Australia was shocked and saddened when Steve Irwin was killed by a stingray barb to the heart at Queensland’s Batt Reef in September 2006.
Now, 13 years later, tributes have flooded in to honour the late Crocodile Hunter and none were more moving than those from his 21 year-old daughter Bindi and wife, Terri Irwin.
On her personal Instagram account, Bindi shared a sweet Winnie The Pooh illustration that features the quote, “If there ever comes a day when we can’t be together, keep me in your heart, I’ll stay there forever.”
To make things even more emotional, Bindi simply captioned her snap “Forever.”
Bindi’s post attracted many messages of love and support as well as plenty praising Steve for his great conservation work over the years.
Bindi shared this emotional quote 13 years on from her dad’s tragic death.
(Image: Instagram @bindisueirwin)“Your Dad was one of a kind, an amazing man who followed his passion. Loved his show always tuned in to see what he was up to. God bless you guys,” one follower wrote.
Another put it simply and sweetly writing: “I bet my life, your father is so proud of you wherever he is.”
The 13 year anniversary comes just days after Australian Father’s Day when Bindi shared a throwback video of herself as a baby with her fun-loving dad.
“Reflecting on these wonderful moments. Hug the people in your life who bring light to your heart and always remember that love lasts forever,” she captioned it.
WATCH: Bindi Irwin shares throwback video for Father’s Day. Post continues after video…
Steve’s wife Terri also shared her thoughts on this sad day via Twitter.
Current affairs show 60 Minutes tweeted a video of the late Crocodile Hunter captioning it, “Our thoughts are with @TerriIrwin, @BindiIrwin & @RobertIrwin on 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.”
Re-tweeting the video, Terri, who would’ve celebrated 27 years of marriage with Steve this year, captioned it: “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.”
Bindi, who announced her engagement to her longterm boyfriend Chandler Powell on her 21st birthday, revealed to the Sunshine Coast Daily that it was a “bittersweet” time.
“I do really wish that dad was here to be able to celebrate with us as a family,” Bindi told the publication shortly after Chandler popped the question.
“I think in some ways he is and his spirit lives on in everything that we do, and I always feel closest to dad here at Australia Zoo.”
Bindi was just eight years-old when her father passed away.
(Image: Instagram @bindisueirwin)Bindi also revealed that her younger brother Robert would be filling Steve’s shoes on her wedding day by walking her down the aisle.
“Dad, You would be so incredibly proud of Robert,” she captioned two photos on Instagram- one of the family of four and another of herself, Chandler and Robert moments after the proposal.
“He has been such an amazing support during this beautiful new life chapter. I know you’d be beaming with pride when the time comes that he walks me down the aisle. I wish you could be here for these moments, but I know that your spirit lives on in us.”
Younger brother Robert will walk Bindi down the aisle when she marries Chandler.
(Image: Instagram @bindisueirwin)
