RIP The Crocodile Hunter

I cant believe this, I really cant. The Living Legend is no longer living. RIP Stevo!!!!!

World-famous Australian naturalist Steve Irwin has died in a marine accident - killed by a barb from a stingray that pierced his chest.

He was filming an underwater documentary off Australia's northeast coast when the accident took place.

John Stainton, a friend and colleague, said Irwin swam too close to the ray while he was diving off his boat Croc One near Batt Reef, northeast of Port Douglas.

"He came on top of the stingray and the stingray's barb went up and into his chest and put a hole into his heart," said Mr Stainton, who was on board Irwin's boat at the time.

A helicopter took paramedics to nearby Low Isles, where Irwin was taken for medical treatment, but he was dead before they arrived.

Prime Minister John Howard, said he was shocked and distressed at the death.

"It's a huge loss to Australia. He was a wonderful character. He was a passionate environmentalist. He brought joy and entertainment and excitement to millions of people."

Irwin's daredevil antics, which saw him go face-to-face with deadly creatures such as crocodiles and poisonous snakes on camera, won him a global following.

The 44-year-old was known for uttering the word "Crikey" when confronted with a particularly deadly animal.

Nicknamed 'The Crocodile Hunter', he triggered outrage in 2004 by holding his then one-month-old baby while feeding a snapping crocodile at his Australian zoo.

He is survived by his American wife Terri, their daughter Bindi Sue, eight, and two-year-old son Bob.