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(CNN) -- We asked readers for their reaction to the death of Steve Irwin, the Australian TV presenter known as the "Crocodile Hunter," who died after being stung by a stingray. We received thousands of replies. The following are a selection, some of which have been edited:

My preschool grandchildren had always thought wild animals were merely something to fear and avoid. They learned from Steve that the natural world does hold danger but also provides precious gifts to us all. They now know that this world is meant to be shared by all living creatures. Go in peace, Steve.
Winter Patterson, Mason, Ohio

I can't believe that Steve is gone. This man is my idol, my hero. I remember being glued to the TV watching "The Crocodile Hunter." I remember how amazed I was at all the adventures he had shared with us. I love the show so much, I'd watch the reruns over and over again (and still laugh at all his jokes). I know that Steve is in a better place now, but I can't help but miss him, his humor, his courage and his dedication for preserving the wildlife. He will forever be remembered. Rest in peace, Steve Irwin.
Pantila Thotrakul, Bangkok, Thailand

I had to tell my 9-year-old daughter that Steve Irwin died, and I knew it would be hard on her because she loved him and watched all his shows. She asked how his wife and kids were, and then she said: "Mom, he was my role model. He made me not be afraid of the snakes in our backyard." What is funny about that is she has been catching snakes for years, and we never knew she had a fear of them. We just thought she was a tough girl. She is very upset by Steve's passing and very concerned for his family, but Steve gave her the gift of not fearing snakes! I'm sure he's educated a whole generation of little girls not to fear snakes. Thank you!
Eva Raymond, Orchard Park, New York

Like Jacques Cousteau before him, Steve Irwin brought a fascination for wildlife to an entire generation of children. My daughter has grown up watching his adventures and is truly fascinated with all animals. She sees the beauty in the natural process of the earth. Steve helped her develop this love and respect for nature, and for that we all are better and the world is a better place for Steve. We will all mourn his loss. And all the animals on the planet are a bit better off for his presence.
Jay Keim, Lawrence, Kansas

I was shocked when I heard the news today. I feel like I lost my brother or one of my family members. I enjoy watching his movies. I share his family's sadness, but I tell them now, he'll be alive between us by his smile, and by his work. I'll pray for him. God bless him.
Mohamed Ismail, St. Petersburg, Florida

First, my condolences to his family. He went way too young, in his prime, doing what he was known for. He could make you gasp at the danger and laugh with the next breath. A two-fisted lover of life. He will be missed by millions of people who never met him but always wished him well.
S. Silva, Phoenix, Arizona

I cried and shouted "Oh No!" when I saw the news on the Internet this morning. I do not know what else to say that has not already been said by so many, but I still must speak for myself. I want to say to Steve's family and friends that my most thoughtful prayers go out to you. Steve gave us so much education and fun, and indeed as someone said in another message, GOD needed another great angel, and he was there. He will indeed continue to rescue the crocs that need it under GOD's supervision! Love and Peace to all of you. Crikey, I miss him so much already.
Tina Treece, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

I will miss Steve because he made me laugh so many times. When I hear the phrase "ah crikey," Steve comes to mind. From when I was five till I was nine years old, Steve was my idol. I had his tee shirts, his hats and all of his movies. I am very sorry that this had to happen to such a great man. I wish I could attend his funeral, but I cant which makes me feel bad. I will be at the Australia Zoo in the next year. What makes me remember him most is that he seemed fearless, but he is really not. My favorite phrase is "crocs rule". GOD BLESS
Alex Martin, Shreveport, Louisiana

We are absolutely stunned. This is what I call a mustang gut kick. I had no idea the effect of your effort and cause would have on my family and me. I can unequivocally say your efforts were not in vain. You brought a soft but energetic conscience to this planet. This nation is in mourning for you our Australian brother and our prayers are with your family. Your legacy will live on and any man would be proud to leave such a legacy. I just wish I could have shared a Fosters with you like millions of others. Your work and passion will live forever my friend. God Speed Steve Irwin.
W. A. Howell, Alta Loma, California

This is a devastating news for all the wildlife loving community. I have been viewing and learning from him since so many years. I remember me and my friends gathering at my place and sitting in front of the telly just to see his daring antics. He was not a "Hunter" but a lover, a lover of nature and it's beautiful gifts. I give my emotional support and regards for his beautiful wife and their beautiful daughter.
Nishant Dass, Mumbai, India

As we watched the news this morning we could not believe our ears, it was only yesterday we were watching Steve on the crocodile hunter diaries yesterday here in the UK. Our hearts go out to his family and friends, he was such an amazing person!! An absolute legend!! He will be missed by millions worldwide and never forgotten.
Jay Dudley, Bristol, UK

