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I heard this morning that the Croc Hunter Steve Irwin was killed by a Stingray. Some how it pierced his heart. That guy lead a life that very
few people get to lead.

Heard that very report on the 7 O'clock news today.

Yep, quite a character and most bizarre way to die.

I was shocked to hear how this poor fellow met his end. I always thought that sting rays wouldn't sting someone unless provoked and even then I asssumed that they had to use the leverage of the bottom to hit. And, well, I just figured if you didn't step on one, you could get real close.

I have seen some huge ones nestled in the sand at St. Teresa. I got up close and personal with one a couple years ago, diving off Palm Beach. My dive buddy told me we could "pet" the rays, and at 60 feet or so I think, on a wrecked barge, we saw a couple big ones swimming along like birds slowy flapping wings. She sped up to brush her hand on the passing wing, so of course I did too. No problemo!

Last December, I dove off of Belize on a dawn dive. We went in about 5 AM, and dove through the sunrise. This way, you see things, critters, that are out then but not during the day. And of course, you see the nocturnal behavior of all the critters you see. So, we saw this little fella:



So, now we know that a stingray can kill you. I wish I knew more of what he was doing when it happened.

I have clipped a few news reports, but I am not giving the web sites because they are all sketchy now:

[quote]rwin was at Batt Reef, off the remote coast of northeastern Queensland state, shooting a segment for a series called “Ocean’s Deadliestâ€

It is amazing how quick the internet is. If you are interested in this story, check this biography out and click "death" in the outline of his life. Wikepedia article

Second death from stingray in history of Australia... Incident captured on film.... etc.

http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/SYD93180.htm
It is indeed a sad day..

Just seems too obsurd, of all the animals that guy was around, all the poisenous snakes, 10' Crocs and everything else and he gets pierced in the heart by a stingray?!?!. I mean what are the odds.

The only way I could see it is if he went down all the way and bumped into a sting ray resting on the bottom. Otherwise if he was swimming up in the water column I dont see how that could happen cause I've never seen a ray swim backwards???

A very SAD day....
He will be missed by millions!

Im sure allyou Redneck southren boy's have heard the ole saying if you screw with the bull and take unnessery chance all the while then your setting your self up for the horn lol .. He just thought he knew a lots and was just to cockey ..

I remember scalloping many years ago at St. Marks. While finishing up I decided to dive under my boat since that was about the only place I hadn't looked.
There was a couple of feet between the hull, and the ocean floor. I made a quick dive under, and soon came what seemed to be belly to back with a ray nestled in the sand. This guy was wide! I've seen wider, but this wasn't no baby. I didn't hesitate to stop, and say hello, and he didn't flinch. He could have messed me up had he took a notion.
Don't know if that's how Irwin got it, or not.

It's very unfortunate he is gone. However,what better way to go than doing what you love.

They said on the news that it was filmed and the tape was in Police custody.....I wonder how long it will be before it hits the internet!

IF i was a betting man ,But im not cuz im from the west coast of fla and only do honest things still lol..but when the money get right Terri will sell the flim lol

Steve Irwin

I intend to make the Bald point relatives of this killer sting ray pay for this.