Jared W. Smith

CNN:

SYDNEY, Australia (CNN) — Steve Irwin, the Australian TV presenter known as the “Crocodile Hunter,” has died after being stung in a marine accident off Australia’s north coast.

Australian media reports say Irwin was diving in waters off Port Douglas, north of Cairns, when the incident happened on Monday morning.

Irwin was killed by a stingray barb that went through his chest, according to Cairns police sources. Irwin was filming an underwater documentary at the time.

I’m saddened to hear of his passing. I remember being introduced to Irwin in my biology class in 9th grade — his shows were certainly a fantastic departure from the bland videos I had been used to watching in class, and I continued to watch him off and on over the years. Irwin’s enthusiasm for all things nature, especially those with sharp teeth and a maximum amount of danger, will most certainly be missed.