Extract from ABC News
Last Update: Monday, September 4, 2006. 5:56pm (AEST)
Steve Irwin died while diving off Port Douglas todayIrwin died 'doing what he loved best'
The documentary producer working with Steve Irwin when he died in far north Queensland today has told of the naturalist and television star's last moments.
Police say the 44-year-old died when he was stung through the chest by a stingray while diving off Port Douglas.
John Stainton says the fatal incident was unprovoked.
He says the wildlife expert and a cameraman were snorkelling across Batt Reef in shallow water at about 11:00 am AEST.
Mr Stainton says the cameraman was initially unaware of the fatal sting.
"He [Irwin] just swum over the top of the ray and the barb came up and hit him," he said.
"The cameraman said at the time he didn't even know that it had hit him [Irwin] and then he saw blood in the water."
Mr Stainton says Irwin died doing what he loved best.
"Today the world has lost a great wildlife icon, a passionate conservationist and one of the proudest dads on the planet," he said.
"He left this world in a peaceful and happy state of mind. He would have said, 'Croc's rule'."
Police say a post-mortem examination will be conducted on Irwin's body this evening.
Irwin was born in Victoria in 1962.
His father was a keen reptile enthusiast and moved the family to Queensland in 1970 to open a small reptile park on the Sunshine Coast.
In 1991, Irwin took over the family business and a year later launched his Crocodile Hunter television program, which turned him into a household name in the US.
Irwin is survived by his wife Terri and two children.
'Huge loss'
Politicians and the tourism industry have paid tribute to Irwin.
Prime Minister John Howard says Irwin's death is a "huge loss" for the nation.
"He was the genuine article, what you saw was what you got, he took risks, he enjoyed life, but he brought immense joy to millions of people, particularly to children, and it's just such a terrible loss and I feel very distressed and I'm quite upset," he said.
His death is featuring in news coverage around the world.
The BBC and CNN are including it in their news bulletins.
The story is also being carried on websites from New Zealand to Britain and the United States.
One of Irwin's biggest critics has remembered the television star as an Australian icon who will be sadly missed.
Director of Crocodylus Park Graeme Webb says despite them being at loggerheads over crocodile safari hunting, Irwin's legacy will live on.
"He was a champion for crocodile conservation. He should be able to rest assured that crocodiles will be conserved long after he's gone and he's contributed to that process, so I guess that's my main memory of him," he said.
Locals pay their respects
Locals have laid flowers at the entrance to Irwin's Australia Zoo on the Sunshine Coast as a mark of respect.
Many have described him as a great adventurer and Australian who lived life to the fullest.
Those that live near the zoo say Irwin helped put the Sunshine Coast on the map.
A statement from Australia Zoo describes him as a great wildlife icon, a passionate conservationist and one of the proudest dads on the planet.
In other developments:The naturalist and television star Steve Irwin has died in a diving accident in far north Queensland. He was 44. (
Full Story)
Tributes are flowing in for naturalist and TV star Steve Irwin who has died after a diving accident off far north Queensland. (
Full Story)
Related Links:
Your tributes to Steve IrwinLeave your tribute to Steve Irwin.
Steve Irwin photo gallerySteve Irwin: A life in pictures.
Google MapA map of the Low Isles, near the location of Steve Irwin's fatal accident.
Wikipedia: Steve IrwinThe Wikipedia entry detailing the life of naturalist and television star Steve Irwin.
Australian StoryThe Crocodile Hunter was featured on Australian Story three years ago.
Enough RopeSteve and Terry Irwin appeared on Enough Rope in March 2004.
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