Crocodile Hunter Steve Irwin dead

News.com.au ^ | September 4, 2006

[lunarbicep]

He was killed in a freak accident in Cairns, police sources said. It is understood he was killed by a sting-ray barb that went through his chest.

He was swimming off the Low Isles at Port Douglas filming an underwater documentary and that's when it occured.

[mom4kittys]

Thanks for checking. It is true. I am just not wanting to accept this. He was only 44. He still had a lot to do.

[South40]

In about 5% of such injuries, the spine is broken off and remains in the wound, especially when the fish is pulled off the victim. Penetration of any part of the trunk (chest, abdomen, groin) is a serious medical emergency. Introduction of the ray's necrotizing venom directly into the body cavity of a person has been known to cause insidious necrotizing effects on the heart and other internal organs, and death is often inevitable.

source

[blondee123]

From Drudge:
Irwin's body is being flown to Cairns.

One report today said his American-born wife Terri was trekking on Cradle Mountain in Tasmania and was yet to be told of her husband's death.

http://www.news.com.au/story/0,23599,20349888-2,00.html

[CindyDawg]

That's what I'm thinking.

[isthisnickcool]

Irwin had a puncture wound to the left side of his chest and was pronounced dead at the scene."

Sounds like he did get hit by the barb right in the heart. If so then he must have died quickly.

[Central Scrutiniser]

Yeah, but, to be stung in the heart is nasty, that wouldn't happen with a wetsuit on. But then again, the water in Port Douglas is quite warm.

Diving near shore in that area you always wear a suit or a skin, as there are nasty jellies that can kill you. But, to be killed by a stingray takes a lot of stupidity.

[Richard Kimball]

I agree. Nobody, especially somebody that loved life as much as he did, wants to die. From the report on Fox News, it said that he was killed instantly, and the barb pierced his heart. On September 11, 2001, he recorded a sympathy message to the US about the World Trade Centers, one of the first international figures to do so.

I loved his show. God bless, Steve, and RIP.

[diverteach]

[Reagan Man]

Steve Irwin was one crazy man and almost seemed like he was begging death to strike him down. Not unexpected.

RIP Steve.

[blondee123]

Truly horrible, he has two small children & you could see how much he loved them, sad he won't be here to raise them.

[Boiler Plate]

Stunning and sad. Prayers for his wife and family.

[bd476]

Stingray venom has insidious, but powerful, localized tissue necrosing properties in humans."

JC, thanks for posting this article about stingrays and the 12 year old boy who died six days after his ventricle was pierced by a stingray barb.

It sounds like Steve Irwin didn't have a chance.

[Daaave]

I didn't start doing the shuffle until a crab pinched my toe.

A stingray article with medical analysis:

Attack of the Killer Ray "Stingrays are the largest of the venomous fish, and there are many species in the Australian coastal waters. The tail of the stingray carries at least one barb or spine that may be up to 37 cm (14.56") long. The barbs are cartilaginous and retroserrate, and covered by a film of venom and mucous contained within an integumentary sheath."

"Two longitudinal ventrolateral grooves contain venom secreting glands. Stingrays usually lie in the sand on the seabed. When disturbed by pressure over the dorsum of the body, the tail is thrust upward and forward, driving the barb in to the victim. Rupture of the integumentary sheath on penetration allows the venom to be released."

nswseakayaker.asn.au/

[Gabz]

My 8 year old is going to freak out.........OMG.

Prayers for his family.

[twinzmommy]

Yeah I saw that too at http://www.news.com.au/story/0,23599,20349888-2,00.html

"One report today said his American-born wife Terri was trekking on Cradle Mountain in Tasmania and was yet to be told of her husband's death."

[George W. Bush]

Phooey.... he did crazy stuff in life, and I don't think anyone is ~really~ surprised a critter got him.

That's the whole point of such shows.

[A CA Guy]

He was a great guy and Americans as well as all others loved the guy.

He seemed to be good people!

[hole_n_one]

[Sprite518]

I just heard it on the radio. I kept saying I hope that is not the Crocodile Hunter, but then why else would this be the top news. How awful. Pray for his wife and family.

I guess when you play with nature long enough its going to eventually get you.

[South40]

A couple of years ago, a 35-year-old Australian bloke on holidays in Fiji was stung in the chest as he swam over a large stingray; the barb punctured his heart and he died a day later as a result of his injuries.

source