In 2006, Steve Irwin, the celebrated wildlife expert and television personality, tragically lost his life after being stung by a stingray. The incident occurred while he was filming “Ocean’s Deadliest” on the Great Barrier Reef. His friend and photographer, Justin Lyon, who had worked with Irwin on many projects, was with him at the time and unintentionally recorded Irwin’s final moments.
The Final Moments
According to Lyon, they were filming when they noticed a large stingray approaching them. Thinking it would make for an impressive shot, they continued to record. Suddenly, the stingray struck Irwin multiple times with its tail, inflicting severe injuries. Lyon described the incident on the Australian morning show Studio 10, saying, “I had the camera and thought this was going to be a great shot.” But then, “the stingray leaned forward and stuck Steve with its tail. There were hundreds of hits in a very short time.”
The Aftermath
As the sharp blades hit Irwin’s chest, he gasped for air. Lyon recalled how they pulled Irwin back into the boat, quickly realizing the gravity of the situation. Despite the dire circumstances, Lyon urged Irwin to think about his family. “He just kind of calmly looked up at me and said, ‘I’m dying,’” Lyon remembered. Those were Irwin’s last words. Despite Lyon performing CPR for more than an hour, the efforts were in vain, and Irwin was declared dead upon the ambulance’s arrival.
The Irwin Family’s Legacy
Steve Irwin’s untimely death at the age of 44 left behind his loving wife, Terri, and their two young children, Bindi, 8, and Robert, 3. In the years following his death, the Irwin family has continued to honor his legacy through their work at the Australia Zoo. Bindi and Robert, now adults, have become prominent figures in wildlife conservation, embodying their father’s passion and dedication.
Continuing the Mission
Robert Irwin recently shared a touching moment on social media, showcasing the ongoing impact of his father’s work. He announced the arrival of the first Irwin’s Turtle (Elseya irwini) hatchling at the Australia Zoo, a species discovered by Steve Irwin. In an emotional video, Robert expressed his joy, saying, “This is one of the best moments of my whole life… This is one of the most exciting times for Australia Zoo.”
Holding a picture of his late father, he added, “All of Dad’s stories about how amazing and beautiful they are make it seem so real. Dad would be thrilled with that.” This poignant event highlights the enduring influence of Steve Irwin’s legacy and the Irwin family’s unwavering commitment to wildlife conservation.
