The untimely and freakish death of popular celebrity Crocodile Hunter Steve Irwin sent shock-waves across the world as his many fans listened in shock to the details as they were released by the press earlier this week.

Footage seen by police working on the case showed Irwin grabbing at the bard of the massive bull stingray which was protruding from his chest, and pulling it out before losing consciousness and dying, shortly thereafter.

The horrific incident occurred while Irwin was snorkeling at the Great Barrier Reef on Monday 4 September.

Said Irwin’s manager John Stainton, after viewing the footage of his friend and client’s last moments, “It’s a very hard thing to watch because you’re actually witnessing somebody die … and it’s terrible.

“It shows that Steve came over the top of the ray and the tail came up, and spiked him here (in the chest), and he pulled it out and the next minute he’s gone.”

It is reportedly clear that Irwin was in no way antagonizing or provoking the ray.

Irwin, renowned for his catchword ‘Crikey!’, shot to stardom when his television programme ‘Crocodile Hinter’ was aired on the Discovery network, after its humble 1992 beginnings in his native Australia.

The Internet has been flooded with tributes to this lovable icon who was a favorite of adults, children and environmentalists around the world. Steve Irwin was just 44 years old when he died. He leaves behind his wife Terri, and children Bindi (8) and Bob (2).