A Tribute to Steve Irwin
(The Crocodile Hunter)
22/02/1962 – 4/092006

Nothing can explain the absolute shock and pain many people around the world felt upon hearing that the invincible Steve Irwin, also known as The Crocodile Hunter, was killed today, Monday, 04 th September 2006. Steve was killed when a stingray barb pierced him in the chest while he was shooting an underwater documentary. At only 44 was said to have died instantly leaving behind his wife Terri, and two children Bindi (8) and Bob (2).

Anyone who has ever seen Steve loved him immediately; I can safely say that Steve Irwin was the most loved man of his time on Earth. I do not know anyone else who would leave a void so large in the heats of so many after his death. He was truly one of the greatest men who ever lived, and this is no exaggeration. He became famous because of his love for wildlife and his quest to preserve it. With a noble cause and an enormous love and respect for the wild, Steve showed us all how to love and respect wildlife.

Steve was most known for fighting with crocodiles; he would jump of a wild crocodile and subdue it, tie it up and take it to a safe place where it would not harm others, and others would not harm it. When you would watch him attacking one of the most feared creatures with his bare hands, you would think he was invincible, one of the most courageous, fearless and brave individuals of his time. But even when taking on the most vicious crocodile you can see that he had great respect and love for the creature, which he only approaches in order to save its life and prevent it from coming into danger.

Irwin’s enthusiasm for what he did and his unmatched love for animals was always very clear. He is one of the few people who would hold a deadly black snake by the tail and talk about how beautiful it was, “Its Beautiful” he would say as it lunges at him. Then he would let it go because he didn’t want to bother it. He loved animals, even those who no one else can love.

I don’t think the world will ever have such a charismatic and loving individual with such high morals and ethics. His wife Terri has love an incredible husband, his children have lost an outstanding father, Australia has lost its most prized treasure, and the world has lost its most loved son. A Hero, a Crusader for Wildlife, a Role Model, a true Gift from God.

To many Steve will never die, he was, and will always be Invincible. I cannot help but think of his children and his wife; they do not disserve this, Terri who was as much a crusader for wildlife as Steve was, and who shared his love for animals in now without a loving husband; His children too young to understand death, but never too young to feel the pain of loosing your father. And the world, who did not just loose a man, but lost a part of it. But we cannot help but appreciate that he died doing what he loved, and had he not risked his life over and over again we may have never known this hero which deserves our tears and deserves our mourning and pain.

May you rest in peace Steve and may you watch over us as you will be watching over your wife and children so that we too may have courage and we too may stand up for what is right, even though it may be dangerous. Your love will never be forgotten, and your spirit will never be lost.

R.I.P