Farewell to Steve Irwin

For various reasons, some celebrity deaths hit me harder than others. Jim Henson was tough because the muppets were such a big part of my childhood. Christopher Reeve was difficult to absorb (especially his initial injury) simply because he was freakin' Superman. And the latest one is Steve Irwin, the Crocodile Hunter.

Irwin died Monday morning after being attacked by a stingray while shooting a TV program off Australia's north coast.

I haven't watched his show in a long time, but I spent a good number of years marveling at his insanity. With a good-natured "crikey" he'd grab hold of some massive reptile's face or play catch with some deeply poisonous snake. His show had a good deal of warmth, due in no small part to the inclusion of his wife Terri.

I think some of my sadness results from the way he was killed. Many people are saying he died doing what he loved, but I'm struck by the incongruity of it all. While it would have been no less tragic, being mauled by a croc or crushed by a python would have seemed more heroically appropriate. But for a man who has rubbed up against most of the world's deadliest creatures to have been killed by an essentially peaceful and harmless animal makes it all that much more senseless.

Irwin died 'doing what he loved' [cnn.com]

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[ READER COMMENTS ]

1. 1

   Maureen Cooper said:

   I think it may be years before the full impact of losing Steve Irwin will be felt. He made so many contributions to the world. Science knows more, we know more, all due to Steve's delight in the natural world and his desire to share that delight with everyone. A generation of children will grow up tuned into our wildlife and our need to protect them. Personally, I will miss Steve's joy. I have never seen anyone so much in love with life. Just watching one of Steve's shows fills me with joy and optimism. Thank you Steve. You will be missed.

   Posted at 06:03 PM, on September 6 2006

1. 2

   EMILIO CRUZ JR. said:

   I feel that He was to young to go so early in life.Futher more he made me more aware of our world and the animals in it. he will be missed. I pray for his family. Thank you; EMILIO CRUZ

   Posted at 07:49 PM, on September 6 2006

1. 3

   Tari Vogel said:

   I found out from a family member that Steve Irwin had passed. It hit me like a ton of bricks and was as if a family member had died. I only watch his program occasionally, but he was full of so much life and enthusiasm that it was hard to turn him off when he was on. I cried for days as I'm sure all his fans did. The only consulation that I have is the thought that maybe God had bigger plans for him.

   Posted at 01:08 PM, on September 15 2006

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