Statement from Billy Campbell, President, Discovery Networks, U.S. Discovery Communications, Inc.
Our entire company is deeply saddened by the tragic and sudden loss of Steve Irwin, the Crocodile Hunter. Steve was beloved by millions of fans and animal lovers around the world and was one of our planet's most passionate conservationists. He has graced our air since October 1996 and was essential in building Animal Planet into a global brand.
Steve was killed during a filming expedition on the Great Barrier Reef. While we are still collecting specific details, it was a rare accident in which Steve swam over a stingray and was stung by its barb in his chest. A doctor on board Croc One, Steve's research vessel, was unable to resuscitate Steve and by the time he was reached by the rescue helicopter he had passed away.
DCI Founder and Chairman, John Hendricks said, "Steve was a larger than life force. He brought joy and learning about the natural world to millions and millions of people across the globe. He was a true friend to all of us at Discovery Communications. We extend our thoughts and prayers to Terri, Bindi and Bob Irwin as well as to the incredible staff and many friends Steve leaves behind."
DCI CEO and President, Judith McHale said, "I don't think we will ever get over the loss of Steve Irwin, a human being of enormous heart, irrepressible enthusiasm and dedication to everything he touched."
Steve's loss has been felt around the world, evident by the hundreds of heartfelt condolences that have already flooded into Steve's fan site on AnimalPlanet.com.
To honor Steve and the enormous contribution he made to the world and to our company, DCI will rename the garden space in front of Discovery's world headquarters in Silver Spring, Maryland, the "Steve Irwin Memorial Sensory Garden."
DCI is looking at the creation of the Steve Irwin Crocodile Hunter Fund, which we'll affectionately call "The Crikey Fund" to honor Steve's passion and exuberance for conservation and the animal kingdom. This fund will allow people from across the globe to make contributions in Steve's honor to support wildlife protection, education and conservation. The fund in addition to contributions by DCI will also aid Steve's Australia Zoo in Breewah, Australia as well as educational support for Bindi and Bob Irwin.
Right now, our focus is on Terri and the children. We will keep you informed as plans unfold to pay tribute to our beloved Steve Irwin.
Comments
Remember him, as he wanted to be remembered
February 1, 2009 by Anonymous, 40 weeks 7 hours ago
Comment id: 34148
Steve Irwin has said that he wanted to be remembered as a great conservationist. He was. I truly believe that he would rather be remembered as a good dad. He was a great dad! Some would disagree, but I think that he was the best dad in the world!
Steve and Teri
April 20, 2008 by Anonymous, 1 year 28 weeks ago
Comment id: 29158
I think Steve and terri and their family have done some of the greatest things for animals I've ever herd of or seen. I hope they paved the road for sceptics. I prey people follow their greatness.
You are the best!!
Beth
steve,s death
April 20, 2008 by Anonymous, 1 year 28 weeks ago
Comment id: 29157
you're annoying. What have you ever done with your life. I don't see you with a tv show. You won't even identify yourself. If you think your oppinion matters why do remain anonymous?
Steve Irwin Day - Nov 15th, 2007 & Fundraising Wildlife Warriors
September 3, 2007 by Lorri (not verified), 2 years 9 weeks ago
Comment id: 24781
Well many folks may have watched the Crocodile Hunter and loved his passion or have kids/ grandkids who loved the show. Well I guess I fall into the respect his effort category - I've privately supported his endangered species-breeding program and was thrilled when the Fuji lizard I sponsored became a dad.
So now I guess I'm asking others to take a second and help out and it is tax deductible and the Wildlife Warriors have recently opened an office in the US as well. They have scheduled a Steve Irwin day on Nov. 15, 2007 and I think this is a great way to say thanks for the effort.
Please click on this link to visit my very own fundraising page to find out all about it.
http://www.everydayhero.com.au/Saving_for_Future_Generations
Spread the word and send to as many people as possible.
Thank you very much!
Lorri
we love ya man
February 28, 2007 by Anonymous, 2 years 36 weeks ago
Comment id: 17848
goo bye mate you
were very important to us
in rememberence of steve
February 28, 2007 by Anonymous, 2 years 36 weeks ago
Comment id: 17845
you are right joanna dont pick on steve he was a great guy a model to me he saved a rainforest and made many conservation efforts for the world so heres a prayer for him: dear god holy father lord of all people, please grant steve acses to heven amem
" goo day mate " we will surely miss you
richard
usa
The Best!!!!
