Steve Irwin's TV show had brought him as much fame among American audiences as in his Austrailian homeland.
(QUEENSLAND, Aust.) - The man the world recognizes as the world famous television Crocodile Hunter, Steve Irwin, has died on the Great Barrier Reef in an apparent stinging incident involving a stingray.
Irwin was filming an underwater documentary when he was struck by a stingray barb. He was diving off Port Douglas when the accident happened.
"He probably died from a cardiac arrest from the injury," local officials said, adding that Mr. Irwin's body is being flown to a morgue that is located in Cairns.
Australian press says Tasmanian police have confirmed his American-born wife Terri is trekking on Cradle Mountain in Tasmania. A family spokeswoman says police made contact with Mrs Irwin and "passed on a message relating to the death of her husband".
Steve Irwin had two children, a daughter, Bindi Sue Irwin, eight, and a son, Robert (Bob) Clarence Irwin, three. His Crododile Hunter program was first broadcast in 1992 and has been shown around the world on the Discovery Channel.
An ambulance service was called at about 11:00 AM on Monday and an emergency services helicopter was flown to Batt Reef, off Port Douglas, with a doctor and emergency services paramedic on board.
Mr Irwin had a puncture wound to the left side of his chest and he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Mr Irwin also championed many environmental projects.
These included the Steve Irwin Conservation Foundation, and International Crocodile Rescue.
======================================================
This story was originally published on Salem-News.com on September 3rd at 11:16 PM.
_________________________________________
Crocodile Hunter Steve Irwin Dies in Freak Accident on Barrier ReefSalem-News.com