Steve Irwin’s Family Remembers Him In Touching Tributes On 20th Anniversary Of His Death
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Wildlife conservationist and TV personality Steve Irwin tragically died on September 4, 2006. The man known as “The Crocodile Hunter” was survived by his wife, Terri, and their two children, Bindi and Robert.
Steve’s family has kept his legacy alive. They’ve continued his work at Australia Zoo and have shared his (and their) passion for conservation with the world.
This year marked the 20th anniversary of Steve Irwin’s death. His family honored him in a series of touching tributes on social media.
Terri said, “grief still walks with me like my shadow” 20 years after losing the love of her life. She recalled some of their final moments together, which were spent as a family on their annual crocodile research expedition.
Steve climbed trees and built swings with Bindi and Robert on that trip. Terri said it was as if “time slowed down,” giving them the chance to truly treasure those moments as part of a “long and sweet goodbye,” although they didn’t know it at the time.
She ended her tribute by writing:
“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.”
Steve Irwin’s Children Celebrate His Life And Legacy On The 20th Anniversary Of His Passing
Steve Irwin’s oldest child, daughter Bindi, was only eight years old when he died. Now age 28, Bindi says, “grief never truly leaves” as she has gone through life without her “superhero” dad.
Bindi acknowledged that in the midst of their grief, her family has been showered with love from those who followed her father and his work.
“I always thought that my dad’s legacy is wildlife conservation; it turns out, his legacy is love,” she wrote. “For our planet and for each other.”
Bindi continued to write about her five-year-old daughter, Grace. Although she never knew her “grandpa crocodile,” she wakes up every morning and watches his documentaries
“Dad, I love you with my whole heart,” Bindi said. “Thank you for being our guardian angel. And most of all, thank you for watching over my daughter now, too. She loves you so much. We all do.”
She shared her message alongside a moving video of Steve recalling the day of Bindi’s birth and how overjoyed he was to be a father.
Robert Irwin was two years old when Steve passed away. He is now 22, and people see so much of Steve in his appearance and personality.
On the 20th anniversary of Steve’s death, Robert shared a sweet snapshot of the two of them together, captioning it, “Your legacy is forever.“
Later, he shared another post with a clip of him and Bindi with their dad. He said:
“Thank you Dad, for showing me and the entire world what it is to truly live. 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.”
Bindi Irwin’s Husband Also Shared A Sweet Tribute To The Father-In-Law He Never Knew
Bindi met her now-husband, Chandler Powell, when he visited Australia Zoo in 2013. They kept in touch over time, and went public with their relationship in 2015.
The couple married in 2020 and welcomed their daughter, Grace, on their first anniversary in 2021.
Although Chandler never knew Steve Irwin, he always felt a connection to him. Chandler grew up as a fan of Steve’s and has shared a childhood photo of himself looking thrilled after receiving a Crocodile Hunter DVD for Christmas.
Chandler posted that picture again on the 20th anniversary of Steve’s death, captioning it:
“Steve was always someone I looked up to when I was a young boy. 20 years after his passing, his legacy is still inspiring countless people around the world. Steve gave everything to protect our planet and its animals. It is incredibly heartwarming to see Steve’s mission continuing through Terri, Bindi, Robert, and everyone at Australia Zoo. So proud and honored to be part of this amazing work.”
Bindi responded in the comments, saying, “I know Dad would have loved you.”
You can see Chandler’s tribute below. Our hearts go out to Steve’s family on this difficult day…
