I am really saddened by the death of Steve Irwin. The guy was so full of life and optimism and I envy that. Ever since I was a kid, I've always been fascinated by outdoors and wildlife, particularly reptiles. Long before the Crocodile Hunter had an audience, my friends and I used to spend every day in the woods catching snakes, turtles, or basically anything that couldn't regulate its own body temperature. When I grew up and started working, I lost that sense of adventure and in a way, I lived vicariously through Steve. He made nature fun and exciting and brought wildlife shows to a whole new audience, even if we all did secretly want to see him get bitten every now and then. But really I guess I thought this guy would just live forever and it really sucks that he had to go so suddenly and with one of the least dangerous animals on the planet.
I really feel bad for his wife and two kids. He was such a devoted family man and this is going to be absolutely devastating for them. But at least his kids will have plenty of video footage of him doing what he loved. And hopefully they will carry on his legacy as a conservationist and educator. Rest in peace, Steve!