‘Crocodile Hunter’ Irwin Remembered One Year Later

A year ago, the world tragically lost the “Crocodile Hunter,” Steve Irwin.

His death, at the age of 44 from the barb of a stingray, received while filming a TV show with Philippe Cousteau, was mourned by fans around the world including the Australian Prime Minister and film star Russell Crowe.

“It was way too soon for all of us. We have lost a friend, a champion,” Crowe said to mourners who gathered at Irwin’s memorial service, held at the Australia Zoo on September 20, 2006.

Irwin, who in addition to his popular show on “Animal Planet,” worked at the zoo where the memorial was held, was known for his love of animals. He devoted his life to animal conservationism.

At his memorial service, Irwin’s then 8-year-old daughter Bindi, hailed him as her hero.

“My Daddy was my hero,” she told the crowd. “He was always there for me when I needed him. He listened to me and taught me so many things. But most of all he was fun.”

As part of the public memorial entitled “He Changed Our World,” actress Cameron Diaz said in a video presentation that Irwin was incredibly popular in the United States.

“America just flipped for him,” said Diaz. “Every kid was in love with the idea of being him.”

Actor Kevin Costner said in the video that Irwin was “fearless … He let us see who he was. That is being brave in today’s society.”

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