Flying Stingray Kills Woman

4 years ago Nature

A spotted eagle ray leapt out of the water Thursday and struck a 55-year old woman in the head, killing her.

flying stingray kills woman

It was not immediately clear if the woman was killed by the penetrating barb of Steve Irwin fame, or if the impact killed her.The Spotted Eagle Ray, which can grow up to 17 feet long and 500 pounds, is known for leaping out of the water and sailing through the air. The stinging spines, which can be found at the dorsal base, number from 2-6, and are used exclusively for defensive purposes. *update: one of our readers has pointed out that it was not a stingray, but a spotted eagle ray. This is technically correct*

Info from the Lexington Herald-Leader and Florida Museum of Natural History

By Ben Ray. Read more of his stuff at What's Required KY

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Written by: whatsrequired

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Comments

Old Comments

chakat says

Apr 4th, 2008 at 12am
Well u dont have to be bitch about it

chakat says

Apr 4th, 2008 at 12am
im talking to paul

Paul says

Mar 21st, 2008 at 12am
Except IT'S NOT A STINGRAY! It's an EAGLE RAY. Stingrays don't have spots, and they certainly don't have stingers.

Chris says

Mar 21st, 2008 at 12am
Paul, excuse me for the pun, but well spotted! We'll update the article. Cheers, Chris