Steve Irwin

Steve Irwin, the famed "The Crocodile Hunter," an Australian conservationist and television personality, was a hero to many children. His sudden and tragic accidental death on September 4, 2006 shocked and horrified people around the globe. While snorkeling at the Great Barrier Reef, Steve was pierced fatally in the chest by a stingray spine. He was filming a documentary entitled The Ocean's Deadliest.

To many kids Steve Irwin was a superhero, tousling about with crocodiles, tracking down and grasping deadly snakes with his bare hands. And because of his superhero image, children may have a difficult time understanding his death, especially young ones when they still can see him on television.

Some of the issues you may want to discuss with your kids about Steve Irwin's death are:

• The need to be cautious, even with gentle creatures like stingrays.
• The importance of showing love and respect for all creatures.
• Steve's legacy and the importance of wildlife conservation

Here are some questions you may want to ask your kids:

• How did you feel when you heard the Crocodile Hunter had died?
• How do you feel about swimming in the ocean?
• Is there something that you would like to do to remember him?
• Would you like to write a letter to his wife and kids?