September 20, 2006 by Anonymous, 3 years 7 weeks ago
Comment id: 14712
Steve Irwin was the best Crocidile hunter EVER!! Im so sorry for his famlies loss. God Bless Steve Irwin!!!!
great
September 17, 2006 by Anonymous, 3 years 7 weeks ago
Comment id: 3152
hey i even cant believe that such thing had happened .people say that he was showoff and his work was only for making money and i dont belive taht it was fake if so then comeout side and save allthose creatures that he had saved could u do this ?answer is no cauze u cant do this because he was spacial
STEVE we love u and miss u
great
September 17, 2006 by Anonymous, 3 years 7 weeks ago
Comment id: 3151
hey i even cant believe that such thing had happened .people say that he was showoff and his work was only for making money and i dont belive taht it was fake if so then comeout side and save allthose creatures that he had saved could u do this ?answer is no cauze u cant do this because he was spacial
STEVE we love u and miss u
I was thinking the same
September 17, 2006 by Anonymous, 3 years 7 weeks ago
Comment id: 3149
I was thinking the same thing.
steve
September 16, 2006 by Anonymous, 3 years 7 weeks ago
Comment id: 2934
i always wanted to meet u.
u was the best
my hero my best friend
i pray everynight for ur family
i miss u
so much
i was shocked when i heard the news i was upset
love Emma Thomson
age 18
scotland
Steve inspired this new song; The Crocodile Hunter
September 14, 2006 by Anonymous, 3 years 8 weeks ago
Comment id: 2892
As a child growing up in Canada, I watched Skippy the Bush Kangaroo. As a teen, I developed a huge crush on Olivia Newton-John. As a young adult, I used to listen to Men at Work. And I've been a Bee Gees fan as far back as I can remember. Australia has given the world a great deal in terms of talent. Two celebrities, of late, when each passed away, caused grief around the world. I wrote a song for each of them that I'd like to share with fans of each (and BTW, feel free to use the first song to promote your new Steve Irwin fund):
Crocodile Hunter (A Tribute to Steve Irwin)
words and music by Bruce L. Thiessen, aka Dr. BLT (c)2006
http://www.drblt.net/music/crocodileHunter.mp3
When the Bee Gees were Three (A Tribute to Maurice Gibb)
words and music by Bruce L. Thiessen, aka Dr. BLT (c)2006
http://www.drblt.net/music/beegees.mp3
The Crocodile HUnter
September 14, 2006 by Anonymous, 3 years 8 weeks ago
Comment id: 2890
Steve changed my outlook on Crocodiles and Snakes, Each has their own place in this World!;He Loved them & Cared for Them,it is Was and always will be a Terrible Loss to the World,Now that He is Gone. I will Miss the man,May His Legend Live on Forever!!!!!. G'Bye Mate!!, No Worries!!. Gator
September 4th
September 14, 2006 by Anonymous, 3 years 8 weeks ago
Comment id: 2889
Not only the Crocodiles wept, The World became a Little Darker and a Little Colder,and the World cried with Crocodile tears,A Great man is Gone.We will Miss YOU Mate!!!.
Glory Hunter?
September 14, 2006 by Anonymous, 3 years 8 weeks ago
Comment id: 2888
Glory Hunter Huh?,The Man did alot for WildLife,He Protected them And Loved Them.I don't know what show You watched,But it wasn't His,He was a Loving and Caring Man;Why don't Some People Stop Putting Him Down?.
Annoying?
September 14, 2006 by Anonymous, 3 years 8 weeks ago
Comment id: 2887
I find YOU Annoying,why don't You Go Away!.
not annoying
September 14, 2006 by Anonymous, 3 years 8 weeks ago
Comment id: 2886
he did what he wanted to do, im sure it was what he wanted, if he had to pick how to go...give the guy a break
we love you steve
September 14, 2006 by Anonymous, 3 years 8 weeks ago
Comment id: 2882
we have lost a wonderful man when i herd he died i cried for two days. i felt that i have no reason to live anymore.so all of my prayers go to Terri, Bindi, and Bob.
kaitlin brewer GA
steve irwin
September 14, 2006 by Anonymous, 3 years 8 weeks ago
Comment id: 2871
The untimely passing of Steve Irwin is a great tragedy. This has effected my family more than I could have imagined; he has been a great influence on myself and my two boys. The world will never be the same. In the past, I have dealt with this type of emotional pain through music. Being a song writer and composer, I have written musical compositions and songs to honour friends, family, and fallen heroes to ease the pain and commemorate the contributions they've made in life. Steve falls under the obvious catagory of "HERO." Please accept and share with the world this musical tribute in honour of the great "CROCODILE HUNTER" Steve Irwin.. WE LOVE YOU STEVE!!
