It has been almost 12 years since the world lost the legendary Steve Irwin, better known as “The Crocodile Hunter”. His untimely death at a young age left many in shock and mourning. Recently, in an emotional interview on the Australian television series “Anh’s Brush With Fame,” his wife Terri Irwin revealed a heartbreaking secret.
Terri, now 53 years old, appeared on the show to promote her advocacy as an anti-culling campaigner. However, the discussion quickly turned to her late husband. She spoke passionately about how Steve always had a sense that his life would be cut short. “He never thought he’d have a long life,” Terri shared. It is a tragic realization that Steve’s premonition turned out to be true.
On that fateful day in 2006, Steve was filming “Ocean’s Deadliest” in Queensland, Australia when a stingray pierced him in the chest with its barb. Terri was notified of the incident, and she vividly remembers the overwhelming grief she felt when she had to break the news to their two children, Bindi and Robert. “I just remember this incredible sense of responsibility… ‘what do I do next?’… which was really hard,” she recalls.
The last time Terri saw her beloved husband was at the airstrip, where he waved goodbye as she and the children flew to Tasmania. Little did she know it would be their final farewell. The grief of losing Steve still weighs heavily on her even after 11 years. Terri tearfully says, “Every day it’s difficult… the grief goes from being a rock in your heart to walking beside you.”
Despite the immense sadness, Terri acknowledges that she is grateful to have had her “happily ever after” with Steve. She confesses that she still misses him constantly. Steve’s death was a shock to everyone who knew him, and Terri believes that even he would have been surprised by the outpouring of grief and love from people worldwide.
One of the reasons why Steve was so beloved was his down-to-earth nature and humility. Terri cherishes the fact that fame never got to his head. “Famous wasn’t a word that occurred to Steve,” she says. She takes pride in the fact that they dedicated everything they made to wildlife conservation, preserving Steve’s incredible legacy.
While the pain of Steve’s loss will always be there, Terri, Bindi, and Robert are committed to carrying on his love for wildlife. They have become passionate wildlife enthusiasts themselves, just like their father. As the world reflects on the life of Steve Irwin and the impact he had, we can find solace in knowing that his family is continuing his legacy and ensuring that his work continues to inspire generations to come.
