R.I.P.: Crocodile Hunter Steve Irwin
by Vladimir Cole 
{ Sep 5th 2006 at 1:30PM }
By now you've heard or read of the freak accident that killed Steve Irwin, the famous Crocodile Hunter. He was stung in the heart by a stingray while filming a new documentary on deadly ocean species.
We'd like to pay tribute to him in our own small way.
The first reason why Joystiq readers should mourn his loss is that that he was involved in making video games. Though he only appears to have been involved in the creation of just one mobile title (The Crocodile Hunter: Operation Rescue), that's not bad for a guy who loved the outdoors to the exclusion of almost everything else. Given Irwin's passion for education and nature, we assume that he helped create the game because it was another venue to educate the public about environmental issues that were important to him.
The second reason his loss is a loss for all of us was the man's inherent playfulness and mad reflexes. The dude dodged snake strikes for a living; you think he'd have a problem pwning you newbs in Halo 2? Not likely.
Rest in peace, Steve!
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
The Intangible Fact @ Sep 5th 2006 1:39PM
Thats crazy, hell of a way to go out! RIP
McWeen @ Sep 5th 2006 1:41PM
Crikey it's a Morgan Freeman! Not my cup of tea but you can't deny his enthusiasm.
ejflex @ Sep 5th 2006 1:41PM
It's about time this was posted.
Steve Irwin was one of my heroes, as I am heavily into wildlife and conservation. May he rest in peace. He was one of the few truly great people on this planet.
Revolution @ Sep 5th 2006 1:43PM
Peace out, Steve. There aren't too many like you in this world. I'm gonna miss you.
viciousesque @ Sep 5th 2006 1:42PM
RIP steve!
...good save joystiq.
jusmailuck @ Sep 5th 2006 1:43PM
At least we can say he went out doing what he loved.
Despite how sad the circumstances were...
Really was a freak accident.
I expected him to get mauled by something...
I dunno, bigger maybe.
Never saw this comming though.
RIP.
DeadPlasmaCell @ Sep 5th 2006 1:44PM
Yea, at least he died doing what he loved. I read he even pulled the barb out of his chest before he lost consciousness. Sucks to leave a wife and two small kids behind though :/
Jason W @ Sep 5th 2006 2:05PM
He was one interesting person. I liked his shows and thought he was a ok guy (until he fed the crocs with a 6 month old in his arms), but come on. A blind man could have saw this comming a long time ago. He almost got chomped on every time you saw him.
Just feel bad for his loved ones. Im sure they are not doing well right now.
Anthony @ Sep 5th 2006 1:51PM
It's amazing if you think about how he died. There have been very very few stingray deaths in recorded history, and this is the way he goes out.
He unfortunately was on borrowed time. There is only so many times you can cheat death and live to tell about it. I think all of these other people that do what he does should take a step back. Is it really worth it, risking your life for the love of the rush??
Rest in Peace Steve.
Pip @ Sep 5th 2006 1:54PM
"Is it really worth it, risking your life for the love of the rush??"
He did it for the love of animals and the preservation of this planet and the habitats it creates.
So, yes. It is/was worth it. Hundred times over.
Thryon @ Sep 5th 2006 2:04PM
When I heard the news, it sent a shiver down my spine. For years, I have enjoyed his carefree attitude and zest for life. He was an inspiration to many. To me, Steve Irwin was a real life Superman....nothing save kryptonite could stop him. To realize that he was human after all is a shock. For several years now, I had planned on going to Australia to visit his zoo, and to meet the man himself, shake his hand and enjoy a glass of grog. But each year, I put it off....now it is to late. So long good friend. I will dearly miss you.
mykie @ Sep 5th 2006 2:00PM
"Yea, at least he died doing what he loved."
What was that, committing suicide by pissing off wild, dangerous animals?
Seriously, all things considered, he's one leg that really makes Animal Planet really worth watching, and my hat's off to him.
Now if Jeff Corwin buys the farm, I'm cancelling my cable alltogether.