Sincerely:
David James
P.S. - You can visit me at: http;//www.davidjamesmusic.net
and download the musical tribute "THE MIGHTY STEVE"
Light a candle in memory of Steve Irwin at his online memorial
September 13, 2006 by Anonymous, 3 years 8 weeks ago
Comment id: 2870
It seems too tragic for belief. The Crocodile Hunter is a story of a humble man with a passion for life and the environment, who became perhaps the most well known Australian in the world. May he be remembered for not only his high energy personality, but also his amazing ecological achievements.
Please light a candle in memory of this great man at the following memorial link;
Online Memorial for Steve Irwin
Kind regards,
Nathan Martyn
We Love Steve
September 12, 2006 by Anonymous, 3 years 8 weeks ago
Comment id: 2835
http://www.benworldwide.com/steveirwin.htm
We Loved Steve
September 12, 2006 by Anonymous, 3 years 8 weeks ago
Comment id: 2834
Visit.
http://www.benworldwide.com/steveirwin.htm
My Tribute
September 9, 2006 by Anonymous, 3 years 8 weeks ago
Comment id: 2795
I totally agree that we should all do something for the planet or animals to honor Steves death. I went and adopted a homeless cat and named him Irwin. To be perfectly honest he is the sweetest cat I've ever adopted and I've adopted quite a few! I'm devastated by Steve Irwins death and just keep reminding myself that everything happens for a reason and only God knows what that is. I've been spreading the word to do something to honor this great man and put meaning to this loss.
its too sad
September 9, 2006 by Anonymous, 3 years 8 weeks ago
Comment id: 2787
i cant belive how this is possible he is a great man to hunt crocodiles no body can't hunt like him
but i love him very much. my dad will always say u should become a hunter like steve irwin but now he's dead iam not going to worry about his death he is always with me.RIP STEVE IRWIN
I LOVE YOU STEVE IRWIN
Steve, Thanks from italy
September 9, 2006 by Anonymous, 3 years 8 weeks ago
Comment id: 2781
Thank you Steve...
Riccardo, PADOVA
ITALY
Good bye, Steve!
September 9, 2006 by Anonymous, 3 years 8 weeks ago
Comment id: 2780
He has born to be a Crocodile Hunter. I'm very sad that he has gone. May God Bless you, Steve. Rest in Peace! My thoughts and prayers are with you and your beloved family - Terri, Bindi and little Bob.
Steve Irwin Memorial is Steve Irwin tribute site. Pls share your thoughts on the comment section..
Good bye good man..
God Bless Steve Irwin
September 8, 2006 by Anonymous, 3 years 8 weeks ago
Comment id: 2774
Steve Irwin was always such a happy, curious, risk taking guy. Just the kind of guy you would want to meet or become friends with. He did so many amazing things in his life and im sure is a hero to many. I hope that is family is doing ok and that they get through it, he will always be in their hearts (and everyones). He was a great man. Rest in Peace Steve Irwin.
"MEMORIES OF YOU WILL LIVE ON"
September 8, 2006 by Anonymous, 3 years 8 weeks ago
Comment id: 2773
On behalf of the Waipouri & Hazel family from Whirinaki Opononi NorthIsland New Zealand we would like to say how sorry my family & i were when we heard that our great aussie "MATE" had been taken from us all doing what we all know "he loved doing". Our thoughts go out to his loving wife & their two children also to his dad & not to leave out his much bigger family "every body that worked for him" we hope you all will carry on his legacy of helping - caring - learning & teaching about all animals & mamals alive... GOD BLESS to the FAMILY... HIS SPIRIT LIVES ON.......REPZZY WAIPOURI
reply 2 "Irwin Facts"
September 8, 2006 by Anonymous, 3 years 8 weeks ago
Comment id: 2770
AAAHHHH!!!!!! MATE!!! dig a hole & bury your head in it.. The man was good - great - & he knew his stuff & some where along the line ACCIDENT'S do happen....
