Posted on 09/04/2006 10:44:52 PM PDT by Aussie Dasher
CROCODILE Hunter Steve Irwin died in "quintessentially Australian circumstances," Prime Minister John Howard told parliament today.
Irwin, 44, died when his chest was pierced by a stingray barb while swimming off the Queensland Coast yesterday.
"Steve Irwin's death yesterday in bizarre, tragic, and in some respects quintessentially Australian circumstances has not only shocked and horrified the people of Australia but it has brought forth an outpouring of grief and an outpouring of emotional expressions of regard for this remarkable man around the world," Mr Howard said.
Quoting actor Russell Crowe, Mr Howard said "the Crocodile man Steve Irwin was the Australian many of us aspire to be".
The Prime Minister described Irwin as a talented showman who used his skills for good. He praised his involvement in a highly successful Customs campaign.
"His willingness to front the high profile program Quarantine Matters was a great contribution to the quarantine cause and the clean, green protected image that this country wants to continue and represent to the rest of the world," Mr Howard said.
Mr Howard said Irwin also made an important contribution to the Australian tourism industry.
"He did epitomise to many so people around the world what they saw to be uniquely Australian characteristics and for that we should be simultaneously proud and grateful," Mr Howard said.
(Excerpt) Read more at news.com.au ...
Terri's the one I feel the worst for. She worshiped Steve, it was clear and evident, and I can't imagine what she's going through. That he died doing something he loved must be small consolation.
No, you're a wanker because you don't know when or how to keep your disrespect to yourself.
Well thought-out & said
Make that six.
Welcome aboard!
Part of me anticipated something like this (although to be honest, I thought it'd be a snake), and part of me thought Steve Irwin would go on forever.
You and I seem to be reacting the same way.....
He was such a happy, enthusiastic person who did SO much good in his life. Terri was his soul mate and they had the most wonderful life and family together.
Those making ugly remarks just make me furious.
Look,
IF he lived closer and was single, I would have proposed to HIM!
Honestly? I thought he'd go on forever. I've known folks like that, who lived their lives full throttle and yet made it to a ripe old age.
Poor Terri . . . how will she go on? I feel so bad for her.
(A buddy of mine did a Steve Irwin-type character at our festival a few years back . . . I can't remember what his name was, but he was the Dragon Hunter, and he was Steve to the life. That was the season he made my spotted owl disco.)
The Animal Planet replayed some older Steve Stories and introspectives last night. Very interesting look into his family.
Spotted Owl Disco? LOL Sounds like fun.
As for Terri, she'll never find another Steve. Bindi is the one I hurt for the most though.
From your original post 7, since removed -
It is not rare when idiots play with deadly animals.
Which is it?
With regard to the incident you seem to be completely focused on - according to Irwin himself, he felt the baby was never in any more danger than if the child was learning to swim. Since he's the professional, and the man on the scene, I'd say he's more competent to judge the situation than either you or I. Or do you prefer to tell people how to live their lives and how to raise their children?
My daughter pretty much grew up watching him on television. She and I were watching some of the tribute that Animal Planet did last night, and we both decided that it wouldn't be a snake or a crocodile, but something completely unexpected, like an allergic reaction to a butterfly bite.
Someone on another thread put it thus..."It's like he was a race car driver who got hit just right by a bicycle"
So very sad.
One of your greatest exports ever, Aussie.
He and Terri were amazing energetic, genuine people, and I am grateful at least he died doing something he loved so passionately.
He was a treasure.
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