J B Cougar @ Sep 5th 2006 2:02PM
Wait, what's this "outdoors" thing you speak of?
RIP Steve :-( And was it worth it? The man single handedly debunked countless falsehoods about animals while at the same time educating adults and children about things many of us push to the wayside out of ignorance, laziness or both. Bad drivers cheat death. Drug addicts cheat death. Irwin was as educated about animals as any other expert. He knew what he was doing. If anything, this shows that there are no certainties, and when you're saying one in a million, you're saying there's a chance. A movie told me that, so it must be true.
yaksplat @ Sep 5th 2006 2:04PM
He was about to star in a pinball machine as well. http://www.pinball.com/croc_hunter/croc_add.htm
.ed @ Sep 5th 2006 2:05PM
I was actually pretty shaken by this. my only reaction was "What?!"
Steve did so much to help educate people at his expense. I sincerely hope his death isn't ever taken lightly, he literally made every sacrifice possible so that kids (and adults) would know more about things they barely knew existed.
Thanks Steve
botox salesman @ Sep 5th 2006 2:05PM
thank you Vlad for a decent post on Irwin, unlike Robert Summas pathetic mokery
http://img372.imageshack.us/my.php?image=joystiqirwinpe8.jpg
that was deleted after the comments page filled up with people announcing their disgust at an article in such poor taste.
Dr.Swiss @ Sep 5th 2006 2:08PM
Speaking of movies, didn't he make a movie?? Like an actual "let's all goto the lobby" theatre type movie? I think most of the money went towards a wildlife fund as well.
Ichidou @ Sep 5th 2006 2:19PM
This bit of news is sad, for sure.
But to be honest, I saw this coming a looooong time ago. When he had the ego to open a croc's jaw and stick his head in and just laugh, I knew his cockiness would just get him killed.
But from a Stingray? THAT'S surprising...
But still, sad news indeed. RIP, mate.
Petrie @ Sep 5th 2006 2:08PM
This may sound a bit out there, but to pay tribute to an environmentalist with a post, and then leave the google ads right next to said post attempting to get us to buy alligator shoes, handbags, etc. just seems a bit tacky and almost offensive. Could we maybe do away with the ads just for this post? Show a little respect for what the man represented instead of jsut a few extra ad clicks people.
wages of sin @ Sep 5th 2006 2:12PM
I'm not surprised in the slightest.
It's like the Nascar guy who died. When you race in a circle for hours on end at 200 miles an hour, what do you think is going to happen? Part of the reason people watch it is because they want to see if there is a crash.
Allthough his show was informative the main reason I watched it was to see if he was going to be attacked by any of the animals he was constantly bothering. When you go inside of a wild animals home drag it out by it's tail what do you think is going to happen?
I don't know what kind of a person he was and frankly neither do any of you. It's great that he had a passion for what he did, and I respect that. That being said, I don't feal any remorse. I hope the family he left behind pulls thru okay, but lets be realistic, it's not such a shook as it's being portrayed.
Marcin @ Sep 5th 2006 2:11PM
RIP Steve.
vc @ Sep 5th 2006 2:12PM
Petrie: if I could, I would. We have no granular control mechanism to turn off ads for a single post like that. I'm sorry.
Dr.Swiss @ Sep 5th 2006 2:13PM
Found it!!!
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0305396/
Plot Outline: The Crocodile Hunter mistakes some CIA agents for poachers and sets out to stop them from capturing a wily croc which, unbeknownst to him, has swallowed a tracking drone.
Aldo @ Sep 5th 2006 2:15PM
RIP Steve :)
I think everyone should pay tribute by visiting his zoo in australia :)
Petrie @ Sep 5th 2006 2:16PM
It's cool Vlad, I enjoy the post nonetheless, but I'm glad you can at least see how ads for crocodile shoes are slightly in poor taste here. Perhaps this is cause for such a mechanism to be looked into, as even though google ads are a great way to generate revenue, at times they are just innapropriate.
Still, thanks for giving credit to Irwin where it was due.
