He died doing what he loved; and it is indeed a tragedy.

However I can't help but find ironic the fact that he reportedly approached the stingray, apparently let down his guard and was fatally injured when, sensing danger the creatur used its only form of defense. Irwin had boasted many times about the ability to be in complete control over an animal...most notably when he came under fire two years ago for taunting a hungry crocodile while holding his infant son under one free arm.

While incredibly sad, this death ought to be a lesson that no matter how skilled and well-trained, we are NEVER completely in control over the nature of a wild animal.

Apple