Florida Woman Killed In Freak Sting Ray Incident

MARATHON, Fla. (CBS) ― Officials in Florida are investigating a bizarre death.

Jorge Pino, with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, said a woman was on a boat with her family off Marathon when an Eagle Ray jumped out of the water next to the vessel. The animal struck the woman who fell backward and suffered a severe head trauma, reported CBS station WFOR-TV in Miami.

Initial reports said the animal's sharp defensive barb, located near the base of its tail, had lodged in the woman's neck.

The woman died before help could arrive.

The incident is eerily reminiscent of the death of Steve Irwin, better known as television's "Crocodile Hunter