Crikey! Looks like croc wrangler Steve Irwin will get his final wish - the footage of his fatal encounter with a stingray will be shown on TV. The late Australian naturalist,who died Sunday while diving on Australia's Great Barrier Reef, was filming for a documentary when he was killed, and his cameraman shot the moment when the stingray's barbed tail stabbed the popular crocodile hunter through the heart.
It has since been confirmed that Irwin was not killed instantly, but is shown pulling the barb out of his chest. The sad episode is truly a rare, freak accident as it has been reported that stringrays have only killed 17 humans in all of recorded history.
While the tapes are currently being held by Queensland police you have to wonder how long it will take before they are leaked to the internet. Meanwhile, Irwin's family have given their blessing to having the final footage aired, which will respect his last wishes -- that the show must go on. An insider tells British newspaper the Daily Star, "This is exactly what Steve would have wanted. He knew the dangers and was totally up for the cameras to get everything."
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."
Steve, you going to get your wish. We will miss you.
Comments
I loved Steve Irwin, and I loved the energy and enthusiasm that he had for the animals. He was awesome. The way he handled those crocks! woo hoo~! I can hear him now, and I will always remember him the way he was. My heart goes out to his family, and friends. My prayers are with them also. Hopefully his wife Terri, and his children will be able to carry on with his passion and mission for the animals. Again, my prayers are with them.
May God give them peace and strenght, and comfort their hearts. Amen
And we will remember all the good things about Steve, and all the good things he did.
Sincerely,
Debbie in Kentucky
Posted by: Debbie | September 6, 2006 12:44 AM
Steve Irwin was a great icon of Australia. His death has affected many millions of people across the world! I have never been so affected by a death of someone I had never met! I must admit, before the death of the croc hunter, I never paid much attection to him! i had met him when I was little, about 10 years ago when I was five. I vistied the zoo and loved it. I new he was a loved Australian but other than that, kept my love for David Beckham! But with his death i feel so affected, i have never felt these emotions before. I think i feel greatly for his family, in particulary bindi, i dont no how she will be without her dad. I dont no how to escapse from these emotions im feeling after the loss. can anyone please she some light! and by the way, the video is being destroyed, john, his manager doesnt want footage aired, niether do his family.
thankyou charlotte
Posted by: charlotte | September 7, 2006 12:35 AM
hi i thought steve irwin was a very loving and caring man who loved animals and was brave enough to stand up to reptiles. He was and still is appreciatted by many people. i hope he is having a good life up in heaven and right now i am sure he is very happy of us caring more him so much....why?! did he have to die?!WHY?!
Posted by: Lacey | September 7, 2006 11:14 PM
steve irwin was the coolest guy.He was everyones idol and star and alot of people was his fan.His shows were so cool to watch and it was asome that he did all thay stuff.I realy loved him and his is probaly hart broken, along with wife,daughter and, son and they won't ever get to see him.He is a brave man!
Posted by: kristy heimberger | September 8, 2006 6:39 PM