Steve Irwin, known popularly as the Crocodile Hunter, died Monday off the coast of Australia while filming a wildlife documentary. He was stung in the chest by a sting ray, and doctors believe the barb pierced his heart.

Irwin’s death has been falsely reported on several occasions due mainly to his history of dangerous stunts involving wild animals, especially poisonous reptiles. He also achieved a certain infamous notoriety after taking his new born son into a crocodile pen.

If asked, I would not have guessed death-by-stingray as they’re usually docile creatures and rarely attacks unless taunted, cornered or provoked. However, when I heard the news this morning, I was not at all surprised. Irwin has been provoking and mishandling animals for many years now.

By all accounts, Irwin was an incredibly nice man, passionate and caring.

That being said, it is important to note that his handling of dangerous animals should only be replicated by those intent on getting severely hurt. Those people that enjoyed his show, especially children, should be made aware of what happens when you treat nature with careless abandon.

Enthusiasm and a winning personality, it seems, are not adequate protection from blatant stupidity.

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