Steve grasped his life by both hands and had a close relationship with nature. His passion for wildlife, shared by millions, transcended barriers between human beings. In the end, nature took him back and now the world misses a good man.
Serge Bovy, Corsica, France

Stevie mate, you're a legend here in 'stralia. You will forever be missed and we will never forget you mate -- you have entertained us for so long and have been the best at what you've done all this time. You made us proud to be Australians and were a great person. Taa mate.
Hitesh Hiranandani, Melbourne, Australia

Steve "the crocodile hunter" was a great man. I love all his documentaries. I love his wild and crazy attitude. The way he worked with animals was amazing, most especially those crocs. He will be greatly missed. and I won't ever forget him. My condolences to his beloved wife, daughter, and family.
Chiara Sgambelluri, Piti, Guam

We loved Steve Irwin. Not just fascinating to watch but also to hear the respect he had for God's creatures. We hope his legacy in conservation lives on so that generations to come may know these creatures. He will be greatly missed!
Anita Ingle, U.S.

My deepest heartfelt condolences go out to Teri and her beautiful children for their loss. This amazing man gave nature to us in such an enjoyable way. He will be greatly missed.
Nicole Coxon, Fife, Scotland

Wow, what a way to go. Good On You Steve. No lingering death in an old aged persons home. If I have to die then that's how I'd want to go.
Mehmet Tahir, London, UK

I am sorry about Steve Irwin's untimely death, mostly for his family. There is much to learn from the saying: "Too close for comfort" and I hope this stands as an example that one should be wary when invading nature's boundaries. He took chances to call attention, to put the crocs and snakes on the "map" and in doing it so often, perhaps he forgot he was the outsider. At least he died doing what he believed in.
Isabelle Branco, Lisbon, Portugal

Steve had a great impact on the youth of the world bringing animals and their plight to millions. He will truly be missed as a great contributor to ecology and to mankind.
Dennis Schopper, Kuala Lumpur

My thoughts firstly go to Terri, Bindi, Bob and family. What a tragic loss to the world. My son grew up watching Steve and his family. James my son always wanted to meet Steve, and said when he was older he was going to meet him. That dream will never come about now but Steve's programs will live on. I'm sure Bind will continue with her father's great work, as she is very like him and has a passion for all animals just like her daddy her wonderful daddy. May his memories continue through his family. No words can say enough.
Lorraine, Dunbar, Scotland

Whenever I was little and anybody asked me what I wanted to do when I grew up, I always gave the same answer. I said "I want to be Steve Irwin." When I heard the news Sunday night I was deeply saddened and cried over the death of someone I had never met. His passion and enthusiasm for wildlife truly inspired me, as well as millions of others. The world is a much better place for having Steve Irwin on it. His great personality and quirky mannerisms made learning about wildlife enjoyable as well as informative. Though he is gone, he will never be forgotten. He will be remembered as a fierce fighter for the environment and a true pioneer in educating people all over the world about things they would never normally learn. His death has sadden the millions of people who never met him, but now wish they had. My prayers go out to Terry and his children, as well as anyone else who knew him.
Jeremy Morris, Texas, U.S.

I am deeply shocked when I heard this on the radio this morning. My thoughts are with his family and children, they must be so emotional. I do think Steve was a great man and I certainly will miss the entertainment he gave to myself and my family. God bless him.
Daniela Massa, Leighton Buzzard, UK

Steve Irwin helps me to teach my son how beautiful is the nature and that we have to respect the animals in their world. Ciao Steve.
Giorgio Besana, Milan, Indiana, U.S.

Steve Irwin was to me a hero. He lived and died for wildlife. His work was his passion and we could all see and feel it. Steve will be missed and we hope that his family will carry through his passion for wild life. To Terri: You will now go through the hardest things in life, to lose a husband. I want you to remember that he died while doing what he loved the most and I think is was the best way for him to leave. I hope that you someday will find happiness again. To Bindi and Bob: To lose a father is something a child should never go through, but to day God needed a new angel and he just wanted the best. Remember your dad will always be in your heart.
Line Lund-Hansen, Odense, Denmark

We are sad on Guam to learn of Steve Irwin's untimely passing. In an age when the world needs heroes, and strong decisive leadership, in politics or in teaching us about how to live life to its fullest, Steve's passing leaves a void in the hearts of billions across the face of the planet. He was a global icon for life, for living in partnership with nature. Crikey, I am going to miss that Aussie. A great human being. God Bless his family.
Bart Lawrence, Barrigada, Guam

The world has lost one of the greatest environmentalists. Please except my deepest sympathy. Terri, Bindi, and Bob; Steve was such a vivid personality that he will not be forgotten and his hard work and dedication to his "cause" will be seen for many years. My thoughts and prayers will be for you and they crew at the zoo, as I am sure Steve is in the other world wrangling crocs just for the heck of it and having a heck of a good time!
Emily Groner, Pittsfield, U.S.

