Just heard that Steve Irwin has been killed. Apparently by a sting ray while filming around Cairns, Nth Queensland.

Australia Zoo just won't be the same !
Crikey, what a terrible thing to happen to a good bloke ! Condolences to his family !

Yes, off Port Douglas earlier today, thought to be a stingray barb through lung, autopsy happening at Cairns Base Hospital.

My condolences to the family.
What a terrible tragedy.

Great tragedy, great loss. Kids just idolised him.

It was surprise and a shock though he has always pushed the envelope. Still socked.

Steve Irwin was a great Queenslander and a patriotic and passionate Australian. He will be grately missed. Sympathy to his family, friends and staff of Australia Zoo. But crikey mate when you do it you do it with style. I don't think anyone has been killed by a sting ray before.

Steve's death is an absolute tragedy. What a loss. Deepest sympathy to Terry, Bindi and Bob.

I am honestly in a state of shock as I absolutely loved Steve's passion and drive.

He made us all stop and think about so many things... not only the environment and wildlife but also how great and wonderful it is to be an Australian.

Australia Zoo might not be quite the same without him but I urge everyone to continue to support it and the causes that the Irwins are so passionate about.

Vale Steve, Vale.

LizF, apparently there have been 9 reported deaths from Stingray in Australia...not sure over what time frame.

According to an expert I heard tonight the last reported death from a stingray was in 1945!

I am pretty sure that there was a 12 year old boy killed by s stingray puncture in the last 15 years.

This is really very distressing news!

We visited Australia Zoo last year and were hoping to see Steve there, but our timing was off and he was not there that day. Nevertheless, you couldn't help but be very impressed with what the man accomplished as a positive role model for all people who love animals. What a terrible loss for the world!

I just heard the sad news on my radio here in Virginia. What a great loss in so many ways. First, of course, for Terry and their children. But, also to the zoo and the cause of wildlife conservation. Steve was loved throughout the world for making us laugh and helping us learn. May there be many more animals and many new adventures in heaven.

Real shame and a terrible tragic loss. The guy is was an Australian Icon to many Brits.

Thoughts are with his family.

Muck

I swam with stingrays in the Cayman Islands and it was the highlight of our trip. Now I can't imagine ever doing that again, it would be too much of a reminder of this sad day.

I am so sorry for his wife and children. He had a lot of fans here in the US.

RIP, Mr. Irwin.

Heard the terrible news in San Francisco. This is everybody's loss.

Don't remember who was interviewed, a man with Australian accent said in the last 100 years there were 3 deaths by a stingray in Australia, and 17 worldwide. Not an everyday occurance.

At least he died while doing what he'd loved most, not from an overdose, like some famous others.

I'm not an emotional person, but must admit that I was in tears when I heard the news. I absolutely adored the guy and his passion for animals. He was a great bloke, wicked and lizF, I guess you were spot on - he did it with style. And at least gives us some confort that he was doing what he loved the most. We'll miss you loads , mate, you've touched a lot of lives. All my thoughts w/ the family and keep watching for those crocs from wherever you are now.

Just heard the news; my husband and I are very saddend by this; Steve Irwin was such a great influence on so many young people, by teaching conservation and care for the environment; he also to us, seemed like a terrific ambassador for the hearty, good spirit, fun loveing and honest Queenslanders and all of Australia. Deepest sympathy to his wife and two young children..

This is truely a tragic accident that will affect many around the World. Steve Irwin has done more for the animal kingdom and conservation than anyone else we can recall. His charisma and personality touched the world.

Being the family man that I believe he honestly was, Terry, Bindi and Bob must be devistated. But he was doing what he enjoyed and there is a great deal to be said for that.

Steve Irwin and his family are in our thoughts and prayers

We also hope the media will respect their privacy during this most sensitive time.

God Speed Steve Irwin

Steve and Andrea

The world has lost a great wildlife conservationist.
My thoughts are with Terry and the children. What a sad time for them. Bindi seemed to be such a daddy's girl. And Bob is so young he will probably grow up not remembering his dad too much.
I hope Australia Zoo carries on his legacy and keeps up his good works.

Have woken up this morning hoping the news I heard yesterday was a dream, but sadly no. I have tried to leave a message on the Australia Zoo website but there is only the media release.
My family just loved the Crocodile Hunter programmes, and appreciated his apparent dare-devilness, all the while realising he was an amazing naturalist.
Condolences to Terri, Bindi and Bob.
RIP Steve.
Dot