Daughter of YouTuber Dubbed 'South Africa's Steve Irwin' Shares Emotional Tribute After His Death: 'You Were My Hero'

Mar. 15, 2025

Dingo, Kirsty and Taylor Dinkelman.Photo:Dingo Dinkelman/Instagram

Dingo Dinkelman/Instagram

The daughter of Graham “Dingo” Dinkelman is sharing a heartbreaking tribute to her father following his death.

“To my dad…,” the 14-year-old began in her post. “It is still a shock and I never thought I would be doing a post like this. Dad, you were my hero and I couldn’t have asked for a better dad. Your kindness and laughter and passion are some of the many things that made you so special.”

Taylor described her late father as someone who “brightened up any room” and “put smiles on everyone’s faces.”

“I will forever have so much of you in me. You made everything feel easier when you were here, no matter what,” she continued. “I knew every morning that you would be there singing a song with Rex,” referring to Dingo’s son Rex, 9. “So to not hear that when I come downstairs is like a punch to the gut.”

Kirsty and Dingo Dinkelman and their children Taylor, Maddy and Rex.Dingo Dinkelman/Instagram

“You are everywhere I look no matter where I am … Dad I love you from the tip of your hair to your toes. I love you so much I don’t know how to say it,” Taylor wrote.

The teenager added that Dingo was “the greatest dad ever” in her emotional post.

“And I will try to raise my kids how you have raised me, I will tell your stories and adventures forever … your legacy and dreams … Lots of love from your Teeji Babes, JT, Fisher Woman and most of all from your daughter.♥️♥️♥️,” she concluded.

Kirsty had previously explained in anInstagramstatement posted on Sept. 30, that Dingo had an allergic reaction to the venom and he went “straight into anaphylactic shock” which led him to be put into a medically induced coma.

Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.On Thursday, Oct. 31, Kirsty posted a three-part tribute onInstagramto her late husband in which she discussed his enthusiasm in sharing his wildlife passions with his children.

“One of Dingo’s greatest joys was being able to have his family work so closely with him,” she wrote, in part. “Our three children Taylor (14), Maddy (12), and Rex Dinkelman (9) were central to Dingo, who never missed an opportunity to express his love and pride for his family. Working together, we recently started a new YouTube channel, ‘The Dinkelmans’ which focuses on wholesome family content, animal adventures, and conservation.”

“…We love you Dingo and we will always celebrate your incredible impact on each of our lives. ♥️,” Kirstyconcludedthe heartfelt tribute.

source: people.com