FooAtari @ Sep 5th 2006 2:17PM
The sad thing is, for once he was not provoking an attack by trying to catch or touch the sting-ray. He was simply swimming above it.
---
"There is no evidence that Mr Irwin was intimidating or threatening the stingray," Queensland Police superintendent Michael Keating said.
"My advice is that he was observing the stingray."
---
http://www.news.com.au/story/0,23599,20356827-2,00.html
RIP Steve
Marc @ Sep 5th 2006 2:23PM
I really feel bad for his kids and Terri (his wife). I hope they won't suffer for too long from this loss.
I know that his entire life was dedicated to educating the masses that crocodiles, sharks, snakes, etc. aren't mindless killing machines. But now my parents want me to stop being a marine biologist because he was stung by a stingray. Because of their reaction, I don't think they understand what he stood for.
R.I.P Steve. Your friends, family, and all nature loving people will miss you terribly.
Inevitable Passion @ Sep 5th 2006 2:22PM
I feel sorry for his family. He put himself in the line of danger not once but many times doing what he loves. People don't be too shocked. Animals are unpredictable.
Z @ Sep 5th 2006 2:22PM
Sad that you can't pay tribute to someone on here without providing a reason its relating to gaming.
Sure, this is a gaming blog, but its your blog! Write what you want.
RIP dude. That definitely stinks. He was even filming for a show for his 8 year old daughter. Hope his kids still want to approach animals after something this tragic happens.
GamerG @ Sep 5th 2006 2:32PM
RIP MATE!
HaloBreaker @ Sep 5th 2006 2:34PM
RIP Steve, your work was always great to watch and left me with respect for wildlife.
Now, If I have to read or hear "I saw that coming for a long time" OH REALLY nostradamus? Since you have such an eye for the future maybe start with other tough ideas like weather predictions for Seattle, or maybe gas prices?
Brent @ Sep 5th 2006 2:37PM
Steve was one of the VERY few celebrities I actually had respect for. It wasn't just the entertainment of watching him cheat death with wild animals that I enjoyed, but the inspiration he had for education. His purpose was noble and to be admired in this age. At least he died doing what he loved, but he will be missed.
Lone Starr @ Sep 5th 2006 2:48PM
Rest in Peace, Steve Irwin. You are missed.
Jake @ Sep 5th 2006 4:58PM
RIP. If you can truly say anything about Steve is that he was truly passionate and enthusiastic about what he did. He lived a good life and had a tragic death. It is extremely rare for a Stingray to kill someone, even if they are observing it within striking distance, even if they are stung.
Mike @ Sep 5th 2006 2:49PM
Larry King replayed an interview he had with Steve. It's sad to see a man with such a love for life leave his family, friends, and fans this early.
Gary @ Sep 5th 2006 2:51PM
Steve Irwin could've been another snarky or apathetic celebrity but he chose to be totally vulnerable to cynics by fully focusing on positive energy and giving something back to the world.
He exuded enthusiasm for life and what he did. If everyone in this world was like that it'd be a fantastic place indeed.
Will @ Sep 5th 2006 7:18PM
For those who saw this coming, this actual instance had nothing to do with his usual antics. The stingray was hidden and the fact that it even attacked was extremely rare. It was a one-in-a-million shot that could have happened to anyone.
Having said that, rest in peace Steve. Your work in conservatism will never be forgotten, nor will you.
wages of sin @ Sep 5th 2006 2:56PM
halobreaker,
With alld do respect it's called commonsense, another thing that is lacking in our society today. Hmm, let me think, no there isnt' a really elevated chance that you could be killed by bothering wild animals on a weekly basis, in all parts of the world and with some bravado.
I liked the guy, what he did was admirable but some of you are taking this WAY to far with the fake mourning/concern. It amazes me that some of you who claim to love the world, nature, animals and all of that, but could careless about your fellow man. Caring about a damn monkey over a human being.
Woody @ Sep 5th 2006 3:06PM
I agree with #21. Sadly Steve played with fire one too many times. I'm sure he didn't provoke it but Bull Rays (or Short Tail Rays) swim away from people. Simply, he got to close to a creature he KNEW could kill him (he was filming worlds deadliest creatures).
