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AROUND THE WORLD 2: Crocodile Hunter's Death Focuses on Sting Rays

Steve Irwin, known as the in infamous 'Crocodile Hunter', was killed in a tragic freak accident Monday, September 4. Irwin was killed by a stingray in Australia's Great Barrier Reef. Irwin was famous for his work with crocodiles, as seen on his national broadcasted television show Crocodile Hunter and remembered for his work in saving various endangered species. Irwin also ran a zoo in his home country of Australia.

While taping a segment for a children's television show Ocean's Deadliest, Irwin swam through a pool of stingrays. Although stingrays are known to be gentle and calm marine animals (animals that live in the water), one of the stingrays turned on him and stung him in his chest killing him instantly. The stingray uses his stinger as a way of defense against marine animals and humans. Medial and animals researchers suspect that Irwin felt no pain when he died.

Death from stingrays is extremely rare. Only 17% of all deaths were caused by stingrays in the last 10 years according to statistics. Most sting rays are located at the bottom of the ocean, buried under stand.

Irwin is survived by his wife Terri, and two children Bindi Sue and Robert.

--Written by Tahira Lindsay

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