William Luse on the death of Steve Irwin

Mr. Luse writes what I’m sure a lot of us thought up on learning of the death of Steve Irwin, the crocodile hunter. You can read Mr. Luse’s thoughts
here.

I really enjoyed Mr. Irwin and his show. Learning of his death yesterday made the sort of put a damper on the Labor Day festivities.

He made a mistake. He misjudged the stingray, the distance between them, or his ability to react quickly. Perhaps many people think him foolish.

Yet, if we’re honest, couldn’t that just as easily be one of us driving a little too quickly, or not checking that funny noise the car has been making for a few days. Or the worst for me probably, walking around things on the steps that my children have left instead of clearing the stairs safely. I’m sure I have taken risks and chances that easily could be avoided simply because I don’t think anything will happen. And it hasn’t yet. Mr. Irwin’s death at age 44, doing something that was pretty routine and part of his daily life was kind of a reminder to me. Life is short and fragile.