Posted on 09/05/2006 4:46:46 PM PDT by Aussie Dasher
US PRESIDENT George W. Bush yesterday led a wave of tributes to Steve Irwin as details emerged about the freak accident that led to the Crocodile Hunter's death.
A White House spokesman said the President had been saddened by Irwin's death.
Mr Bush met him in October 2003 at a barbecue at The Lodge with Prime Minister John Howard.
The spokesman said Mr Bush was praying for Irwin's widow, Terri, and children, Bindi and Bob.
"The President and Mrs Bush are saddened by the news of his passing and their prayers are with his wife and two young children," the spokesman said.
It was in the US that Irwin shot to fame, with his larrikin style and outgoing nature quickly winning the hearts of the American public.
Irwin's death was front-page news in the US yesterday.
In Hollywood, top-rating TV host Jay Leno said Irwin, who appeared on his show 14 times, was "one of the show's all-time favourite guests".
"He represented the face of Australia," Leno said. "He stood for all that was good for animals. He will be sorely missed."
In Australia, there has been an outpouring of emotion not seen since the death of Princess Diana in 1997.
(Excerpt) Read more at news.com.au ...
Awwwww ... wonderful!
My thoughts are with his family as well.
Irwin was a good guy. He was the type of man you would like to call a friend.
Rest in peace.
Worst TV moment of the weekend.
PMSNBC replaying a so called infamous interview with Irwin and Matt Lauer from the Today show very.
Very classy to attack a dead man before his body is even in the ground./sarc
Prayers for family and friends.
Steve was so well liked here in the states. I'm glad to hear that President and Mrs. Bush felt the same way. We're all very sad about his death. He'll be long remembered...let's have all his shows reshown often here in the states.
Rest in Peace, Steve.
Funny how some words can be used to describe a totally happy soul with no "back-up" to him and it gives a fresher, nicer connotation to the word, without taking away any of its gumption or gutsiness.
Is a Bush-man someone like a Bushbot?
The Australian Bush is like forest or rural area.
I liked the way it was used in the headline - double entendre.
Hmmm, maybe I should copy a little of his words from that family article. BRB
" ... Wildlife holds no terrors for the Irwins, but people do. “Bad guys with guns and bombs have made the world a worse place,” Steve says, shaking his head. ..."
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