CRIKEY mate! Steve Irwin, crocodile hunter, dead

Human nature, eh? ::)

Steve Irwin items hit eBay
20 September 2006

Hundreds of eBay users are trying to profit from the death of Crocodile Hunter Steve Irwin.

The internet auction site has been flooded with unofficial merchandise since the wildlife expert died on September 4 when a stingray barb pierced his chest while he was filming a documentary off the Great Barrier Reef, Australia.

One user told BANG Showbiz: "It's absolutely disgusting. What kind of person would try to make money off the death of a celebrity? How would they feel if it was member of their family?

"A lot the stuff that's available is of poor quality and totally unofficial. What sort of tribute is that? It makes me sick."

The items available on eBay - which range from t-shirts and bumper stickers to DVDs and mugs - include an engraved glass and marble memorial plaque for $59.00 bearing a cross and the words: 'Steve Irwin. The Crocodile Hunter. 02-22-1962 - 09-04-2006. You Will Always Be Loved.'

Another seller is offering a mocked-up US dollar bank note bearing Steve Irwin's face for upwards of $29.

Some members of the internet auction community are trying to resell newspapers from the day Steve died. Many publication are fetching up to $20 or more.

-Bang! Showbiz

When there's a buck to be made, all kinds of things come out of the woodwork. Yeesh.