Robert Irwin spoke out about his dad’s last message (Image: AFP via Getty Images)

Robert Irwin, the 21 year old Australian wildlife enthusiast and son of the late Steve Irwin, recently shared a poignant story about one of the last things his father said to him.

The young Aussie, who is currently competing in the finals of the US reality show Dancing with the Stars, opened up about his father’s final days during a recent podcast appearance. Steve Irwin, fondly remembered as the Crocodile Hunter, tragically passed away in 2006 while filming in Australia’s Great Barrier Reef. Robert was only two years old at the time.

The renowned conservationist met his untimely end after being struck in the chest by a short-tail stingray barb while shooting for an underwater documentary titled ‘Ocean’s Deadliest’ off the coast of Port Douglas.

On September 4, 2006, due to severe weather conditions, there was a pause in the filming of ‘Ocean’s Deadliest’. Steve, then 44, decided to utilize this break to film for his daughter Bindi Irwin’s TV show, ‘Bindi the Jungle Girl’, reports The Mirror. 

The Irwin family have always been very close (Image: ITV)

Tragically, it was during this time that the stingray’s barb pierced Steve’s thoracic wall and heart, causing massive trauma. Despite immediate CPR from crew members and a rushed attempt to get him to the nearby Low Island, the injury proved fatal.

The beloved wildlife expert was pronounced dead, leaving a void in the world of wildlife conservation.

Steve’s death is reportedly the only stingray fatality ever recorded on video, and is also believed to be one of the very few human deaths from stingrays. Now, in a heart-wrenching revelation on The Viall Files podcast, Robert has shared the contents of a video message his father left for him before his untimely death.

In a touching interview, Robert was visibly moved to tears as the young conservationist shared: “For me watching that, it’s like he gave me this gift – it’s there, it’s material, it’s in writing. I’m watching him looking through the camera and telling me, ‘I’m not always gonna be here.’”.

Robert Irwin is currently competing on Dancing With The Stars (Image: Disney via Getty Images)

Robert revealed the video contained footage of his father, Steve, explaining how he’s building a legacy to leave to his children, Bindi and Robert. As Steve’s son, Robert disclosed his dad said he was “creating something that you can continue and that’s what I want you to do”.

He said, ‘My whole mission is to leave a legacy that my kids can continue. ‘ He said that years before he passed,” shared an emotional Robert.”

Robert and Bindi Irwin are continuing their late father’s treasured legacy, actively advocating for wildlife conservation, a cause dear to Steve Irwin. Robert, who is currently competing in the 34th season of Dancing with the Stars, is a wildlife photographer and conservationist.

Steve sadly died while filming a documentary about the ocean’s deadliest animals (Image: Getty)

His sister Bindi, 27, serves as the CEO of Australia Zoo. Both children of Steve and Terri Irwin work extensively with Wildlife Warriors, the wildlife conservation organization their parents founded in 2002, and are deeply involved with the Australian Zoo.

The Dancing with the Stars finale is set for Tuesday, November 25, where five couples will vie for the ultimate trophy on the dance floor. Robert and his DWTS partner, Witney Carson, recently received a surprise message of support from Prince William via a pre-recorded video during a special program marking the show’s 20th anniversary.

In the past, Robert has faced significant trolling from social media users who have mocked his close relationship with his mother, Terri, and claimed he doesn’t live up to his late father’s greatness.

However, in true Aussie spirit, Robert has always taken it in stride and won over the hearts of millions worldwide.