[sirchtruth]

This was really such a sad thing -- a one in a billion accident.

It is sad, but not unexpected. The way guy dealt so dangerously close with poisonous animals he was bound to get biten, stung, or pierced at some point!

Really, I'm surprised a Gator didn't eat him before now.

[mitch5501]

"Really, I'm surprised a Gator didn't eat him before now."

Same here.

Everytime we'd see him we'd all look at each other and say "mad bastard!"

It was always said as an endearing comment,it was part of why he was so loved.

A good bloke who certainly will be missed.

[marktwain]

"It is sad, but not unexpected. The way guy dealt so dangerously close with poisonous animals he was bound to get biten, stung, or pierced at some point!"

Worth repeating. I grew up on a farm in semi-wilderness that was later purchased for a national park. I have dealt with large animals a lot. Every time I watched Steve Irwin, I thought "That guy is crazy!"

There is no question that he was a marvelous showman, and new how to handle animals. He just pushed the edge once too often.