The Day the World Lost a Legend
On September 4, 2006, the world was stunned by the sudden death of Steve Irwin, the Australian wildlife conservationist best known as The Crocodile Hunter.
While filming in the Batt Reef off the coast of Queensland, Irwin was fatally injured by a stingray, dying at just 44 years old.
Despite the frantic efforts of his film crew to save him, Irwin’s wounds were too severe. He left behind his wife Terri and their two young children, Bindi and Robert, who were only 8 and 2 at the time.
Nineteen years later, his family continues to honor his legacy through the Australia Zoo and the Wildlife Warriors Foundation, protecting countless animals and educating millions about conservation.
How Did Steve Irwin Die?
At the time of his death, Irwin was filming for the documentary Ocean’s Deadliest alongside Philippe Cousteau Jr.. Due to bad weather, the crew took a break and decided to film an additional segment for his daughter Bindi’s TV show.
While snorkeling in shallow water, Irwin approached a massive stingray, a typically gentle creature. Without warning, the stingray lashed out with its tail, striking him hundreds of times in seconds.
Irwin’s longtime cameraman Justin Lyons later explained that the stingray’s barb pierced Steve’s heart and lungs, causing a two-inch wound.
“We pulled him into the boat and tried CPR for over an hour”, Cousteau recalled. “But the wound was too grievous. Steve died doing what he loved”.
Steve Irwin’s Last Words
Moments before the attack, Irwin and Lyons were planning their final shot of the day. They never expected danger.
Lyons said Irwin was conscious after being pulled onto the boat, but in excruciating pain. Despite the crew’s desperate efforts to save him, Irwin seemed to understand the severity of his injuries.
“We were saying, ‘Think of your kids, Steve, hang on!’” Lyons shared. “He looked up at me calmly and said, ‘I’m dying.’ Those were his last words.”
Out of respect, Terri Irwin later confirmed that all footage of that day was destroyed and never made public.
The World Mourns the Crocodile Hunter
News of Steve Irwin’s death spread instantly, shocking fans across the globe. Known for his fearlessness with crocodiles and snakes, few could believe that such a gentle creature had taken his life.
The Queensland Premier offered a state funeral, but the Irwin family declined. Instead, they held a private service on September 9, 2006, at the Australia Zoo, where he was laid to rest.
Later that month, a public memorial at the zoo’s Crocoseum drew over 5,000 attendees and was broadcast worldwide, reaching an estimated 300 million viewers. Tributes poured in from Russell Crowe, Cameron Diaz, Kevin Costner, and Justin Timberlake, among others.
Eight-year-old Bindi Irwin delivered a heartfelt eulogy that moved millions:
“My Daddy was my hero. He was always there for me. I miss him every day”.
Continuing Steve Irwin’s Legacy
Since 2006, Steve Irwin’s family has worked tirelessly to carry on his message of wildlife conservation and compassion.
- The Australia Zoo has expanded significantly, now hosting over one million visitors a year.
- The Wildlife Warriors Foundation, founded by Steve and Terri, continues to rescue and protect endangered animals.
- Bindi Irwin starred in Bindi the Jungle Girl and later joined her family in Crikey! It’s the Irwins.
- Robert Irwin, now an adult, promotes wildlife education globally and even competes on Dancing with the Stars.
“Dad showed the world how to live life to the fullest,” Robert said in 2025. “I just hope to keep his spirit alive and share his love for life”.
Honoring Steve Irwin Around the World
Steve Irwin’s legacy lives on far beyond television. Each year, November 15 is celebrated as Steve Irwin Day, honoring his impact on wildlife and conservation.
He has received numerous posthumous honors, including:
- A star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame (2017)
- A Queensland Greats Award (2015)
- Induction into the Queensland Business Leaders Hall of Fame
- A rare snail species named in his honor: Crikey steveirwini
“Steve worked tirelessly to promote conservation and protect endangered species”, Terri Irwin shared. “I’m sure he’d be proud to know his name continues to highlight a rare and endangered Queensland species”.
A Legacy That Will Never Die
Nineteen years after Steve Irwin’s death, the Crocodile Hunter’s passion still inspires millions to care for the planet’s wildlife.
His boundless energy, optimism, and deep respect for nature transformed global conservation — and through his family, that legacy continues to thrive.
“He didn’t just teach us about animals”, Robert said. “He taught us how to live, fearlessly and with purpose”.