Irwin death video to remain unseen
Steve and Terri Irwin were married for 14 years
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Wednesday, 27, Sep 2006 10:26
Video footage showing the last moments of Crocodile Hunter Steve Irwin's life will never be broadcast, his widow has said.
Speaking for the first time since her 44-year-old husband was killed after a stingray's barb pierced his heart in the waters of north Queensland, Australia, Terri Irwin made it clear that the film would never be made public.
"It won't be. No. No. What purpose would that serve," she told American TV network ABC.
Irwin, who made his name through his close encounters with the world's most dangerous animals, was filming for a TV series starring his eight-year-old daughter Bindi Sue when he was killed on September 4th.
The cameras were still rolling as he attempted to pull the barb out of his chest before collapsing and slipping out of consciousness, his manager John Stainton revealed earlier this month.
The Australian TV star's death was mourned by fans across the world and a public memorial service for him at the Crocoseum of his Australia Zoo in Queensland attracted an estimated 300 million television viewers.
Wiping away tears during the interview with US journalist Barbara Walters, Terri Irwin spoke of her desire to keep the memory of her husband alive.
"Now I'm going to work really hard at having fun again ... I'm Mrs Steve Irwin. I've got a lot to live up to," she said.
"I feel I was so blessed. I had the best 14 years, two beautiful children, and just a romance like I didn't think existed anymore."
Irwin's wife also added that her husband, who was known for his khaki clothing and trademark catchphrase "Crikey", was well aware of the dangers his job carried with it.
But she admitted that the way he actually died - as a result of an attack by a creature known as the 'pussycat of the sea' - was not something he could have done anything to prevent.
"It was an accident so stupid. It was like running with a pencil," she continued.
"It was not risk he was taking. It was just an accident. And I couldn't fall to pieces because the children were there. I have to make sure the zoo keeps running."