"The Crocodile Hunter" Steve Irwin's Death Was Caught On Camera, The Footage Was Purposely Destroyed By Family

By Samantha in Heartbreaking On 27th January 2018
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#1 The Invincible

Growing up we all remember "The Crocodile Hunter" Steve Irwin as an important part of our childhood. As a child, we used to think Irwin was invincible, one who could tame world's deadliest animals and could befriend them in a matter of few minutes. He made us a part of his wildlife adventures and watching his show we used to wistfully wish to have courage like him.

#2 Untimely Departure

Irwin, unfortunately, tragically died in September 2006 when he was stung by a stingray in the chest while shooting an underwater documentary. Its been 12 years since his death but his absence in the wildlife shows can still be felt after all these years.

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#3 Keeping Irwin's Legacy Alive

The Australian conservationist left behind wife Terri, 53 and a son and daughter, Robert,14 and Bindi, 19. After his death, Irwin's family decided to follow his footsteps to keep his legacy alive and has decided to honor him by starting a show that will show life at the Australian Zoo in Beerwah. The show will be aired on Animal Planet this fall.

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#4 Following Their Father's Footsteps

Irwin's family recently made an appearance on "The Today Show." Discussing her father's legacy, Bindi said the family will continue to work with animals as it was an intrinsic part of the family's identity. "We do want to carry on in Dad's footsteps and make sure everything he worked so hard for continues on."

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#5 His Absence Is Still Felt Today

Talking about losing her partner, Terri says she is proud of what Irwin did for wildlife. Terri remarks its been more than 11 years but she still feels Irwin's absence, it's almost as if she lost him in the blink of an eye, "It seems it seems like it's been way more than 11 years [since Irwin's death] and in some ways the blink of an eye. It's a bizarre little time warp you get into when you're dealing with grief, but we're glad to be back."

#6 Footage Purposely Destroyed

Though it seems like Irwin's family is glad to be back in business and continue with Irwin's work, but there are still some things that they want to keep hidden away from the public. And this includes Irwin's last footage which captured his tragic death on camera. Apparently, Irwin's family has destroyed the footage so that the world can never see it.

The footage was shot when Irwin was making an underwater wildlife documentary in 2006 titled, "Ocean's Deadliest."

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#7 Irwin's Last Documentary

According to the cameraman, Justin who was the part of the project, while shooting for the show they spotted a huge 8-foot wide stingray. The group decided to follow Irwin underwater who went after the stingray. It was while shooting the video the attack happened.

#8 Justin Was Filming When The Accident Occurred

In an interview to the Los Angeles Times in 2014, Justin recalled the horrifying incident that claimed Irwin's life. Justin said, "I panned with the camera as the stingray swam away. I didn't even know it had caused any damage. It wasn't until I panned the camera back... Steve was standing in a huge pool of blood."

#9 The Video Was Deleted Immediately To Prevent It From Falling Into Wrong Hands

Queensland State Coroner Michael Barnes at the time said, "The footage has been the subject of widespread media interest and it was wholly appropriate that we took all possible steps to ensure something of such a personal and tragic nature did not fall into the wrong hands."

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#10 We miss you, Steve.

Following the attack, Justin says while holding Irwin he told him to stay strong for the sake of his kids but Irwin only responded back with one simple sentence, "I am dying." The footage was later obtained by the family and destroyed before it reached the media. Justin says, "It was shocking. It was probably always going to be something weird with Steve... it would always be a crazy, silly accident. And as it turns out that's exactly what it was."