Steve Irwin (the Crocodile Hunter) killed in freak accident at sea

A very sad story (and not a bad-taste joke):

"CAIRNS, Australia - Steve Irwin, the hugely popular Australian television personality and environmentalist known as the "Crocodile Hunter," was killed Monday by a stingray while filming an underwater documentary on the Great Barrier Reef. He was 44.

Irwin was killed by a stingray barb to the heart on Batt Reef, off the remote resort town of Port Douglas in northeastern Queensland state, his wildlife park Australia Zoo said in a statement.

Crew members aboard Irwin's boat, Croc One, called emergency services in the nearest city, Cairns, and administered CPR as they rushed the boat to nearby Low Isle to meet a rescue helicopter. Medical staff pronounced Irwin dead a short time later, the statement said.

Irwin was famous for his enthusiasm for wildlife and his catchword "Crikey!" in his television program "Crocodile Hunter," which was first broadcast in Australia in 1992 and has aired around the world on the Discovery channel." [Full story.]

I must say that I did enjoy Steve Irwin's work sometimes. Perhaps mainly for the fact that he seemed like such a cheerful fellow. I also remember wondering to myself how he managed to stay out of harm's way while working with such dangerous animals. Well, sadly, it looks like luck ran out for Steve.

We'll miss ya, mate.