I can't afford to be one way or the other. I just have to run straight up the middle, mate. I have to get on with whoever's in power. And to tell you the truth, the best speech that popped up in Parliament House when ] was here was ]. Here's a bloke who actually disagreed with Iraq, OK, so he put forward the most eloquent speech, which really boosted his profile in my eyes. By crikey, I thought, Simon did the best one there, which is fantastic. So I appreciate good work when I see it, and that's all it is."<ref name=Willis /> His comments describing John Howard as the "greatest leader in the world" earned him great scorn in the media.<ref>{{cite news \| first =Miranda \| last =Devine \| title =Crikey! Praise for PM puts you in a snake pit \| url =http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2003/11/08/1068243301741.html \| work =The Sun-Herald \| publisher =The Sydney Morning Herald \| date = ] 2003\| accessdate =2006-09-05}}</ref>

	===Search and rescue effort in Mexico===
	In November 2003, Irwin was filming a documentary on ]s off the coast of ]'s ] when he heard via his boat's radio that two ]s were reported missing in the area. Irwin and his entire crew suspended operations to aid in the search. His team's divers searched with the rescue divers, and Irwin used his vessel to patrol the waters around the island where the incident occurred, as well as using his satellite communications system to call in a rescue plane. On the second day of the search, ]s found one of the divers, Scott Jones, perched on a narrow ledge of rocks over waters with dangerous currents. Irwin and a crewmember escorted him to Irwin's boat. Jones reported not recognising his celebrity rescuer as he had never seen Irwin on television.

	The other lost diver, Katie Vrooman, was found dead the following day by a search plane not far from Jones's location.<ref> by Thomas Geyer</ref>

	==Death==
	{{wikinewsart\|Crocodile Hunter's Steve Irwin dies at 44}}
	Shortly after 11:00 a.m. ] (01:00 ]) on ], ], Irwin was fatally pierced in the chest by a ] barb whilst snorkeling at the ], at ], which is located off the coast of ] in ]. Irwin was in the area filming his own documentary, to be called ''The Ocean's Deadliest'', but weather had stalled filming. Irwin decided to take the opportunity to film some shallow water shots for a segment in the television program his daughter Bindi was hosting,<ref name="theage">{{cite news \| title = Croc Hunter Irwin killed by stingray \| publisher = THE AGE \| date = ] ] \| url = http://www.theage.com.au/news/National/Croc-Hunter-Steve-Irwin-died-instantly/2006/09/04/1157222051588.html \| accessdate = 2006-09-04}}</ref> when, according to his friend and colleague, ], he swam too close to one of the animals. "He came on top of the stingray and the stingray's barb went up and into his chest and put a hole into his heart," said Stainton, who was on board Irwin's boat the ''Croc One''.

	The events were caught on camera, and a copy of the footage was handed to the ].<ref name="AustNews">{{cite news \| first = Ian \| last = Gerard \| coauthors = and Koch, Tony \| title = Steve Irwin's freak death filmed \| url = http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,20867,20355112-601,00.html \| publisher = The Australian \| date = ] ] \| accessdate = 2006-09-04}}</ref> After reviewing the footage of the incident and speaking to the cameraman who recorded it, marine documentary filmmaker and former spearfisherman ] speculated that the stingray "felt threatened because Steve was alongside and there was the cameraman ahead." In such a case, the stingray responds to "danger from above" by automatically flexing the serrated barb on its tail (which can measure up to 25cm in length) in an upward motion.