Sure he was doing it for an educative purpose but don't forget, he liked to sensationalize too (see the video of him+his son+a croc).
I'm extremely sad that he died, but would you feel sorry for me if I was walking up to a bear or a tiger pointed in its face, walked around it - all in the name of education - and the animal killed me too? Probably not.
Steve was an educated person who took great risks 'in the name of conservationism'.
Also see this famous risk takers:
Sigfried and Roy
Evil Knievel
Harry Houdini
Karl Wallenda
nalgae @ Sep 5th 2006 3:06PM
@Petrie
I use the adblock extension for Firefox. I see no ads whatsoever, whether that be flash, images or text ads(it blocks javascript).
As for Steve Irwin, may he rest in peace.
Millions go about their lives everyday in complete safety, but also in complete hatred of how they are living. He may have led a dangerous lifestyle, but at least it was one he loved.
JFink @ Sep 5th 2006 3:08PM
36-
"Animals are such agreeable friends - they ask no questions, they pass no criticisms"- George Eliot
"If you pick up a starving dog and make him prosperous, he will not bite you; that is the principal difference between a dog and a man. "- Mark Twain
so yeah, that's why a lot us care about animals
Gibreal @ Sep 5th 2006 3:12PM
What? No mention or apology for the crass article Joystiq posted last night/yesterday regarding Steve Irwin?? Shame!
Thryon @ Sep 5th 2006 3:19PM
Following are two quotes that summed up his teachings for respect of all creatures (including humans)
"My dad taught me from my youngest childhood memories through these connections with Aboriginal and tribal people that you must always protect people's sacred status, regardless of the pest."
"But I put my life on the line to save animals. I have no fear of losing my life—if I have to save a koala or a crocodile or a kangaroo or a snake, mate, I will save it. "
RIP Steve Irwin (1962-2006)
dazsly @ Sep 5th 2006 3:33PM
Steve you were a true hero!
you really belived in what you were doing 100%
SOAD @ Sep 5th 2006 3:35PM
He goes out chasing crocodiles, but he gets killed by a FISH! WTF!
Anyway, I really really loved the guy and his show. Hope they keep showing reruns. His enthusiasm always made me laugh (CRIKEY!)
R.I.P Steve
Paul P. @ Sep 5th 2006 3:36PM
"If you pick up a starving dog and make him prosperous, he will not bite you; that is the principal difference between a dog and a man. "- Mark Twain
I read this quote and I think how foolish the dog is, and have respect for the man in that scenario. Does that mean I am a bad person?
johnnie @ Sep 5th 2006 4:09PM
RIP
Zozart @ Sep 5th 2006 3:52PM
"I liked the guy, what he did was admirable but some of you are taking this WAY to far with the fake mourning/concern."
I'm inclined to agree. I think he was a great guy, and I watched and enjoyed his programs on occasion, but I'm really not feeling the whole "a hero has died" vibe.
To me, he's just an enthusiastic zoologist who caught a break and opened up an animal park.
What about all the people who spend their entire lives researching medical treatments and the like? Generally speaking, their deaths would be ignored by the masses.
Don't get me wrong - I think he was a neat guy - I'm just not going to go all out with the pseudo-grief because then I'd feel compelled to do that for the death of every person who dedicated their life to the good of humankind.
Marc @ Sep 5th 2006 3:55PM
"I read this quote and I think how foolish the dog is, and have respect for the man in that scenario. Does that mean I am a bad person?"
No you're not a bad person, you just don't understand what Mark Twain is trying to say. Mr. Twain is saying that if you give a starving dog food, he won't turn on you later in life. But if you give a starving man food, it still doesn't make him less evil than he was before (seeing as how all humans have evil natures).
Woody @ Sep 5th 2006 3:57PM
#45 nailed it.
And don't forget, he was paid. He could have done lots to help these animals without being so "daredevil". He was always trying to "one-up" himself.