Steve Irwin’s daughter slams cameraman for exposing her father’s final moments: ‘I’ll never listen to it’

Bindi Irwin has slammed the cameraman who gave an interview about father Steve's final moments after he was killed by a stingray, insisting she will never listen to it

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by Kayleigh Dray |
Published on

Earlier this year, cameraman Justin Lyons, a good friend of Steve Irwin and the sole witness of his death, described for the first time how a massive stingray wildly stabbed the conservationist 'hundreds of times' eight years ago.

Now Steve's 16-year-old daughter Bindi has hit out at Lyons, insisting he should never have spoken of the incident at all out of respect for the Irwin family.

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She told People magazine: "It's really hurtful.

"For as long as I live, I'll never listen to it. It's wrong as a family for us to hear about it."

Bindi revealed that the loss of her father, a tragedy that was felt by his fans around the world, doesn't get easier with time.

"I think back about Dad and the amazing memories we had together... but that kind of sadness never goes away.

"It's like losing a piece of your heart that you never get back."

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Steve had been filming a documentary series, Ocean's Deadliest, when the 2.4-metre ray struck out at the 44-year-old in shallow water as it was swimming away from him.

Lyons told TV show Studio 10: "I had the camera on, I thought this is going to be a great shot, and all of sudden it propped on its front and started stabbing wildly, hundreds of strikes in a few seconds.

Lyons also revealed that the crocodile hunter's final words were "I'm dying", after the jagged barb pierced his chest 'like hot butter'.

The stingray attack, the CPR and medical efforts were all captured on film, but have never been released.

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Bindi, who is following in her dad's footsteps as a wildlife conservationist, has paid tribute to her beloved father on the morning of her 16th.

The eloquent teenager posted a photo to Instagram posing with mum Terri and brother Robert and added a heartfelt caption thanking her 'beautiful family' and admitting she's missing her dad more than ever.

She wrote: "Well...it's official! I am 16 today, and so excited to begin the new chapter of my life. I am forever grateful for the love and support of my beautiful family.

"Mum - you are the strongest woman I know. Robert - you are so clever, you are truly the scientist of the family and always teaching me things!

"Dad - I wish you could be here today, I miss you. I love you so much. As I turn 16 today, there is a fire in my heart and I embrace the adventures yet to come.

"With the love of my family, together we will be able to undertake and accomplish anything."

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Wonderful words from a wonderful young lady; we are so glad that Bindi is continuing in her father's footsteps. We're sure he'd be so proud of her.

You may also wish to read: How to deal with grief and permanent separation

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