	Cropp said Irwin had accidentally boxed in the animal. "It stopped and twisted and threw up its tail with the spike, and it caught him in the chest. It's a defensive thing. It's like being stabbed with a dirty dagger." The stinging of Irwin by the bull ray was "a one-in-a-million thing," Cropp told '']'' magazine. "I have swum with many rays, and I have only had one do that to me."<ref name="timemagazine">{{cite web \|title=Death of a Crocodile Hunter \| url = http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1531446,00.html \| author = Rory Callinan \| publisher = ] \| date = ] ] \| accessdate=2006-09-04 }}</ref>

	Some reports have claimed that immediately after being stabbed, Irwin pulled the barb out before losing consciousness a short time later. Irwin's colleague ] originally confirmed this account,<ref name="newscorpdeathfootage">{{cite news \| title = Irwin death footage 'shocking' \| url = http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,20356303-5005961,00.html \| author = Dave Donaghy \| date = ] \| publisher = News.com.au \| accessdate = 2006-09-05}}</ref><ref name="bbcdeathfootage">{{cite news \| title = Tape 'shows Irwin's last moment' \| url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/asia-pacific/5314918.stm \| author = \| date = ] \| publisher = BBC News \| accessdate = 2006-09-05}} </ref> but he later denied it in an interview on CNN.<ref name="cnnstaintoninterview">{{cite web \| title = Crocodile Hunter Remembered; Is America Safer Five Years After September 11? \| url = http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0609/04/acd.01.html \| accessdate = 2006-09-05}}</ref> It is thought, in the absence of a coroner's report, that a combination of the toxins and the puncture wound from the barb caused Irwin to die of ], with most damage being inflicted by tears to arteries or other main blood vessels.<ref>{{cite news \| title = Serrated knife-like barb, not toxins, the likely killer \| url = http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2006/09/04/1157222072726.html \| author = Richard Macey \| date = ] \| publisher = Sydney Morning Herald \| accessdate = 2006-09-05}}</ref><ref>{{cite news \| last = Collins \| first = Glenn \| title = Stingray Attack Kills Australia’s ‘Crocodile Hunter’ \| url = http://www.nytimes.com/2006/09/04/world/04cnd-irwin.html \| publisher = ] \| date = ] ] \| accessdate=2006-09-04 }}</ref> It is also possible that he died quickly as a result of a punctured ].<ref name="aortaref">{{cite news \| title = Fatal stingray attack quick and rare \| url = http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,20867,20355064-30417,00.html \| author = Hedley Thomas and Nico Hines \| date = ] \| publisher = ] \| accessdate = 2006-09-05}}</ref> Until the coroner's report is released, however, the precise cause of Irwin's death remains conjecture.

	Crew members aboard his boat called the emergency services in the nearest city of ] and administered ] as they rushed the boat to nearby the Low Islets to meet a rescue helicopter. Medical staff pronounced Irwin dead when they arrived a short time later.<ref name="theage" /> According to Dr. Ed O'Loughlin, who treated Irwin, "it became clear fairly soon that he had non-survivable injuries. . . . He had a penetrating injury to the left front of his chest. He had lost his pulse and wasn't breathing."<ref>{{cite news \| title = Stingray Kills 'Crocodile Hunter' \| publisher = AOL News \| date = ] ] \| url = http://articles.news.aol.com/entertainment/_a/stingray-kills-crocodile-hunter/20060904005509990001?ncid=NWS00010000000001 \| accessdate = 2006-09-04}}</ref>

	Irwin's body was flown to a morgue in Cairns. His wife, Terri Irwin was on a walking tour in ] in ] at the time, and returned via a private plane from ] to the ] with their two children.<ref name="theage" />

	As of 1996, only seventeen worldwide fatalities had been recorded due to stingrays,<ref>{{cite web \| title = Stingray risks \| url = http://www.smh.com.au/news/national/stingray-risks/2006/09/04/1157222056511.html \| author = David Williams and AAP \| date = ] \| publisher = ] \| accessdate = 2006-09-05 }}</ref> <ref>{{cite web \| title = Information on Stingrays \| url = http://www.slsa.com.au/default.aspx?s=newsarticle&id=413 \| author = ] \| date = ], ]}}</ref> and the attack on Irwin is believed to be the only fatality from a stingray ever captured on film.<ref>{{cite web \| title = Stingray Deaths Rare and Agonizing \| url = http://www.cnn.com/2006/WORLD/asiapcf/09/04/australia.irwin.stingray.reut/index.html \| publisher = ] \| work = ] \| date = ] ]
	\| accessdate = 2006-09-04 }}</ref>

