We on the Sunshine Coast are shattered, got the phone call at 1pm while at lunch at Golden Beach. Were involved with he and Terri via Tourism Sunshine Coast, used to see a bit of him before he became so famous he needed to spend so much time abroard. Very sad for Terri, Bindi and Bob and Bob Sr (Steve's dad), just a frigging awfull accident.
"He Burned So Bright, But Not For Long Enough" Just an ordinary bloke who made the most of a his opportunities.
Have thought long and hard whether I should post this account, don't think it's in bad taste, demonstrates just how natural Steve was both on camera and off.
A friend, a drug squad detective used to call in occasionally when working on the Sunshine Coast. Called in with some workmates about 7.45 one morning dressed in black gear. Greeted him with the usual "Up on a job mate?", he proceeded to tell us how they had hidden themselves in the bush around the car park at the zoo earlier about 4am, in response to a tip off about a drug exchange supposedly planned for that Friday morning. After hiding in the scrub for a while, one of them was grabbed from behind by Steve, yelling "what are you blokes doin here?". When they showed badges and asked him to go away, he became quite excited and asked if they had ever been to the show, then if they had a social club? would they like some free passes?. Asked him to go away again, which he did, but the next thing he returns after turning on the lights, with passes and brochures to pass around. Stuffed up the job, so they went to a nearby servo and had breakfast before calling into our place. My story would be but one of hundreds. Steve was always the same it was no act.
Vale Steve Irwin
