Terri Irwin is marking two decades since the tragic death of her husband, Steve Irwin, and reflecting on the enduring nature of grief.
On Friday, September 4, which marked the 20th anniversary of his passing, Terri, 62, posted on Instagram about her continued struggles. "After 20 years, grief still walks with me like my shadow," she wrote. She shared a throwback photo of Irwin with a reptile, noting that while time has provided perspective, the loss remains a constant presence.
Irwin died on September 4, 2006, in a freak accident while filming the documentary "Ocean's Deadliest." While snorkeling at Batt Reef off the coast of Australia, he was struck in the chest by a stingray's barb, which pierced his heart. Despite immediate efforts by his crew to administer CPR, the injury proved fatal. Irwin was 44 years old at the time of his death.
Terri also recalled the last extended period the family spent together before the accident. "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," she remembered. She described how Steve spent this time with their children, Bindi and Robert, engaging in activities like building swings and climbing trees, emphasizing a period of slowing down and cherishing moments together.
Terri has not remarried and has previously stated her intention not to find another partner, despite persistent rumors. She has addressed speculation linking her to figures like Paul Hogan, Hulk Hogan, Russell Crowe, and Richard Wilkins, denying any romantic involvement. In a 2021 interview, she called Russell Crowe, a close friend of Steve's, the most flattering person to be linked with, but maintained her commitment to her late husband. In 2024, she told Us Weekly, "I totally got my happily ever after. And while there are a lot of wonderful men in the world, can you see another Steve Irwin? I just can't."
Their children, Bindi and Robert, also paid tribute to their father on the anniversary. Bindi, 28, called her mother "the strongest woman I know" in the comments of Terri's post. She shared a video of Irwin discussing her birth and wrote, "20 years ago, today, the world lost the most passionate and dedicated wildlife conservationist. Our family lost our superhero." She added, "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."
Robert, 22, shared a video montage of his father, expressing gratitude for the lessons learned. "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," he stated.
Steve and Terri Irwin built Australia Zoo and their conservation empire by merging a reptile park founded by Steve's parents in 1970 with television fame. "The Crocodile Hunter" series, which aired from 1996 to 2004, propelled Irwin to international stardom.
Since Steve's death, Terri has continued to expand their wildlife conservation efforts through Australia Zoo and the Wildlife Warriors international non-profit organization, with the support of Bindi and Robert. Robert recently participated in "Dancing With the Stars," dedicating a foxtrot performance to his father, and ultimately won the competition in November.