	===Reaction===
	The Queensland Police released a statement for the media concerning his death after notifying his family.<ref>{{cite press release \| title=Australian wildlife personality Steve Irwin has died \| publisher = Queensland Police Service, Media and Public Affairs Branch \| date = ] \| url = http://www.police.qld.gov.au/News+and+Alerts/Media+Releases/2006/09/Australian+wildlife+personality+Steve+Irwin+has+died.htm \| accessdate = 2006-09-04 }}</ref> News of his death prompted a public outpouring expressing shock and loss in just about every media outlet worldwide (particularly online). ] ] expressed his "shock and distress" at the death, saying that "Australia has lost a wonderful and colourful son."<ref>{{cite news \| title = Irwin brought joy to millions: PM \| url = http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,20867,20350650-5006786,00.html \| publisher =] \| date = ] \| accessdate = 2006-09-04 }}</ref> ] ] extended the offer of a ] to Irwin's family, commenting in a ] television interview that Irwin "will be remembered as not just a great Queenslander, but a great Australian".<ref name="statefuneral">{{cite news \| url = http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,20867,20356038-29277,00.html \| title = Irwin family offered state funeral \| publisher = The Australian \| date = ] \| accessdate = 2006-09-04 }}</ref> Bob Irwin has rejected this offer, however.<ref>{{cite news \| url = http://www.theage.com.au/news/national/father-rejects-state-funeral-for-ordinary-bloke-son/2006/09/06/1157222201277.html \| title = Father rejects state funeral for 'ordinary bloke' son \| publisher = The Age \| date = ] \| accessdate = 2006-09-07}}</ref> Beattie also stated a permanent memorial might be constructed in honour of Irwin, though the details of the structure would depend on Irwin's wife.<ref>{{cite news \| url = http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,20867,20356540-1702,00.html \| title = Condolence books opened for Irwin.
	\| publisher = The Australian \| date = ] \| accessdate = 2006-09-04 }}</ref> He also suggested that an award or national park may be named after him.<ref>{{cite news \| url = http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200609/s1733664.htm \| title = Beattie flags Steve Irwin award, national park
	\| publisher = ABC \| date = ] \| accessdate = 2006-09-05 }}</ref> Several Australian news websites went down because of high web traffic<ref>{{cite news \|last = Richards \| first = David \| url = http://www.smartofficenews.com.au/Communication/Broadband?article=/Communication/Broadband/News/T7C2P3F8 \| title = Smart Office News: Steve Irwin Not The Only One To Die \| date = ] ] \| accessdate = 2006-09-04 }}</ref> and for the first time the top 10 list of most viewed stories for ] news sites were swept by one topic.<ref></ref> Talk-back radio experienced a high volume of callers expressing their grief.<ref>
	{{cite news \| first = Richard \| last = Fidler \| title = Tributes flow for Steve Irwin \| url = http://www.abc.net.au/brisbane/stories/s1732538.htm \| publisher = 612 ABC radio \| date = ] \| accessdate = 2006-09-04 }}</ref>

	The U.S. feed of the ] ] channel aired a special tribute to Steve Irwin that started on Monday, ] ]. The tribute continued with the Animal Planet channel showing highlights of Irwin's more than 200 appearances on Discovery networks shows.<ref>'']'' </ref> The president of the Discovery Network, Billy Campbell, released a statement, saying:<ref name="animal1">{{cite press release \| last = Campbell \| first = Billy \| url = http://animal.discovery.com/fansites/crochunter/steve/statement.html?clik=netmain_feat1 \| title = Discovery Communications, Inc. Mourns Tragic Loss of Steve Irwin \| publisher = Discovery Communications \| date = ] \| accessdate = 2006-09-04 }}</ref>

