Is this in bad taste?

Question

Let me start by saying I absolutely adored Steve Irwin as a child. He was my idol. I never missed an episode of Crocodile Hunter. I wanted to be just like him. I was about to turn 10 when he died.
Fast forward to now, and I’ve started a tiny sewing business. I bought a stuffed animal stingray pattern, and they’re so cute. I thought it would be a great way to honor him. I thought I could run a promo the week of his birthday, where I include a free stuffed stingray with every purchase.
My husband pointed out that it might be taken badly. I mean it with respect, but I definitely see his point. So I want your opinion... would a “in memorial of Steve Irwin, free stuffed stingray with purchase” be distasteful? The last thing I want to do is offend someone. 
Thank you in advance for replies

Accepted Answer

Considering he died from a stingray I’d say it’s in bad taste. A gator would be a lot more suitable as a tribute. The stingrays are cute and I’d definitely say sell them, but not as a tribute to Steve Irwin. You generally don’t pay tribute to someone by promoting the thing that killed them.

Answer

if it was like a crocodile that would be nice but it the thing that killed him..

Answer

Yeah this is in terrible taste. Honestly instead of spending money to send something your customers didn’t order I’d donate a portion of your proceeds for sales during that week to some animal non profit. Don’t waste your money on a stuffed animal.

Answer

I’d do a crocodile though since he was the crocodile hunter

Answer

Followup: what are some other products (maybe crocodile related?) I could offer for a promo instead? I can’t do a stuffed animal crocodile. It can’t be very expensive (like a T-shirt) either, since I have basically no profit margin. I only make back what I spend on fabric, plus about $3 per hour of work

Answer

I like the idea of donating money to a Steve irwin related charity. Like maybe you should sell the sting rays instead and donate money for each ray sold.

Answer

Side note...Steve could have survived but he chose to save the animal over himself.

Answer

Thanks for the responses everyone. I meant this idea to be a sign of respect, but I see now that it isn’t appropriate. I’ve gotten many wonderful suggestions, and you all have inspired me to attempt to create a stuffed crocodile pattern. If I am successful, I would like to donate a portion of the proceeds to an animal-related charity... perhaps Steve Irwin’s, or maybe a big cat sanctuary (I used to dream of operating a big cat rehab facility... I dream I never pursued).
Thank you all for your input, and thank you for your kindness. I sometimes struggle to realize what is and isn’t appropriate, so you all have been incredibly helpful and compassionate

Answer

That's bad taste.
You should do his favorite animal saltwater crocodile

Answer

Omg no. That’s what killed it. I’d say an alligator or crocodile!

Is this in bad taste?

Let’s Glow

Glow is here for you on your path to pregnancy

25+ million

4.8 stars

20+

Getting Pregnant

Pregnancy

1st Year (Baby & You)

Baby Products