From CNN.com, 7:56 a.m. EDT, September 4, 2006 – Steve Irwin, the TV host known as the “Crocodile Hunter,” has died after being stung by a stingray off Australia’s north coast. Irwin, 44 was killed by a stingray barb that went through his chest, according to police sources. Irwin was filming an underwater documentary at the time.

Crikey…

Imagine my surprise when I awoke to news that Steve Irwin, the infamous Crocodile Hunter, passed away this morning. Love him or hate him, Irwin was a dedicated conservationist and he died doing what he loved.

If you’re anything like me, you’ve enjoyed watching him put himself in dangerous situations. He was entertaining, educational and more than a little wacky. That’s what brought people back, though. You never knew what Steve was going to do each episode. You never knew what animal(s) he would encounter/wrestle/save/etc.

Thanks for sharing your passion with the world, Steve. Rest in peace, mate.

Here’s a small tribute video someone put together on YouTube.