Television personality and environmentalist Steve Irwin has died in a marine accident in north Queensland, state government sources say.

The 44-year-old is believed to have been killed by a stingray barb that went through his chest, the sources said.

He was filming an underwater documentary off Port Douglas when the accident occurred.

Mr Irwin’s body was being flown to Cairns by helicopter.

News.com.au: Crocodile Hunter Steve Irwin dead

Condolences to his family, this will be hard for them, especially with how the media will swoop on them.  You can leave a tribute on the ABC Forums.  Google Maps image of where he was.

Other reports:

• SMH: Crocodile man reported dead
• Courier-Mail: Steve Irwin dead
• ABC: Steve Irwin dead
• Go Man Go: Steve Irwin – simply the best

tags: Crocodile Hunter, Steve Irwin, TV