Steve Irwin - 來自動物星球頻道的聲明 - 探索頻道

Discovery Communications, Inc. Mourns Tragic Loss of Steve Irwin


Statement from Billy Campbell, President, Discovery Networks,
U.S. Discovery Communications, Inc.


Our entire company is deeply saddened by the tragic and sudden loss of
Steve Irwin, the Crocodile Hunter. Steve was beloved by millions of fans
and animal lovers around the world and was one of our planet's most
passionate conservationists. He has graced our air since October 1996 and
was essential in building Animal Planet into a global brand.


Steve was killed during a filming expedition on the Great Barrier Reef.
While we are still collecting specific details, it was a rare accident
in which Steve swam over a stingray and was stung by its barb in his chest.
A doctor on board Croc One, Steve's research vessel, was unable to
resuscitate Steve and by the time he was reached by the rescue helicopter
he had passed away.


DCI Founder and Chairman, John Hendricks said, "Steve was a larger than
life force. He brought joy and learning about the natural world to millions
and millions of people across the globe. He was a true friend to all of us
at Discovery Communications. We extend our thoughts and prayers to Terri,
Bindi and Bob Irwin as well as to the incredible staff and many friends
Steve leaves behind."


DCI CEO and President, Judith McHale said, "I don't think we will ever
get over the loss of Steve Irwin, a human being of enormous heart,
irrepressible enthusiasm and dedication to everything he touched."


Steve's loss has been felt around the world, evident by the hundreds of
heartfelt condolences that have already flooded into Steve's fan site on
AnimalPlanet.com.


To honor Steve and the enormous contribution he made to the world and
to our company, DCI will rename the garden space in front of Discovery's
world headquarters in Silver Spring, Maryland, the "Steve Irwin Memorial
Sensory Garden."


DCI is looking at the creation of the Steve Irwin Crocodile Hunter Fund,
which we'll affectionately call "The Crikey Fund" to honor Steve's passion
and exuberance for conservation and the animal kingdom. This fund will
allow people from across the globe to make contributions in Steve's honor
to support wildlife protection, education and conservation. The fund
in addition to contributions by DCI will also aid Steve's Australia Zoo
in Breewah, Australia as well as educational support for Bindi and Bob
Irwin.


Right now, our focus is on Terri and the children. We will keep you
informed as plans unfold to pay tribute to our beloved Steve Irwin.


http://animal.discovery.com/fansites/crochunter/steve/statement.html



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