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'Croc Hunter' Knew He'd Die Young, Widow Says

Wife says Irwin had 'a real sixth sense'

By Emily Roysdon,  Newser User

Posted Oct 29, 2007 3:33 PM CDT
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(Newser) – Plucky Australian crocodile hunter Steve Irwin always had premonitions of an early death, his widow Terri says, adding that her husband “had a real sixth sense." She's writing a book about her life with the daredevil naturalist, who died at age 44 when a stingray’s barb pierced his heart in September 2006, Reuters reports.

American-born Terri Irwin said she joked about Irwin's certainty that he would die before age 40. Despite his daredevil, croc-wrestling lifestyle, she worried more about travel and disease than the risks he took with animals. But even Irwin himself began to worry after their children were born, she says: “He wanted to be here for the kids.”

Australian Steve Irwin with his American wife Terri Irwin holds a 9-foot female aligator in this June 18, 1999 file photo. The Crocodile Hunter died when his heart was pierced by a stingray's barb while snorkeling in September 2006. (AP Photo/Russell McPhedran, File)
Australian Steve Irwin with his American wife Terri Irwin holds a 9-foot female aligator in this June 18, 1999 file photo. The "Crocodile Hunter" died when his heart was pierced by a stingray's barb while...   (Associated Press)
Steve Irwin aka 'The Crocodile Hunter,' was an Australian wildlife expert and TV personality.
Steve Irwin aka 'The Crocodile Hunter,' was an Australian wildlife expert and TV personality.   (Getty Images)
Bindi Irwin, left, poses with her mother Terri Irwin as they arrive at the 20th Annual Kids' Choice Awards in Los Angeles, on Saturday, March 31, 2007. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Bindi Irwin, left, poses with her mother Terri Irwin as they arrive at the 20th Annual Kids' Choice Awards in Los Angeles, on Saturday, March 31, 2007. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)   (Associated Press)
Bindi Irwin, left, the daughter of Crocodile Hunter Steve Irwin who was killed by a stingray on Sept. 4, 2006, takes questions during a news conference at the National Press Club in Washington, Friday, Jan. 19, 2007. Her mother Terri looks on at right.
Bindi Irwin, left, the daughter of "Crocodile Hunter" Steve Irwin who was killed by a stingray on Sept. 4, 2006, takes questions during a news conference at the National Press Club in Washington, Friday,...   (Associated Press)
Terri Irwin, wife of the late Crocodile Hunter, Steve Irwin.
Terri Irwin, wife of the late "Crocodile Hunter," Steve Irwin.   (Getty Images)
Crocodile Hunter Steve Irwin always knew he'd die young, his wife says.
Crocodile Hunter Steve Irwin always knew he'd die young, his wife says.   (Getty Images)
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Steve Irwin's daughter Bindi's tribute to her father.   (atefooterz (YouTube))

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Related links

Preview of interview with Irwin's widow
ABC News (Australia)

Extensive excerpts from the interview
ABC News (Australia)

Online memorial website
Ripsteve.com

Crocodile Hunter website
Australiazoo.com.au

Wikipedia entry on Steve Irwin
Wikipedia

 
Australia • Steve Irwin • Terri Irwin • Bindi Irwin • Crocodile Hunter • stingray

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