‘I miss him everyday’: Steve Irwin remembered 13 years on from his death

It’s been more than a decade since Steve Irwin’s life was tragically cut short, and people all over the country today are remembering the wildlife warrior, including his wife Terri and beloved daughter Bindi. The beloved father-of-two was killed in 2006 in the now infamous incident at Batt Reef, near Port Douglas, Queensland, when he was pierced through the heart by a sting ray barb while filming for TV series Ocean’s Deadliest.

The Today show led the tributes to Steve this morning posting a series of images of the late ‘Crocodile Hunter’ on social media, with the moving message: “It’s been 13 years since we said goodbye to Australia’s original wildlife warrior, Steve Irwin. There will never be anyone like the Crocodile Hunter.”

Meanwhile, Channel Nine’s 60 Minutes also paid tribute to the wildlife warrior in a moving social media post honouring his memory. Taking to Twitter, they wrote: “Our thoughts are with, in what marks 13 years since #SteveIrwin’s tragic death. #60Mins remember the Croc Hunter for his passion enthusiasm for Australian wildlife. He inspired countless people continues to through his legacy today.”

Steve’s beloved wife Terri then re-tweeted 60 Minutes’ post with a beautiful message, which read: “They say you should live each day to the fullest. Steve actually did. I miss him every day, and I am so proud to see his mission continue.”

He’s remembered as one of Australia’s most popular TV presenters and animal ‘whisperers’, but to Bindi, he was primarily a loving father and mentor. Earlier in the day, the recently engaged 21-year-old shared a touching quote from fictional character Winnie-the-Pooh to social media. It read: “If there ever comes a day when we can’t be together, keep me in your heart, I’ll stay there forever.”

Australia Zoo, a family business which Steve and Terri ran together, also honoured the late wildlife warrior with a sweet image of Steve posing alongside his beautiful family Terri, Bindi and Robert. “Father, husband, Wildlife Warrior,” the image caption read.

Many fans have also paid tribute to Steve on social media, with many remembering him as a “hero” and a “bloody good bloke”. “He is irreplaceable. My absolute hero. You are missed Steve,” one person wrote. Another added: “One of, if not, the saddest day in Australia when we heard the news of Steve’s death… what a legend, hero, father, husband and a bloody good bloke… RIP Steve. We all miss you mate.”

While a third wrote: “His death is still unreal to all of us as I am sure it is to you. While I can’t know your pain, know that every time I see Bindi or Robert on the TV, a smile is brought to my face because Steve is smiling on down! He is so missed!”

It comes a few days after Bindi uploaded a throwback video to Instagram for Father’s Day. The 21-year-old wrote a touching message to accompany the short clip, encouraging fans to “remember that love lasts forever”.

“It’s Father’s Day here in Australia,” she captioned the post. “Reflecting on these wonderful moments. Hug the people in your life who bring light to your heart and always remember that love lasts forever.”

At the time, many fans were quick to comment, with one writing: “Awwww this is the sweetest! Your father’s love and light and passion shine so brightly through you!” Another added: “Your dad was like our long lost uncle lol I’m sure you’ve heard this a million times but he will always have a special place in our hearts whether we knew him or not. Growing up he was apart of our lives daily.”