Steve Irwin death video given to wife
Thursday, 04 Jan 2007 13:00
Steve Irwin and his wife Terri
The wife of "Crocodile Hunter" Steve Irwin has been given the only video of her husband's death to prevent it from falling "into the wrong hands".
All other copies of the video have been destroyed in an effort to ensure it cannot be shown in public.
The popular 44-year-old naturalist died last September when he was struck in the heart by a stingray's barb in the waters of north Queensland, Australia, while filming a television programme.
When asked last year if she thought the video should be broadcast, Terri Irwin responded: "It won't be. No. No. What purpose would that serve?"
Queensland state coroner Michael Barnes said that the video had been handed to the family before Christmas.
"The footage has been the subject of widespread media interest and it was wholly appropriate that we took all possible steps to ensure something of such a personal and tragic nature did not fall into the wrong hands," said Mr Barnes.
"This is in line with the wishes of the Irwin family."
Steve Irwin's death triggered a worldwide outpouring of grief, with tributes paid by the Australian prime minister and high-profile friends including the actor Russell Crowe.
A public memorial service held at the family's zoo in Queensland was attended by thousands of mourners and broadcast across his homeland.