Steve Irwin's eerie premonition before death

Steve Irwin died in 2006 when a stingray barb pierced his heart. Photo / Getty Images

Steve Irwin's life was tragically cut short in 2006 when a stingray barb pierced his heart while filming a documentary.

But while his sudden death at age 44 might have shocked Australia, Terri Irwin has revealed Steve predicted his early demise during the final weeks of his life.

"You know he never thought he would have a long life. He just always kind of had this sense that his life would be cut short," Terri told Anh Doh during the series premiere of Australian show Anh's Brush with Fame on Wednesday night.

"I remember him saying to me, 'I don't think I am going to film anymore, I think I am just going to spend time with my kids.'"

Recalling the moment she found out Steve had died, Terri said she was struck by an "incredible sense of responsibility" for his legacy alongside "overwhelming grief".

Terri Irwin became emotional as she recalled Steve's death. Photo / ABC

She was touched by the outpouring of kindness, with a private plane arranged for Terri and the couple's two children Bindi and Robert to fly back from Tasmania to Queensland.

Police would also stop paparazzi for "random breath tests" — allowing the family to get away from photographers, Terri revealed.

"The thing I didn't expect or understand was just how it affected everyone," Terri said of the mass of media at Australia Zoo after Steve's death.

"No one would have been more surprised than Steve at just the outpouring of grief and love."