TV personality Detlef Steves announced the death of his dog Kai Uwe, who passed away peacefully on April 9, 2026 at 9:05 p.m. After nearly 16 years of companionship.
The 57-year-old „Hot oder Schrott“ star shared the news in an emotional Instagram video, his voice breaking as he described the moment his dog went „over the rainbow bridge.“ Steves said he delayed sharing the news publicly because he needed time to discover the strength to speak about the loss.
„So eine Leere, so eine Stille in einem drin. Das ist brutal,“ Steves said, describing the grief he and his wife Nicole feel. He emphasized that Kai Uwe did not suffer in his final moments, calling the passing „echt alles cool“ and peaceful.
In the weeks before his death, Steves had regularly updated fans about Kai Uwe’s age-related health issues. The dog had been a constant presence in Steves‘ life and appeared frequently in his public engagements and social media content.
Alongside the announcement, Steves shared humorous throwback videos of Kai Uwe, writing that the pain of loss is the price paid for 16 unforgettable years. He quoted: „Die Trauer und der Schmerz sind der Preis, den wir bezahlen für fast 16 unvergessliche Jahre mit dir. Ganz ehrlich, den bezahlen wir.“
The post prompted an outpouring of condolences, including from dog trainer Martin Rütter, who noted how closely Steves and Kai Uwe mirrored each other: „Wenn jemals der Satz ‚Hunde sind wie ihre Menschen‘ passte, dann bei euch beiden.“ Moderator Jürgen Milski also offered support, acknowledging the depth of their bond.
Steves had previously shown vulnerability in public, including a recent appearance without teeth, which he framed as part of his authentic connection with his audience. His openness about Kai Uwe’s declining health in the final weeks reflected a pattern of sharing personal moments with fans.
The use of the term „rainbow bridge“ — a common euphemism for pet death in German-speaking communities — underscored how Steves framed the loss as both personal and culturally resonant. His decision to go public despite initial hesitation highlights the role of social media in modern grief expression among public figures.
How long did Detlef Steves have Kai Uwe?
Detlef Steves had Kai Uwe for nearly 16 years, as confirmed by both sources citing the dog’s age at almost 16 years old at the time of death.

Why did Detlef Steves delay announcing Kai Uwe’s death?
Steves said he needed time to find the strength to share the news publicly, explaining that he felt he „owed“ his fans the final update but struggled emotionally to speak about the loss.