Our family is sad beyond belief at your loss. Our young family grew up watching Steve care for his monstrous charges with love and respect. The world has lost a hero and a humanitarian of the animal kingdom whose lessons instructed us in caring for all creatures, big and small. We send out love and support to Linda and her children.
Brian Thurston, Vancouver, Canada

I really respect this guy for what he did. He was a great human. He was never scared of crocs. We will miss him. May his soul rest in peace.
Rupen Ghosh, Delhi, India

The entire world has lost a truly great man. He didn't stop wars, or invent new machines. What he did was teach all of us the world to learn how to love crocs! The way he approached all of the residents of his parks gave all of us a great appreciation of how to co- exist with all of mother natures creatures. His sense of dignity was very real! For his children, they have lost a dad that made children of all of us. I am so very sorry for your loss!
Harvey Salinger, Reno, U.S.

Unfortunately when I logged on I had to cry when I found out about the death of Steve Irwin. He was too young too die and I wish this didn't happen. I loved his work and understood he did some things that were too extreme, but hey he was the best of them all and we all will never forget the love and energy he brought through his work. May his memory ride through the centuries for what he loved and did for this earth. God bless his family and I wish them peace during this sad time. I do remember the love he had for his father and dedicated his works for him. What a man.
Mechille Stoof, Vianen, Netherlands

Steve Irwin was as crazy as they come...a real daredevil; an Aussie cowboy. His antics always captivated audiences, left them shocked, and at times spell-bound in the way he handled some of the world's most dangerous creatures. Through his actions Steve not only got people interested in wildlife, but also in the importance of its conservation. To most of us he appeared immortal, always one step ahead of every animal he encountered. It is a real tragedy that Steve was killed by one of the very animals he served to protect. He will always be remembered as a true legend, a one in a million. He will remain immortal in our hearts forever. RIP Steve.
Ashwin Prabhu, Auckland, New Zealand

My thought and prayers go out to Steve Irwin's family. Steve used his humor and intense love of all creatures to give millions a new perspective of wildlife. My family loved to watch his show and Steve and his crew inspired my nine year old daughter to dream of working with animals one day. He will be sorely missed but he will never be forgotten.
Stephany Leistritz, Texas, U.S.

The world is a better place because of Steve. He worked to enlighten our lives and educate us about wildlife. I'm sure he helped many overcome fears. If we apply Steve's approach to understanding animals to understanding one another, the World would be a better place. My prayers are with his wife and 3 children.
Charles Johnson, Atlanta, U.S.

I am so shocked to hear of the death of Steve Irwin, the Crocodile Hunter. His infectious personality and vigor for all life on this planet has inspired millions worldwide, including myself. I will always remember him for his passion, love and enthusiasm. My sympathies go out to his wife Terri, his two young children, and all his friends and family. Rest in peace, dear Steve, knowing that you have touched millions of hearts.
Lindsey Reeveswhit, Ottawa, Canada

I believe that Steve Irwin was the bravest fighter not only for preserving wildlife but for people to realize what it means to be in control, never missing, never mistaking and he truly showed us what it means to fight for something that keeps us alive, our Planet. Thank you Steve.
Venig Andreea, Oradea, Romania

So much heart felt sadness will be felt at the loss of such a special unique man. To find my eleven year old son and his friends all sending messages on their msm, which read ...." add a turtle to each message you send in a show of respect to the loss of Steve Irwin." I realized just how many people young and old he touched and educated, with humor, integrity and intelligence. He was truly a gentleman as strong as an ox, in generosity, in spirit, in humanity, yet so humble . Honestly what a role model we have lost. A man who can cradle a crock, love a spider, cuddle a snake, adore his family, respect his wife, make money and give it back to our planet. What an incredible gift he was to us all. Many will feel this loss, and I hope in any little way help in his quest to care for our world and in it all creatures great and small. Certainly a man who prioritized and recognized what was needed a lot more in this world.
Cathy Barker, Melbourne, Australia

Steve Irwin's death came as a shock to all of us. My eight year old son Martin loved the "Crocodile Hunter" so much that breaking the news of Steve's death to him today was one of the most difficult things I had to do. Steve has definitely had a large influence on my son's affection for all animals large and small.
Bong Poh Yuk, Kuala Belait, Brunei