[Al Simmons]

"The Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS) was called about 11am (AEST) and an emergency services helicopter was flown to the crew's boat on Batt Reef, off the coast near Cairns, with a doctor and emergency services paramedic on board.

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

[dfwgator]

Steve probably didn't even know what hit him, it was over like that. Sad news.

[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.