Cameraman recounts ‘Crocodile Hunter’ Steve Irwin’s final moments after deadly stingray attack

SYDNEY – The longtime cameraman of Australia’s famed “Crocodile Hunter,” Steve Irwin, says his friend knew he was dying moments after a massive stingray stabbed him in the chest hundreds of times.

Justin Lyons was the only witness to the 2006 fatal attack on the beloved conservationist. He says the two were filming a stingray for a documentary when the animal suddenly began stabbing Irwin in the chest with the barb on its tail.

Lyons told Australia’s Studio 10 morning show this week that Irwin’s final words were, “I’m dying.”

Lyons said Wednesday that he is speaking out now to set the record straight on Irwin’s death and to call attention to his new documentary, which examines the impact negative emotions have on the body.