‘Crocodile Hunter’ Steve Irwin killed by stingray
What I find most odd is that, after all the crazy shit he's done, he was killed by a "freak accident." How on earth do you define "freak accident" for someone who spent most of his life grappling with crocodiles, grabbing poisonous snakes and generally getting close to something wild and deadly and then spouting (with real wonder) "Crikey! Wouldja look at that!"
I used to watch his show all the time, and he was never anything less than joyful about his work. He'd been bitten by anything with teeth. He'd been kicked by kangaroos and scratched up by koalas. And he never lost his enthusiasm.
We've lost a fascinating, truly exuberant character who, for his part, absolutely loved the animals he spent his whole life chasing.
R.I.P., Steve. My thoughts go to your family.
3 comments:
I know what you mean. When I heard this, I was touched, but not surprised.
Even tho' he annoyed he at times, he was at great guy and his passion for animals was undeniable and contagious.
SInce I spend a lot of time in Oz (and love it dearly), I feel a bit more of a loss, because he WAS Oz to me. I loved his interview here:
"In 2003, he spoke to the ABC's (Australia Broadcastino Corp) Australian Story about how he was perceived in his 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.
"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'.
"Just say what you're gonna say, mate. You know, is it a cultural cringe? Is it, they actually see a little bit of themselves when they see me, and they find that a little embarrassing?
"I'm fair dinkum, like kangaroos and Land Cruisers, winged keels and bloody flies!"
Maybe it's my still utopian touristy view of Oz, but that pretty well summed up Steve Irwin for me.
You were a top bloke, mate. Rest in peace. At least you went out doing what you loved and it was quick and likely pretty painless.
We all should be so lucky.
Well said, Dyno.
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