As T and I woke slowly this morning, listening to NPR as usual, we heard the report that Steve Irwin, the Croc Hunter, had been killed by a sting ray while filming a documentary at the Great Barrier Reef. It’s not often that news of a celebrity death affects me, but his death makes me quite sad.
You always knew that someday, somehow, Steve would slip up and not make it through a small mistake near a dangerous wild animal. His hands-on approach to wildlife angered some, but I found it endearing. He expressed his love for nature directly and with no hidden agenda. I came to really appreciate his gregarious energy, his love for his family, and his passion for wildlife. And it was good TV.
I will miss him, and I wish his family – especially his young daughter Bindi Sue and son Bob – the best. Carry on Steve’s tradition, and hold on to his passion.
Farewell, Croc Hunter.
