Steve Irwin: Gone but not forgotten

By Melissa Mongi
Collegian Reporter
September 13, 2006

Who hasn’t wondered what it’s like to stick their head in a crocodile’s mouth and laugh in the face of death? Steve Irwin never wonderd; he just did it.

The world lost an adventurous spirit, and lovable personality, when Steve Irwin – at the youthful age of 44 – was killed by a sting ray. As unbelievable as this story sounds, it is sadly true.

Who wasn’t surprised to hear about Irwin’s untimely death? Likewise, who didn’t check Google to see if the facts surrounding Irwin’s death were true? Irwin, otherwise known as the “Crocodile Hunter,” was loved globally. He shared his ferocious passion for crocodiles and will be missed in ways the world could not have imagined, in ways that I could not have imagined I would miss him.

Irwin’s beginnings were humble. They prepared him for, and propelled him into, the spotlight. After high school, Irwin began catching crocodiles and sending them down to his family’s park, the Queensland Reptile and Fauna Park in Victoria, Australia. After meeting his wife, Terri Raines, in 1992 they filmed their unconventional honeymoon of “croc hunting.” This film would become the first episode of The Crocodile Hunter. By 1996, the show had become a success in the UK and North America. It was broadcast to 122 countries, reaching two million people. Only one decade later, Irwin’s fans would lose their favorite Aussie far too early in his short career.

Often, it is upsetting to hear a beloved entertainer has passed away. Yet, Irwin’s death seems far more bitter and upsetting. The man who coined the phrase “crikey” was killed by his desire to do the impossible which was what we loved to watch him do. Others have said he might have gone too far with his daring shenanigans, but he never shied away from tempting fate. Why would a segment on sting rays be anything different?

Unfortunately, freak accidents do occur. The Crocodile Hunter met his match in the form of a sting ray. This, in itself, is upsetting. A man who could wrestle crocodiles lost his life to a typically placid animal. The Australian News reports that less than 20 fatalities have been attributed to stingrays globally. Not only was Irwin’s death a shock, but the manner in which he was killed was very unlikely. It is somewhat surreal to think that we watched him face death so often that we took for granted his mortality.

Irwin was magnetic. You could have no interest in crocodiles, but his enthusiasm made you pause to watch his programs. There was always a sense of danger as he wrestled a saltwater crocodile. Before Irwin, who knew what a saltwater crocodile was? It was his stunts that garnered him fame. Sadly, it would be another one of his daring stunts that would kill him.

Critics would like to say, “Well, he had it coming to him,” or “He was just out to make more fame by meddling with dangerous animals.” Critics, should back down. Of course there were moments fans might have thought, “Steve Irwin is nuts!” Who could forget the baby Bob incident of 2004 where he dangled his son far too close to one of his crocodile mates? The point, at this time and place, is that he died too young for any human being. Celebrity or not, Irwin lost his life in a horrific manner at a young age and we should show some reverence.

Irwin went beyond the norm to bring people closer to a world of creatures we might not have ever seen. Forget the danger in it all, the point is he drew viewers to him with his energy. His passion for what he did was unmistakable. It was this vigor that made him an Australian icon. He was nominated as Australian of the year in 2004, and given the honor of a Centenary Medal for his dedication to global conservation and revitalizing tourism.

Irwin brought dangerous creatures into our homes and, at the same time, worked to help them. Steve “The Crocodile Hunter” Irwin left a legacy that will surely not be forgotten. His work as a conservationist, energetic adventurer and public figure will always be remembered. In the end, all I can think to say is thanks, mate!

mongim1@lasalle.edu