R.I.P steve you have
September 8, 2006 by Anonymous, 3 years 8 weeks ago
Comment id: 2766
R.I.P steve you have inspired many people and been idolised and looked up to by millions more u will be greatly missed. I also send my condolenses to the friends and familly God bless
Steve Irwin
September 8, 2006 by Anonymous, 3 years 8 weeks ago
Comment id: 2762
On Monday September 4th even the crocodiles wept.
You will be missed!
steve angle
September 8, 2006 by Anonymous, 3 years 8 weeks ago
Comment id: 2761
he is the best
tatianna
September 8, 2006 by Anonymous, 3 years 8 weeks ago
Comment id: 2759
r.i.p man
tribute page
September 8, 2006 by Anonymous, 3 years 8 weeks ago
Comment id: 2750
please sign the guestbook on the tibute page where i can later send the link to Austalia zoo
http://www.freewebs.com/kkerwood
Steve Irwin
September 8, 2006 by Anonymous, 3 years 8 weeks ago
Comment id: 2749
A ruly remarkable man dedicated to animals right to the very end.
I will miss his humour and my thoughts are with his lovely family at this sad time.
It's painfull to see you go
September 8, 2006 by Anonymous, 3 years 8 weeks ago
Comment id: 2746
You will be truely missed Steve. My heart goes out to Terri, Bindi and Bob.
I am so touched I created an online memorial tribute to Steve Irwin. http://WildlifeWarriors.info
Steve's message will live on - he made the ultimate sacrifice
September 8, 2006 by Anonymous, 3 years 8 weeks ago
Comment id: 2740
We are all too complacent about our environment and extinction due to habitat loss. It’s too easy to sit around watching your HD TV in your air conditioned house watching “nice†civilized environmentalist that stay far away from animals telling you how great they live, in the wilderness. What wilderness? Most of those films take place in wilderness preserves.
These animals are dying every day from poachers, from habitat destruction, war and more. There is no time for “nice†shows that lie to us that we will be able to see these animals ever again. The film is all that we will have left if things continue as they have.
When audiences are mislead like that, there is no sense of urgency or shock, they vote to build even more condominiums and vote down preserves. Now that is real harassment of animals, being run over by cars, their food sources destroyed, their livelihood taken away from them.
Steve really wrestled with the problem of conservation, and was dangerously close to the problem ironically, and placed himself in harm’s way to make a point, to make us pay attention.
The alligators in his zoo lived well, bathed in clean water and were better fed than millions of children around the world that are starving today due to environmental devastation and war. These crocks are not really just ambassadors for their own species, educating audiences to assure their survival. They are our own salvation.
Most people don’t see the connection but if a snake or a crocodile cannot survive in today’s world, after 200 millions years on earth, there is certainly no hope for us humans is there?
So Steve Irwin was not shouting to us EXTINCTION WARNING WARNING EXTINCTION – he was warning us of our own demise unless we do something.
Some might think the Stingray got him because he was taking revenge on Steve, but those of us that think there are other forces in nature, of a higher order, might think the Stingray killed him so Steve could make the ultima sacrifice for the sake of our environment and these animals, so we may finally pay attention and take notice. I believe so. We will miss Steve but his message will not die with him.
Steve Irwin
September 7, 2006 by Anonymous, 3 years 9 weeks ago
Comment id: 2735
May god bless all your family and see this tragedy as a new door to guide you to a new light. Steve was a blessed soul that will shine on for all of us to see. I hope the family continues his legacy as the world cries for him. God bless Steve and his beautiful family. BE STRONG AND CARRY HIS TORCH!
Love,
recycleguru@aol.com
Steve's Passion
September 7, 2006 by Anonymous, 3 years 9 weeks ago
Comment id: 2734
It was obvious, this BLOKE loved every minute of what he was doing and got to do it with the people he loved. Most people could never even imagine having that Passion. If there's one thing we can take away from this, it is find out what you were put on this earth for and do it will all your heart. God Bless this man.
steve
September 7, 2006 by Anonymous, 3 years 9 weeks ago
Comment id: 2732
we will miss you
this is a memorial site
September 7, 2006 by Anonymous, 3 years 9 weeks ago
Comment id: 2730
I dont care if you didnt like the guy do not bash someone after they just died. I hope you get eaten by a crocadile
An Incredible man!
