Private Funeral For 'Crocodile Hunter'

"Crocodile Hunter" Steve Irwin's family has decided on a private funeral for the popular television star, to be held within a week. The public will have its chance at a memorial service within two weeks, with thousands expected to attend.

The 44-year-old Irwin died Monday after being killed by a stingray on the Great Barrier Reef.

In a short statement Thursday, Bob Irwin said family and "closest friends" would attend the private service, confirming that the "generous government offer" of a state funeral had been turned down.

No details were given on the possible location for a public memorial, although the Irwin family's 60-acre Australia Zoo and a 52,000-seat sports stadium in the nearby state capital of Brisbane have been mentioned.

The elder Irwin said Wednesday that his son would not have wanted a formal state funeral because "he's an ordinary guy, and he wants to be remembered as an ordinary bloke."

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