Crikey

Driving to work today, all dark and early, I heard the terrible story of Steve Irwin's untimely demise.

Irwin was filming a episode for the Discovery channel (The Ocean's Deadliest...) at Batt Reef, part of the Great Barrier Reef, and swam over a stingray, which flicked its tail into his chest, stabbing him in his heart. Mr. Irwin removed the long, poisonous barb and died within seconds.

If I'm going to die, at least I want it filmed, Irwin said in a 2002 interview.

His death was caught on videotape. Shades of Timothy Treadwell...

Mr. Irwin's death was only the third known stingray death in Australian waters, according to shark and stingray expert Victoria Brims.