The last minute decision led to his untimely death
Steve, a world-renowned conservationist and television icon, passed away in 2006 after a stingray’s barb pierced his chest.
Justin Lyon, who had been a trusted crew member and had worked alongside Steve for the majority of his career, was present during this tragic event.
He recounted how they had been out recording when they spotted a massive stingray swimming toward them.
Seeing this as an opportunity, they decided to film the creature.
Tragically, this decision led to the fatal encounter.
“But all of a sudden the stingray propped on its front and started stabbing Steve with its tail. There were hundreds of strikes within just a few seconds.”
The rapid and relentless strikes from the stingray inflicted severe injuries, with one barb puncturing Steve’s chest, leaving him gasping for air.
Despite the gravity of the situation, Steve remained aware of what was happening to him.
He recalled Steve’s calm and profound response: “He just sort of calmly looked up at me and said, ‘I’m dying’.”
“I did CPR on him for over an hour before the medics came, but then they pronounced him dead within 10 seconds of looking at him.”
Steve Irwin, at the age of 44, left behind his devoted wife, Terri, and their two children, Bindi and Robert, just eight and three at the time.
Robert, reflecting on his father’s contributions, recently announced that a turtle species discovered by Steve would be joining the Australia Zoo.
Steve’s legacy lives on through his family and their unwavering dedication to wildlife conservation.
