Crikey!

[gtsco]

Hi all,

This article might explain how the Stingrays barb could have killed Steve Irwin. Incidentally a friend told me someone suffered the same fate back in 1945 or something though I've no idea if that's true.

http://www.livescience.com/animalworld/ ... grays.html

George

[harry hackedoff]

They were filming when it happened. Irwin wasn`t doing anything "dangerous" and suddenly the tail lashed him as he swam over the ray at about 1.5 metres. He can clearly be seen pulling the barb out of his chest and the heart attack happened when he was back in the dive boat. The vid has been seen by the old bill and they`ve confirmed he wasn`t messing about with the ray. All sorts of "wildlife experts" on local telly saying how unusual this death was. Local records have no previous examples, they are still looking though.
I don`t know if my view has changed from yesterday ref the cause of death. I`m sure the barb of itself, would not be the cause. The P M will say for definate.

The reaction down here has been staggering, all news progs, news flashes etc have had nothing else. Tonight there were several tribute programmes and public reaction is akin to the loss of Princess Diana, relatively speaking. There`s planning for a State Funeral for instance.

[flighty]

He was an entertaining guy. And so passionate about what he did.

It must be wonderful to wake up every morning and look forward to your day's work ..... which he clearly did.

It's ironic, though, that he wasn't gobbled up by a croc which I fully expected he would be at some point.

What a shame.

(NOT that he wasn't gobbled up by a croc ........ you know what I mean)

Jayne x

[harry hackedoff]

Well, the family have binned the offer of a full-on State Funeral and are going for small private gig next week, which is fair enough. They do recognise the depth of feeling in the OZ puplic though and will hold a Memorial Service in the next two weeks, probably at an AFL ground. Loads of progs every day and I`ve warmed to the man. He was so committed to conservation and particularly to his Koala hospital that he poured his own dosh into these projects. I`t really is ironic that he was a world star, particularly in the States way before most Aussies had ever heared of him. Great bloke and so wrapped in his young familly. NatGeo had him and his missus telling how they first met today. He was doing a demo with one of his crocs(called Agro because of it`s personality) and when they made eye contact it was love at first sight. Irwin nearly got bitten by the croc for not paying attention. They`ve been together ever since. Dreadfull time for her and she is so brave about it.

And then today another Australian Icon was killed. Peter Brock was the epitome of motor sport down here for thirty odd years, think Stirling or Graham Hill. He was over in WA for a local rally and collided with a tree about sixty klicks away from here. A weekend of mawkish "Tribute Programmes" is in prospect.
Thank fark for MF is all I say
Crikey

[anglo-saxon]

Couldn't stand him. Thought he was a totally obnoxious tw@t. Having said that, I wouldn't wish that end on anybody. It's his kids who will grow up without a dad that I feel for.

[harry hackedoff]

Know what you mean, AS.
Who`ll dangle them in front of crocs now

He`s been buried in his Australiua Zoo complex, probably as an attraction a la Elvis at Graceland
Weird just got weirder, people are now camping out in order to assure they get tickets for the memorial service I mean, why wouldn`t you The service will be broadcast live in the US and Canada so you won`t miss it

[Artist]

Where abouts is he being buried then Bert In the Crocodile enclosure?

Best bury him deep then or the Crocs will dig him up for Din Dins. Imagine the publics reaction if one did dig him up. Little kiddy wink to his parent "Oh look Dad that Crocs got a pair of Dessie Wellies complete with rotting feet!

Artist

[harry hackedoff]

I think they planted him last Satdee mate
His business partner is a very shrewd cookie and Steve Irwin Ltd will make more dosh after his death than he ever made alive.
Which is good for all the stuff he was doing away from the cameras, buying huge tracts of land to keep as true nature reserves or the koala hospital. Last month they treated ninety odd koalas for variose conditions, usualy after rta`s, at an average cost of $1000, all from his own pocket.
As said, love him or loath him but you couldn`t ignore him.
He was filming a documentary with Jaques Cousteau`s grandson when he died. Cousteau was back in the water the next day as it was "what Steve would`ve wanted" i.e. we need to finish so I get me dosh
Crikey!