In the early hours of August 31, 1997, the world was shaken by the tragic news of Princess Diana’s untimely death. The beloved Princess of Wales was involved in a catastrophic car crash in the Pont de l’Alma tunnel in Paris, an event that left a lasting scar on the global community. Alongside Diana, her companion Dodi Fayed and driver Henri Paul also perished in the accident. The lone survivor was bodyguard Trevor Rees-Jones. Amid the chaos and confusion that followed the crash, firefighter Xavier Gourmelon and his team were among the first responders at the scene. Gourmelon, who had never spoken publicly about the details until recently, revealed the poignant final moments of Princess Diana’s life. As the firefighters worked to extricate her from the wreckage, Gourmelon was the last person to hear Diana’s final words. According to Gourmelon, Princess Diana’s last words were a simple yet heart-wrenching expression of confusion and fear: “My God, what’s happened?” This brief utterance encapsulated the sudden and shocking nature of the accident. Gourmelon described how they initially believed Diana’s injuries were not life-threatening, as she appeared to be in stable condition at the scene.

The Heroic Efforts to Save Her. Despite her apparent initial stability, Princess Diana’s condition rapidly deteriorated. Firefighter Gourmelon and his team fought valiantly to save her life. “I massaged her heart and a few seconds later she started breathing again. It was a relief, of course, because, as a first responder, you want to save lives—and that’s what I thought I had done,” Gourmelon recounted. After being extricated from the vehicle, Princess Diana was transported to the Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital. Despite the medical team’s exhaustive efforts, she succumbed to her injuries a few hours later. The internal injuries, including a severed pulmonary vein, were ultimately fatal. The revelation of these details brought a renewed sense of sorrow and reflection on the tragic event. The death of Princess Diana sent shockwaves around the world, triggering an unprecedented outpouring of grief and reflection on her life and legacy. Known as the “People’s Princess,” Diana’s humanitarian efforts and compassionate nature endeared her to millions. Her funeral, held on September 6, 1997, was attended by a sea of mourners, with millions more watching the televised broadcast.

Remembering Princess Diana

As the world remembers Princess Diana more than two decades after her passing, the disclosure of her final words by Xavier Gourmelon adds a poignant layer to her story. Her legacy continues to inspire charitable work and advocacy for various causes, ensuring that the memory of the Princess of Wales lives on in the hearts of many. The revelation of Princess Diana’s final words serves as a sobering reminder of the fragility of life and the suddenness with which it can be taken away. It also highlights the bravery and dedication of first responders like Xavier Gourmelon, who strive to save lives under the most challenging circumstances. As we continue to honor Diana’s legacy, her final moments remain a testament to her enduring impact on the world.