Famously known across the world as “The Crocodile Hunter”, Steve Irwin’s life was tragically cut short at the age of 44 when he was pierced in the chest by a venomous stingray during the filming of his final documentary, Oceans Deadliest. Irwin was survived by his wife Terri, daughter Brandi and son Robert.
Last week, the Irwin family shared a letter never before released to the public. It was penned by Steve and addressed to his parents more than a decade before his death. In the letter, Steve describes the feeling of self-realization and credits this thanks to his parents in helping him achieve that.
“Probably one of the most unfortunate things in a ‘Bloke’s Life’ is that it takes over 30 years to realize how essential you have been to build my character, my ethics and, most importantly, my HAPPINESS,” Steve wrote. “At 32, I am finally starting to figure it out. In good times and in bad, you were there. Your strength and endurance to raise me will not go unrewarded.”
The remarkable legacy that Steve left behind is meaningful towards the unity between humans and the world’s various lifeforms: Reptiles, mammals, amphibians, and sea creatures. He brought any curious viewer from across the world up close in front of the wilderness and in front of different creatures that inhabit the Earth. Perhaps the most unique species during Irwin’s tenure on the Animal Planet and during live performances was Steve himself. His enthusiasm for the wilderness was more important to the viewer than the creatures that were show’s subjects.
Steve’s manager John Stainton described Irwin as being ‘larger than life’ and a great family man who’d be so proud of his children if he were still alive to have seen them grow up.
“We had been friends for years and we led an incredible life where we had been filming for more than 15 years all over the world,” Stainton said. “We were really good mates and absolutely enjoyed what we did together.”
He described the last decade as a lost decade and that people became more aware of what they were missing out on from Steve.
Irwin’s family including various celebrities took to social media in remembrance of the Aussie.
Happy Father's Day Australia. Hug your dad. pic.twitter.com/8IASLcKruS
— Terri Irwin (@TerriIrwin) September 4, 2016
You'll be my hero for my entire existence. I love you more than words can describe. pic.twitter.com/R9OUzGWUwO
— Bindi Irwin (@BindiIrwin) September 3, 2016
10 years ago today..
Steve Irwin passed away. Terri, Bindi and Robert are a testament to the love you embodied mate, happy Father's Day— Russell Crowe (@russellcrowe) September 4, 2016
