Steve Irwin Died 20 Years Ago Today: Bindi and Robert Irwin Pay Tribute to the Crocodile Hunter
Steve Irwin died on September 4, 2006, after a stingray injured him while he was filming in Queensland. On the 20th anniversary of his death, his children Bindi and Robert Irwin have shared tributes to their father.
Steve Irwin, the Australian wildlife expert and television star known around the world as the “Crocodile Hunter,” died 20 years ago on September 4, 2006.
Irwin was 44 when he was fatally injured by a stingray while filming an underwater documentary near Queensland’s Great Barrier Reef. His death shocked fans around the world and ended the life of one of television’s most recognizable wildlife personalities.
On September 4, 2026, the anniversary of his death, attention has once again turned to Irwin and the family he left behind.
Bindi Irwin Pays Tribute to Her Father
Steve Irwin’s daughter Bindi Irwin shared an emotional tribute marking two decades since her father’s death.
Bindi wrote about the lasting impact of losing Steve and described the continuing grief of growing up without him. She also reflected on the way his memory remains part of her family and his work.
A post shared on social media said:
“my brother and I lost the greatest dad.”
Bindi has continued the wildlife and conservation work associated with her father and remains closely involved with Australia Zoo.
Robert Irwin Also Remembers Steve
Steve’s son Robert Irwin also paid tribute to his father on the 20th anniversary.
Robert was only two years old when Steve died. He has since followed his father into the world of wildlife, becoming known for his work as a photographer, television personality and conservationist.
The anniversary has brought renewed attention to the relationship between Steve and his children, who have continued to keep his passion for animals at the center of their own careers.
How Did Steve Irwin Die?
Steve Irwin died on September 4, 2006, while filming Ocean’s Deadliest in waters near Batt Reef in Queensland.
During an underwater filming session, a stingray struck Irwin with its barb. The injury caused fatal damage to his heart.
Irwin had spent much of his career working closely with wild animals, but his death came unexpectedly while he was filming for a documentary project.
He was 44 years old.
Who Was Steve Irwin?
Born Stephen Robert Irwin on February 22, 1962, Steve grew up around reptiles and wildlife in Queensland.
His parents, Bob and Lyn Irwin, operated a reptile park, where Steve developed his lifelong interest in animals. He eventually took over the park and renamed it Australia Zoo.
His international breakthrough came through The Crocodile Hunter, the wildlife television series he hosted with his wife, Terri Irwin.
The program turned Irwin into a global star. His energetic personality, Australian accent, khaki clothing and famous “Crikey!” catchphrase became closely associated with wildlife television.
The Crocodile Hunter Became a Global Phenomenon
The Crocodile Hunter began airing in Australia in the 1990s before reaching audiences in the United States, United Kingdom and other countries.
Irwin’s approach was unusual. Rather than presenting wildlife from a distance, he often got extremely close to animals and used his excitement to educate viewers about them.
The show helped introduce millions of people to crocodiles, snakes and other wildlife while promoting the importance of conservation.
Irwin also appeared in other television projects, documentaries and the 2002 film The Crocodile Hunter: Collision Course.
His Family Continued His Work
Steve Irwin’s death did not end the family’s involvement in wildlife conservation.
His wife, Terri Irwin, and their children Bindi and Robert continued working at Australia Zoo and supporting wildlife conservation and rescue efforts.
Bindi and Robert have also developed their own careers in television and wildlife, keeping their father’s work visible to a new generation.
That has become one of the most significant parts of Steve Irwin’s legacy: his children are now adults carrying forward the passion for wildlife that defined their father’s public life.
20 Years After Steve Irwin’s Death
September 4, 2026, marks 20 years since Steve Irwin died.
For fans who grew up watching The Crocodile Hunter, the anniversary has brought back memories of the television personality whose enthusiasm for animals made him internationally famous.
For Bindi and Robert Irwin, however, the date carries a much more personal meaning.
Two decades after Steve’s death, his children continue to work with wildlife and conservation while keeping his memory alive through their own lives and careers.
Steve Irwin may have died on September 4, 2006, but the work he built around wildlife, conservation and education continues through the family and Australia Zoo.
