Australian PM pays tribute to 'Croc Hunter' Irwin

Crocodile Hunter Steve Irwin was a unique character who brought joy to millions of people around the world, Australia’s visibly upset prime minister said today.

“I am quite shocked and distressed at Steve Irwin’s sudden, untimely and freakish death,” Prime Minister John Howard said after police confirmed the media personality and environmentalist had been killed by a stingray’s barb to his heart while diving off Queensland state.