HOLLYWOOD - Crocodile hunter Steve Irwin's death has been hailed "a huge loss to Australia" by the nation's Prime Minister, John Howard.
The 44-year-old daredevil was killed when a stingray barb pierced his chest while he was diving off Australia's northeast coast to film an underwater documentary.
Irwin was famed for his death-defying stunts, which involved wrestling snakes and crocodiles. He also courted controversy in 2004 when he held his one-month old baby in one arm while feeding a chicken carcass to a snapping croc with the other.
Howard says, "I am quite shocked and distressed at Steve Irwin's sudden, untimely and freakish death.
"It's a huge loss to Australia.
"He was a wonderful character. He was a passionate environmentalist. He brought joy and entertainment and excitement to millions of people.
"He was a one-off character. He was the genuine article. What you saw was what you got.
"He took risks, he enjoyed life. He brought immense joy to millions of people, particularly to children, and it's just such a terrible loss."
Irwin is survived by wife Terri and their two children, Bindi Sue and Bob Clarence.
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