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JOHN VAUSE, CNN REPORTER: For many Australians, it just doesn't seem real . . . the man who built a global reputation wrestling crocodiles and playing with deadly snakes . . who courted death with enthusiasm and a broad smile, seemed invincible.

MAN ON THE STREET: oh my god.

MAN ON THE STREET: it's an absolute tragedy what happened.

MAN ON THE STREET: he died doing what he loved, didn't he?

Even harder for many - the way he died. Swimming in shallow waters on the Great Barrier Reef, not far from the resort of Port Douglas in northern Queensland. He was filming a segment for a children's TV show he was making with his 8 year old daughter Bindy - she wasn't with him at the time. But those who were say Irwin was killed by a stingray, normally a defensive animal, which rarely attacks.

STAINTON: He came on top of the stingray and the stingray's barb went up and into his chest and put a hole into his heart. It's likely he died instantly when the barb hit him.

VAUSE: Irwin's support crew made a 30 minute dash to a nearby island and a waiting medivac chopper. But no one could save his life, making this the third known fatality in Australian waters from sting rays.

JOHN HOWARD, AUSTRALIAN PRIME MINISTER: Well I am quite shocked and distressed at Steve Irwin's sudden, untimely and freakish death. It's a huge loss to Australia. He was a wonderful character, a passionate environmentalist. He brought joy and entertainment and excitement to millions of people.

VAUSE: It's little consolation for his family, friends and admirers, but those who know him best say the man who turned "Crikey" into a catch phrase and spent a life time trying make crocodiles and snakes loveable, died doing what he loved best. John Vause CNN Brisbane, Australia