Steve Irwin killed while filming

Known throughout the globe as the Crocodile Hunter, Steve Irwin, the larger-than-life television and film star and conservationist and owner of the Australia Zoo wildlife park on the Sunshine Coast has been tragically killed whilst filming on the Great Barrier Reef.

Steve Irwin was filming in North Queensland when he was stung by a stingray in the chest.

The 44-year-old collapsed and attempts to revive him were unsuccessful. He was filming at Batt Reef, near Port Douglas, a popular tourist resort destination, when the incident occurred about 11 a.m. today, the Queensland Police Service said in an e-mailed statement.

Stingrays are generally considered peaceful creatures, and will only attack in self-defence if they feel threatened