Steve Irwin: Crocodile Hunter celebrity tributes on anniversary of Steve’s death

STEVE Irwin, the much-loved Crocodile Hunter, has been remembered by athletes, former politicians and television presenters as a “truly remarkable Australian” who is deeply missed.

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CELEBRITIES have paid tribute to wildlife king Steve Irwin ahead of the 10th anniversary of his death tomorrow.

The much-loved Crocodile Hunter has been remembered by athletes, former politicians and television presenters as a “truly remarkable Australian” who is deeply missed.

Today host Karl Stefanovic recalled Irwin’s rise from a small Aussie kid to a superstar who took on the world with his famous personality.

“I marvelled at his courage to be himself, his hard work, and, most of all, his love for his family,” Stefanovic said.

“To his kids, your dad was a bloody legend.”

Swimming legend Susie O’Neill recalled the day she heard of Irwin’s death.

“I was flying home from the Maldives when I got a text message from a friend saying, ‘I can’t believe the news about Steve’,” O’Neill said. “It was terrible news.”

Former Queensland premier Peter Beattie spoke of Irwin’s death as a “tragedy”.

“He was the best ambassador we could have ever had … He really was the face of Australia,” Mr Beattie said. “He did a great service to this country and he will be sadly missed.”