The Crocodile Legend

For the past six or seven years, I've had only one answer to the question "who is your hero?" Despite different reactions from those I've talked to or the grimaces and laughs I've gotten from those I give my response to...I've stayed firm in my opinions. Steve Irwin...Australia's Crocodile Hunter...is my hero.

I can remember many nights back in high school, getting out of bed at midnight to watch "The Crocodile Hunter" with my dad. At first I thought he was just a crazy guy on a weird late night show....but then I got absolutely addicted to his documentaries, and just fell in love with him.

Since I was a kid, I wanted to travel to Australia. Then as a teen, it because a personal life goal to not just get to Australia, but to meet Steve Irwin. Besides the joke that I was going to go down under to find myself an Aussie husband...I have always genuinely had the dream to come to Australia and meet The Crocodile Hunter. I've even obtained a bit of a collection of Steve Irwin stuff...including his movie, a few documentaries, posters, and a very cheesy board game with a crocodile that actually moves. Despite many Australians that I've met here not being a huge fan of Steve, I've remained determined to get up to Queensland to his zoo, and meet him.

Yesterday, apon getting picked up from work, I had Matt look at me very seriously and ask if I had heard the news. I had no idea what he was talking about, so he quickly filled me in on the tragic headline of the day.

Steve Irwin had died.

While filming a documentary, Steve was swimming with sting rays and was stung in the chest by the tail of one of them. By the time he reached medical help on his boat, it was too late, and there was nothing that could be done. He was gone.

I didn't believe it was actually true, and thought it a very unlikely story, until I heard it announced on the radio.

Since yesterday, the story of Steve's death has absolutely taken over Australia. Nearly the entire newspaper today was filled with articles about him, and it is the headline of every news broad cast. In about an hour there is a tribute for his life being shown on tv. Even in day care today, several children were talking about how sad it was that "that poor man died."

Steve leaves behind his wife (Terri), his daughter (Bindi), and his son (Bob). He also leaves The Australian Zoo, as well an absolute legacy of his work, genuine passion, talent and love for his crocodiles, as well as all the animals he worked with.

Despite even now there being bound to be critisims of both Steve Irwin, as well as me classifying him as my hero and writing a whole blog about him...I don't care. It's absolutely tragic to lose such a passionate and genuine man, especially considering how rarely we see people in our world today put as much time and effort into taking care of looking out for the well being of this beautiful world that God has given us, as Steve Irwin has.

Prayers with his family as they deal with the shock and grief that this has brought. And may his legacy live on. For up to date articles and video interviews regarding what happens next, click here.