HERE'S WHAT HAPPENED TO THE FOOTAGE
OF STEVE
IRWIN'S DEATH
By AMY BEEMAN
History - Science
The Crocodile Hunter, Steve Irwin, died in September 2006, while filming footage for the documentary “Ocean’s Deadliest.” According to Irwin’s longtime filming partner, Justin Lyons, an 8-foot-wide stingray “propped up on its front and started stabbing wildly” in Irwin’s chest, which resulted in his death.
The footage of the stingray’s assault on Irwin was considered evidence in the investigation following his death. The video was handed over to investigators to understand the cause of his death, and all copies of the video were destroyed after the investigation, except one.
The final copy was handed over to Irwin’s wife, Terri Irwin, and she destroyed it. The remaining footage was still used to create a two-hour “Ocean’s Deadliest” documentary on Animal Planet, which Terri said she was pleased with.