I read it yesterday too, and it was really a shock. Someone so positive, so idealistic, and so obviously passionate and happy with his work simply snuffed out by a freak accident - what kind of story is that? What will happen to his wife and the kids now, who will take over the zoo, and who will stand up now as an icon of Australlian wildlife preservation (and all-round funny guy)?
Steve Irwin had a great impact, not only in his home country. Even here in Germany, Switzerland, Austria, his TV programs had a great following among kids (despite horrendous translation). Children learned that even "nasty" creatures had character, feelings, and a right to live - and that even the most dangerous predator could cause fascination and fun. Steve dusted off the old crocodile=monster paradigma, and showed that the notion of wildlife and man/animal relationship is possible. Together with Teri he presented a very modern picture of a family, and even his controversial actions (like feeding a croc wihile cradling his infant son) were symbolic and bold steps to show that man's picture of the animal kingdom still is governed by lots of presumptions.
But that's life for you. It isn't a story, even a hero like Steve can trip over a stingray and get killed, just like that. Does that make the world an evil place? No. Does it destroy all his work? No.
It simply shows that things happen, and that we must live on and learn the right things. I'm sure there are people who'd say that Steve was asking for it, that animals are evil critters anyway and that the way he led his life was lacking responsibility.
What we should learn - more, what I will try to learn - is to understand that no matter what you do, you can't buy insurance against misfortune. You can't rack up enough brownie points to lead a secure and happy life, and you won't be struck by lighntning if you're f***ing things up.
Boldness, standing in for your values, living life the way you see fit is all you can do, and the reward for that is - in any system of belief - out of this world. Down here, you'll never know when the giant piano falls out of the sky, so better do what you want to achieve. Like Steve.
(If you're offended by the rant, tough luck. I respected the man, and as this is off-topic, I saw it fit to lose a few words for him.)