Death of Steve Irwin

On 4 September 2006, Australian zookeeper, conservationist, and television programmer Steve Irwin was killed by a stingray while filming in the Great Barrier Reef.

[12][13] Crew members aboard Irwin's boat administered CPR and rushed him to the nearby Low Island, where medical staff pronounced him dead.

Australian Prime Minister John Howard expressed "shock and distress" at Irwin's death, saying that "Australia has lost a wonderful and colourful son".

[20] In the days following Irwin's death, reactions dominated Australian online news sources,[21] talk-back radio programs,[22] and television networks.

[24][25] Thousands of fans visited Australia Zoo after his death, paying their respects and bringing flowers, candles, stuffed animals and messages of support.

[30] The memorial included remarks by Prime Minister Howard; Irwin's father Bob and daughter Bindi; his associates Wes Mannion and John Stainton; and celebrities from Australia and around the world (including Hugh Jackman, Cameron Diaz, Justin Timberlake, Kevin Costner, Russell Crowe, David Wenham, Kelly Ripa, Larry King and The Wiggles).

[32] Michael Hornby, a friend of Irwin and executive director of his Wildlife Warrior fund, condemned any revenge killings, saying, "We just want to make it very clear that we will not accept and not stand for anyone who's taken a form of retribution.