September 7, 2006 by Anonymous, 3 years 9 weeks ago
Comment id: 2723
I first heard it on Monday morning over the radio on my way to work... and I didnt want to believe it. but soon enough it was already in the news everywhere. Sadly mom called in tears to confirm later in the afternoon. We are both scared of reptiles, and they have never been funnier and cutter but in the hands of this man! May he rest in peace! Its stil so hard to believe! Terri, Bob, Bindi... its no easy thing, but if this counts at all, my thoughts and prayers are with you darlings!
Melania, Romania
Steve i shall miss you
September 7, 2006 by Anonymous, 3 years 9 weeks ago
Comment id: 2721
Steve you made watching Discovery channel / Animal Planet a thrilling and at the same time funny experience. You were a great animal lover, conservationist and a great entertainer too. I am sure Steve's millions of admirers all over the world are grieving as i do. Though i live far away from you...in India.. and have never met you, i feel as if i have lost a family member. Watching wild life on television will never be the same again without you steve. Rest in Peace my friend!
My heartfelt condolences to Terry, Bindi and Bob.
Steve Irwin RIP
September 7, 2006 by Anonymous, 3 years 9 weeks ago
Comment id: 2720
Just a comment to all who are posting...if you can't find it in your heart to show compassion at this time then don't write anything....a family is grieving and until you have experienced the loss of a loved one you don't know just how hard it is to get through the ordeal...Steve Irwin was a very public figure and what you saw was what you got...his love of animals and his family are beyond question...he made money the best way he knew how but poured it all back into conservation by buying land for future generations of wildlife....to those who are posting such negative remarks I feel sorry for you... the old saying.."if you can't say anything nice about people then say nothing.......
a true blue Aussie
annoying
September 7, 2006 by Anonymous, 3 years 9 weeks ago
Comment id: 2719
what's the matter "jealous"????? Steve WAS the best so he really wasn't skiting (look up the meaning)...he was and will always be a Wildlife Warrior and the world has lost a great man..
Steve Irwin
September 7, 2006 by Anonymous, 3 years 9 weeks ago
Comment id: 2718
What goes around comes around...you'll get yours one of these days and hope it is painful....
Steve Irwin
September 7, 2006 by Anonymous, 3 years 9 weeks ago
Comment id: 2717
Have you any idea where all the money went to that this man made???? it went back to conservation every last penny.....do you drive a car??/ do you use a toilet??? we Aussie don't all watch TV...I am in my 70's and I bowl, paint (Folk Art) knit for orphanages overseas, and for great-grandkids, I walk and garden and am very active in my church..there are not enough hours in the day for me.....What do you do that is constructive??/
Ann
Steve Irwin
September 7, 2006 by Anonymous, 3 years 9 weeks ago
Comment id: 2716
Your comments are uncalled for...What has Australia got going for it but tourism or any other country for that matter....why don't you get out and do something constructive and use your enery in a positive sense rather than being negative.
Ann
Steve (Crocodile Hunter) Irwin
September 7, 2006 by Anonymous, 3 years 9 weeks ago
Comment id: 2714
The world is a little less colourful now...Steve I admired your passion for wildlife not just here in Aussie land but all over the world. You also had an unbridled passion for your family....I pray that Terry will keep your dream going and one day Bindi and Bob will be able to take over....it is great that grandad Bob is there to help...I know a memorial is planned here in Australia and wish I could be there....to Terry, Bindi and Bob and Steve's father Bob, all his friends at Australia Zoo...keep strong, know that Steve is in God's kingdom tending to heaven's animals.....you are all in my prayers...
God Bless
Ann
YOU WILL BE MISSED"IN LOVE AND MEMORY"always your fan
September 7, 2006 by Anonymous, 3 years 9 weeks ago
Comment id: 2712
you are and will remain awsome here on earth steve!goodluck to wife and children i will prey for all of you,and to all other family.GODBLESS!love you all take care .
sincerly ,
Tiffany Oklahoma City .OK
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