NWR: OMG! The Crocodile Hunter was killed!

I'm looking on the news for info, but there isn't any yet. Just the breaking news banner on CNN.com saying he was in a 'marine accident.'
His poor wife and kid...

ETA: he was killed by a stingray. Horrible...

That is SO sad.

I just read the scroll on the news--my FI is so upset, as am I...

I just saw that! Terrible! He was so entertaining.

I loved him!! I feel so bad for his wife and kids. Also everyone at the zoo must be so upset.

That is crazy! He is so young and it was such a freak occurance. my prayers go out to his family.

WOW!!! I can't even believe this. So sad

So sad.

I know, I am in shock. I couldn't believe it when I saw it on the news. Scary.

He was stung by a sting ray... he got too close and it put a hole in his heart. It was a freak accident!

So sad

But you know what it weird - if not particuarly comforting - I think he would have chosen to die this way - rather than slipping quietly away someday. He died the way he lived.

But it is still a heartbreaker. He has 2 little ones - I feel so much for his family.

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Posted by rojerono

He was stung by a sting ray... he got too close and it put a hole in his heart. It was a freak accident!

So sad

But you know what it weird - if not particuarly comforting - I think he would have chosen to die this way - rather than slipping quietly away someday. He died the way he lived.

But it is still a heartbreaker. He has 2 little ones - I feel so much for his family.

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I just heard that on the Today show this morning. That is so sad!

I just heard it through you guys! No way! I can't believe it! He was awesome! How sad

OMG!!! I can't believe this!!!!!!!

SYDNEY, Australia (CNN) -- Steve Irwin, the TV presenter known as the 'Crocodile Hunter,' has died after being stung by a stingray in a marine accident off Australia's north coast.

Media reports say Irwin was diving in waters off Port Douglas, north of Cairns, when the incident happened on Monday morning.

Irwin, 44 was killed by a stingray barb that went through his chest, according to Cairns police sources. Irwin was filming an underwater documentary at the time.

Ambulance officers confirmed they attended a reef fatality Monday morning off Port Douglas, according to Australian media. (Watch scenes of Irwin, known for his his enthusiasm and support for conservation -- 2:49)

Queensland Police Services also confirmed Irwin's death and said his family had been notified. Irwin was director of the Australian Zoo in Queensland.

He is survived by his American-born wife Terri and their two children, Bindi Sue, born 1998, and Robert (Bob), born December 2003.

'The world has lost a great wildlife icon, a passionate conservationist and one of the proudest dads on the planet,' his friend and producer John Stainton told reporters in Cairns, according to The Associated Press. 'He died doing what he loved best and left this world in a happy and peaceful state of mind. He would have said, 'Crocs Rule!' '

Australia Prime Minister John Howard said he was 'shocked and distressed at Steve Irwin's sudden, untimely and freakish death,' according to the AP.

Irwin became a popular figure on Australian and international television through Irwin's close handling of wildlife, most notably the capture and relocation of crocodiles.

Irwin's enthusiastic approach to nature conservation and the environment won him a global following. He was known for his exuberance and use of the catch phrase 'Crikey!'

But his image suffered a setback in January 2004 when he held his then 1-month-old baby Bob while feeding a crocodile at his Australian zoo. (Full story)

In a statement released to Australian media, Foreign Minister Alexander Downer expressed his sorrow and said that he was fond of Irwin and was very appreciative of all the work he had done in promoting Australia overseas.

In 2003, Irwin spoke to the Australian Broadcasting Corp.'s 'Australian Story' television program about how he was perceived in his home country.

'When I see what's happened all over the world, they're looking at me as this very popular, wildlife warrior Australian bloke,' he said, the ABC reported.

'And yet back here in my own country, some people find me a little bit embarrassing. 'You know, there's this... they kind of cringe, you know, 'cause I'm coming out with 'Crikey' and 'Look at this beauty.' '

So Sad!

Here is one of many news stories:Croc Man Dead