Princess Diana’s tragic death on August 31, 1997, remains one of the most heartbreaking losses. After her fatal car crash in Paris, a firefighter on the scene, Xavier Gourmelon, heard her final words.
Now, nearly 27 years later, we’re still learning new details about that fateful night. A firefighter who responded to the crash has now shared her final words, offering a haunting glimpse into the last moments of the “People’s Princess.”
The crash happened in Paris as Diana’s car, driven by Henri Paul, sped through the Pont de l’Alma tunnel, trying to escape the paparazzi.
Embed from Getty ImagesPaul, who was almost four times over the legal alcohol limit, lost control of the car.
Diana’s partner, Dodi Fayed, and Paul were killed on impact.
Diana’s bodyguard, Trevor Rees-Jones, was the only survivor, though he was severely injured.
Embed from Getty ImagesFirst responders, including firefighter Xavier Gourmelon, arrived at the scene, not knowing who was in the wreckage. When Gourmelon approached Diana, she briefly regained consciousness and spoke her final words: “Oh my God, what’s happened?”
Speaking about the crash years later, Gourmelon recalled trying to comfort her. “I tried to calm her down and tell her we’d look after her,” he recalled.
Embed from Getty ImagesUnfortunately, just moments later, Diana slipped back into a coma, and things quickly took a turn for the worse.
Still trapped in the car, Diana went into cardiac arrest. Gourmelon performed CPR, and miraculously, after 20 seconds, her heart started beating again.
Embed from Getty ImagesFor a moment, he thought she would survive. “I thought she would live,” he explained, believing that if they got her to the hospital in time, she’d make it.
Despite his optimism, Diana suffered another cardiac arrest once she was in the hospital. This time, she couldn’t be saved.
Embed from Getty ImagesThe news of her death shook the world, and the grief felt by millions of people has never really gone away.
Princess Diana’s death still feels fresh for so many people, and fan reactions across social media prove how deeply she’s missed.
Embed from Getty ImagesOne Facebook user commented on her last words: “Can’t believe it’s been so long.” Many are shocked that it’s been 27 years since that tragic day. It seems like the world hasn’t quite healed from the loss.
Another fan reflected on what could have been, saying, “She should have had the throne.”
Embed from Getty ImagesMany believe Diana’s warmth and compassion made her the true queen in people’s hearts. It’s hard not to imagine what the monarchy might have looked like with Diana still in it.
Others expressed regret over that fateful night, with one commenter penning, “Had she only stayed at the hotel instead of getting into the car?”
Embed from Getty ImagesAnother added, “I remember that day like it was yesterday. So tragic. She’s dearly missed.”
Even after all these years, Diana’s legacy lives on!