The cameraman who captured the tragic incident of Steve Irwin’s death has bravely recounted the distressing details of the Crocodile Hunter’s fatal encounter with a stingray.

In 2006, the world mourned the loss of the beloved Aussie icon, Steve Irwin, who tragically passed away after a stingray attack during the filming of a wildlife expedition at Batt Reef, near Port Douglas, Queensland, Australia. Justin Lyons, who documented Irwin’s interactions with wildlife, revealed the chilling moments leading to Irwin’s demise.

Lyons, who had worked closely with Irwin for over a decade, shared that Irwin’s unwavering dedication led to his final moments being captured on film. He recounted the incident, emphasising their commitment to filming regardless of the circumstances.

“We never wasted a minute. We were always shooting…,” Lyons told Daily Mail Australia.

Recalling the fateful encounter, Lyons described how he and Irwin encountered a large stingray while searching for tiger sharks. Despite their familiarity with stingrays, the encounter took a fatal turn.

“[The stingray] propped himself on the front of its wings and started madly stabbing with his tail towards Steve…,” Lyons detailed.

In the chaos that ensued, Irwin was fatally wounded. Lyons vividly remembered the heart-wrenching scene as he attempted to assist Irwin, who expressed his realisation of the severity of his injuries.

“Steve looks directly at me and says: ‘I’m dying.’ I told him: ‘No you’re not, you’ll be right just hang in there.’”

Despite their efforts, Irwin passed away before they could reach shore, leaving a void in the hearts of millions worldwide.

Irwin’s legacy continues to be remembered and cherished, a testament to his passion for wildlife conservation and his enduring impact on the world.