It’s been 10 years since the death of the famed wildlife expert Steve Irwin, known best for his role as the fearless “Crocodile Hunter”, and still, his presence is one that has been irreplaceable to this day. Not only was the Australian daredevil an endearing spirit on the screen, he was also a loving family man, and an all-around positive force in this oftentimes negativity-fueled world of ours. In 2006, Irwin was killed in a freak accident involving a stingray barb, but his optimistic nature, daring spirit, and famous expressive catchphrase “crikey” continues to live on in all of our hearts.

Just days before the 10th anniversary of his death, Irwin’s parents discovered and opened a letter sent from their late son to them, an emotional note that reminds us all of Irwin’s immense kindness and appreciation for life. Irwin’s father had stumbled across the letter while working on the forthcoming memoir about his son, which is entitled The Last Crocodile Hunter. The letter was addressed to both of his parents, Bob and Lyn, and showcased the wildlife expert’s newfound appreciation for everything that his parents have done for him.

"At 32, I am finally starting to figure it out. In good times and in bad, you were there. Your strength and endurance to raise me will not go unrewarded. My love for you is my strength!" Irwin wrote in the letter. He also went on the lament that fact that it took him 30 years to realize that his parents helped "to build my character, my ethics and, most importantly, my HAPPINESS." The sincere letter ends with Irwin calling his parents his “best friends”.

 

It’s a rite of passage to smoke weed and watch The Crocodile Hunter.”In honor of the unfathomable feats and loving acts that constantly left the entire world in awe, MERRY JANE takes a look back at the most memorable times in the life of Steve Irwin.