Steve Irwin's father has spoken publicly about his son's death, describing him as his "best mate" and saying that the popularly dubbed 'Crocodile Hunter' would not want a state funeral.
Bob Irwin thanked Steve's many fans around the world for their messages of condolence, but said that the family would not be accepting a state funeral, as offered by political leaders yesterday.
Bob Irwin said: "The state funeral would be refused... because he's an ordinary guy, he's just an ordinary bloke."
Speaking about the circumstances of his son's death, he said that Steve had died doing something that he loved. "That's a lot better than getting hit by a bus. But there is no comfort for me at this stage in anything at all."
"Steve and I weren't like father and son, we never were. We were good mates. I'll remember Steve as my best mate ever," he said.
