When the unfortunate demise of Steve Irwin occurred, the recording had ceased.
Justin Lyons, Irwin’s longtime filming companion, revealed that an 8-foot-wide stingray unexpectedly turned aggressive, causing fatal injuries to the renowned TV personality known as The Crocodile Hunter.
Initially, Lyons was unaware of Irwin’s injury as the stingray fiercely stabbed him in the chest.
Recounting the tragic event on Australia’s “Studio 10” eight years later, Lyons disclosed that they were capturing footage for a documentary named “Ocean’s Deadliest” when they encountered the massive stingray in shallow waters.
Their intention was to film Irwin behind the marine creature as it swam away, but the situation took a grim turn when the ray perceived Irwin’s shadow as a threat, leading to the abrupt attack.
Following the stingray’s retreat post-attack, Lyons continued filming the creature swimming away, oblivious to the fact that it had wounded Irwin with its barb.
It was only when Lyons redirected his camera towards Irwin and noticed the significant amount of blood surrounding him that he realized the severity of the situation.
Irwin, standing in the water, exclaimed, “it’s punctured me lung!”
Adding to the gravity of the situation was a 2-inch-wide puncture above Irwin’s heart, causing blood and fluid to flow out.
As they swiftly transported Irwin to shore, his final words, as relayed by Lyons, were a haunting acknowledgment of his impending fate – “I’m dying.”