A YouTube video has resurfaced showing an interview with Dr. Jamie Seymour, one of the men who witnessed the harrowing death of Steve Irwin.
Irwin was always an Aussie national treasure, and his passionate efforts to promote animal conservation moved people all over the world, so much so, he still remains a name we all think of fondly.
In the video uploaded to YouTube, Dr Jamie Seymour is interviewed and recalls witnessing Irwin's death and the events that took place prior to the tragedy and afterwards.
Jamie said he was initially approached about working on a film ‘looking at ocean’s deadliest’. But he went onto say that when he found out the film was for Steve Irwin, he lost interest.
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Explaining why he said no at the time, he told a friend involved in its production: “Steve’s an idiot, he’s a dead set idiot. You know, there’s a drinking game that you watch when you watch his films, and every time he does something stupid, you’ve got to skull a beer.
“You can’t get through a 50-minute thing before you’re absolutely plastered."
Yeah... that probably wouldn't make for the most enticing offer.
But after saying no to the film, Irwin apparently went up to see Jamie himself.
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Irwin, trying to persuade to Jamie, explained what he wanted to do and why he needed Jamie's help. But Jamie shut him down, asking: “You do realise that people think you’re an absolute moron?”
But Irwin remained positive, and asked Jamie why he watched his dangerous work.
Jamie said: “To see what you’re gonna do wrong”.
Irwin jumped in enthusiastically: “Gotcha! The moment I’ve got you whipped in to see whether I’m gonna do anything wrong, I can tell you anything. And you’re gonna remember it.”
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And to be fair to him, we did. All these years later, Irwin remains the king of the crocs who changed the way the world sees animals.
Jamie seemingly gained massive respect for Irwin after learning about his act, as he realised he was prepared to ‘make a fool of himself to help conservation’. A pretty noble deed.
He also spoke about how witnessing Steve’s fatal interaction with the stingray was distressing and almost made him give up entirely on the industry. But ultimately his kids encouraged him to continue doing what he loved, while helping people to stay safe in similar interactions.
And now, 16 years on since the tragic circumstances of Irwin’s death came to light, he’s still a widely loved public figure.
Jenny Medlicott