The tragic death of Princess Diana on August 31, 1997, shocked the world. The beloved Princess of Wales was involved in a devastating car accident in the Pont de l’Alma tunnel in Paris. Along with Diana, her driver, Henri Paul, and her companion, Dodi Fayed, also lost their lives. The only survivor of the crash was Trevor Rees-Jones, Diana’s bodyguard.
One of the first responders at the scene was firefighter Xavier Gourmelon, who recently shared his recollections of those haunting moments. Gourmelon, who was the last person to hear Diana speak, revealed her final words as she lay in the wreckage: “My God, what’s happened?” These words conveyed the panic and confusion Diana must have felt in the midst of the chaos.
Initially, Gourmelon and his team believed Diana’s injuries were not life-threatening, as she appeared stable when they arrived. However, her condition quickly worsened. Gourmelon did everything he could to save her, even massaging her heart in an attempt to revive her. “I massaged her heart, and she started breathing again. I thought we had saved her,” he said. Despite these efforts, Diana’s injuries were severe.
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After being extracted from the vehicle, she was rushed to Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, but the internal injuries she sustained—particularly a severed pulmonary vein—were too much to overcome. Diana died a few hours later, despite the best efforts of the medical team.
The news of Princess Diana’s death devastated millions around the world. Known as the “People’s Princess” for her compassion and humanitarian work, Diana left an indelible mark on the hearts of many. Her funeral on September 6, 1997, was attended by thousands, with millions more watching the somber event on television.
Investigations into the crash revealed that Henri Paul, the driver, was speeding and intoxicated, which led to the loss of control. However, conspiracy theories have persisted over the years, offering alternative explanations for the tragedy.
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Even more than two decades later, Princess Diana’s legacy lives on. Her story, now accompanied by the revelation of her final words, continues to inspire people around the globe in their pursuit of humanitarian work and activism. Xavier Gourmelon’s account of her last moments serves as a reminder of the fragility of life and the bravery of first responders who put themselves at risk to save others in life-threatening situations.
Princess Diana’s enduring influence is evident, and her memory remains a source of inspiration for many as we continue to honor her life and legacy.
