Irwin's 'sick' sales

Showbiz

09:30 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 in Australia's Great Barrier Reef.

One eBay user told BANG Showbiz: "It's absolutely disgusting. What kind of person would try to make money from 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 publications are fetching up to $20 or more.

(C) BANG Media International