Steve Irwin's family paid homage to the notable conservationist on the 20th anniversary of his death.
His children, Bindi and Robert, posted photos and videos of Irwin, famously known around the world as the "crocodile hunter." Irwin died on Sept. 4, 2006, at age 44 after a stingray struck him in the heart as he was working on the underwater film "Ocean’s Deadliest" in Australia.
Bindi'sheartfelt tribute included footage of Irwin reflecting on the moment his wife, Terri, gave birth to her in the hospital. He called it "the most incredible wildlife encounter in my life."
"20 years ago, today, the world lost the most passionate and dedicated wildlife conservationist. Our family lost our superhero. My mum lost the love of her life; my brother and I
lost the greatest dad," Bindi wrote in the caption. "Grief never truly leaves us; we walk alongside it every day. Where there is enormous grief, there is even greater love."
Bindi said Irwin's impact has trickled down to her 5-year-old daughter, who has been watching his documentaries: "She feels utterly loved by her 'grandpa crocodile' without ever having met him.
"My dad left a lasting impact so poignant that it will ripple out for generations to come. I believe with my whole heart that his love will live on forever. In all of us. In every kindness we show to the Earth. And that is a life and legacy worth celebrating. Dad, I love you with my whole heart. Thank you for being our guardian angel," the caption stated.
'Until we meet again'
Robert shared multiple posts to remember his father. "Your legacy is forever," he wrote in the first one.
He continuedin a second post of a montage of their memories, "Thank you Dad, for showing me and the entire world what it is to truly live. To lead with empathy, to treat every living being how you’d wish to be treated, and to be passionate in everything you do. Your mission and light lives on always."
In early June, Terri acknowledged her and Irwin's 34th wedding anniversary. The couple met just two days after Irwin took over the management of Queensland Reptile and Fauna Park in October 1991, according to the Irwins Australia Zoo website. They tied the knot on June 4, 1992, in Eugene, OR.
In her latest post, Terri reflected on navigating grieffor the last two decades.
"With the passing of time I have gained more perspective and understanding. We were together as a family, on our crocodile research expedition, for what was to be our final six weeks together," she wrote. "Ours was to be a long and sweet goodbye. Steve spent time with Bindi and Robert building swings and climbing trees. We all slowed down. Time slowed down."
She added, "I believe that all of us, every one of us, gets to say goodbye. We just may not know that we’re saying it. Hold every moment dear with the ones you love. Until we meet again."
Contributing: Saman Shafiq, USA TODAY
Taylor Ardrey is a news reporter for USA TODAY. You can reach her at tardrey@usatodayco.com.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 'We lost our superhero': Bindi honors Steve Irwin
