CNN has reported that Steve Irwin, known to most as "The Crocodile Hunter", was killed this morning by a stingray barb going through his chest.  Though he was filming a documentary called "Ocean's Deadliest", he apparently was killed during a day off when he went to film features for a new childrens show he was developing.  According to reports, he came over the top of a stingray buried in the sand without realizing it, causing the creature to be accidentally boxed in and attack him, killing him instantly.

I have fond memories of watching his show with friends a few years back, with people cringing every time he'd grab some deadly animal.  The emotional part of your mind couldn't help but wonder if maybe THIS time was his LAST time, even though the logical part told you that of course he would be ok as they were showing it on TV.

It's ironic that he died in an animal-related accident rather than an attempt at something dangerous, but at least he died doing something he loved.  I find this quote from his longtime friend and producer John Stainton poignantly funny: