“Grief still walks with me like my shadow,” Terri shared on Instagram
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NEED TO KNOW
- Terri Irwin shared a heartfelt tribute reflecting on her family’s final moments with her late husband Steve Irwin before his tragic death
- Steve children, Bindi and Robert Irwin, also honored their father with touching posts about his legacy and impact
- The Crocodile Hunter star became a global icon for wildlife conservation and his work with Australia Zoo
Two decades after the tragic death of Steve Irwin, his loved ones have not forgotten him or his legacy.
The Irwin family shared tributes to the wildlife conservationist who died on Sept. 4, 2006 following a freak stingray accident. Terri Irwin, Steve’s beloved wife, shared an emotional post to Instagram, remembering her late husband.
“After 20 years, grief still walks with me like my shadow,” Terri wrote. “With the passing of time I have gained more perspective and understanding.”
Credit: David Livingston/Getty
Terri also shared a peek into the family’s final moments with Steve before his untimely death.
“We were together as a family, on our crocodile research expedition, for what was to be our final six weeks together. Ours was to be a long and sweet goodbye,” Terri recalled. “Steve spent time with Bindi and Robert building swings and climbing trees. We all slowed down. Time slowed down. I believe that all of us, every one of us, gets to say goodbye. We just may not know that we’re saying it. Hold every moment dear with the ones you love. Until we meet again.❤️”
Bindi, 28, commented on her mom’s post, writing, “I love you so much, Mum. ❤️ You are the strongest woman I know.”
Steve was 44 when he died after a stingray pierced his chest while he was filming the documentary Ocean’s Deadliest at Batt Reef off the coast of Australia.
The wildlife advocate became a global phenomenon as the host of The Crocodile Hunter, which premiered in 1996 and followed him and his wife, Terri, as they ran their wildlife refuge, Australia Zoo.
Both Bindi and Robert also paid tribute to their father in touching social media posts.
“Thank you Dad, for showing me and the entire world what it is to truly live,” Robert, 22, captioned a montage video of his larger-than-life dad. “To lead with empathy, to treat every living being how you’d wish to be treated, and to be passionate in everything you do. Your mission and light lives on always.”
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Bindi, now a mother herself, posted a touching video of Steve animatedly describing her birth.
“20 years ago, today, the world lost the most passionate and dedicated wildlife conservationist. Our family lost our superhero,” Bindi wrote. “My mum lost the love of her life; my brother and I lost the greatest dad. Grief never truly leaves us; we walk alongside it every day. Where there is enormous grief, there is even greater love.”
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