	{{cquote\|Our entire company is deeply saddened by the tragic and sudden loss of Steve Irwin, the Crocodile Hunter. Steve was beloved by millions of fans and animal lovers around the world and was one of our planet's most passionate conservationists. He has graced our air since October 1996 and was essential in building Animal Planet into a global brand.}}
	]
	Animal Planet will rename the garden space in front of Discovery's world headquarters in ], ], ], to the "Steve Irwin Memorial Sensory Garden."<ref name="animal1"/> They are also looking at the creation of the Steve Irwin Crocodile Hunter Fund, which they will call "The Crikey Fund" which will "allow people from across the globe to make contributions in Irwin's honor to support wildlife protection, education and conservation."<ref name="animal1"/>

	On the evening of his death, '']'' re-broadcast an interview between Irwin and ] originally broadcast in 2003. ] showed a repeat of his interview on '']'', originally recorded in 2004. The Australian ] opened on ] ] with condolence speeches by both the Prime Minister ] and the Leader of the Opposition ]. The ] aired a television memorial show as a tribute to Irwin on ] ],<ref name="yahoo7">'']'' </ref>, as did the ] on ] ].

	Irwin was very popular in the United States, and understandably, tributes flooded US talk shows following Irwin's death.<ref name="ustalk">'']'' </ref> ] delivered an emotional tribute to Irwin, describing him as a great ambassador of Australia. Irwin appeared on Leno's talk show on over ten occasions. There were also tributes on '']'' and ]' '']''. Ripa came close to tears with her praise of Irwin. <ref name="ustalk"/> ''The View'''s co-host ] described informing her son of Irwin's death as if ] had died for him.<ref name="ustalk"/>

	Amid the outpouring of public grief, ] published a criticism of him in which she stated that "the animal world has finally taken its revenge". In her column in '']'' she wrote that Irwin's baby incident displayed the "sort of self-delusion it takes to be a real Aussie ]".<ref>{{cite news \| first = Germaine \| last = Greer \| title = 'That sort of self-delusion is what it takes to be a real Aussie larrikin' \| url = http://www.guardian.co.uk/australia/story/0,,1865124,00.html\| publisher = Guardian Unlimited \| date = \| accessdate = 2006-09-05 }}</ref> The Australian media reacted with distaste to this solitary attack amid the praise offered for Irwin.<ref>{{cite news \| first = Fiona \| last = Hudson \| title = Feminist Greer slams Steve's antics \| url = http://www.news.com.au/story/0,23599,20362163-2,00.html \| publisher = Daily Telegraph \| date = \| accessdate = 2006-09-05 }}</ref> On ], Greer appeared on '']'', again putting forward the notion that Irwin's death was a result of ]s.{{fact}}

	Hundreds of people visited ] to pay tribute to the deceased entertainer and conservationist. The day after his death, the volume of people visiting the zoo to pay their respects had affected traffic so much that police had to reduce the speed limit around the Glass House Mountains Road and told motorists to expect delays.<ref>{{cite news \| first = \| last = \| title = Beattie flags Steve Irwin award, national park\| url = http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200609/s1733664.htm\| publisher = ABC News Online\| date = \| accessdate = 2006-09-05}}</ref>

	== References ==
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	==External links==
	{{wikiquote\|Steve Irwin}}
	{{commons\|Steve Irwin}}
	* (Site may be unreachable at times due to heavy demand)
	*
	* {{imdb name\|id=0410455\|name=Steve Irwin}}
	* {{tvtome person\|id=124720\|name=Steve Irwin}}
	{{Persondata
	\|NAME=Irwin, Stephen Robert
	\|ALTERNATIVE NAMES=
	\|SHORT DESCRIPTION=Australian environmentalist and television personality
	\|DATE OF BIRTH=]
	\|PLACE OF BIRTH=], ]
	\|DATE OF DEATH=]
	\|PLACE OF DEATH=], Low Isles off ], ]
	}}

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