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Croc Hunter Death Tape Returned to Family
The video showing the final moments of Steve Irwin is staying Down Under—and under wraps.
The only remaining copy of footage from the wildlife documentary Irwin was making when he was fatally stabbed by a stingray barb last September has been handed over to Irwin's widow, Terri.
Australian authorities have confirmed that the video handoff took place just before Christmas and that all other copies of the tape—made to assist investigators in their inquiry of the Crocodile Hunter star's death—have been destroyed, ensuring the gruesome footage will never make it onto YouTube.
"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," Queensland coroner Michael Barnes said.
"This is in line with the wishes of the Irwin family."
The 44-year-old Aussie conservationist died Sept. 4 during a freak underwater accident when a stingray barb pierced his heart. Irwin was filming a new documentary series about the Great Barrier Reef at the time and his death was caught on tape.
According to Australian media reports, the video reportedly shows Irwin paddling above a stingray before the animal whips its tail and barb into his heart. Irwin is then seen pulling the barb out of his chest before losing consciousness.
Barnes' return of the tape to the Irwin clan has already stirred up controversy in Queensland, where several newspapers have called into question whether such a move was a breach of proper protocol. The News Limited newspaper group reported such footage was ordinarily held by police in perpetuity, not returned to the family of the victim.
Barnes was quick to deny the allegations.
"Contrary to media reports this morning, this is in line with normal procedures," he said. "Private property is always returned to its owner once the necessary investigations have been completed, and we would not normally retain copies of these kinds of exhibits ourselves."
While the coroner's official findings on the incident have yet to be released, an announcement confirming that the death was accidental is expected to be made within the next few weeks, after police turn over their notes on the case and the coroner determines whether a further inquest will be necessary.
In the meantime, Australian authorities are doing their best to ensure Irwin's memory is alive and well. On New Year's Day, the road that runs alongside the Irwin-founded Australia Zoo was renamed Steve Irwin Way in honor of the naturalist.
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