It’s been nearly 28 years since the world lost Diana, Princess of Wales, in a harrowing car crash. On the fateful night of August 31, 1997, Diana, aged 36, was accompanied by her partner Dodi Fayed and their driver, Henri Paul, inside a Mercedes trying to evade relentless paparazzi in Paris’s Pont de l’Alma underpass.
The Fatal Crash
As the car entered the tunnel, Henri Paul allegedly lost control, first colliding with another vehicle, then plowing into a pillar at approximately 65 mph. The crash claimed the lives of Diana, Dodi, and Paul. Only Dodi’s bodyguard, Trevor Rees-Jones, walking the thin line between life and death, survived.
A Rare but Critical Injury
Renowned forensic pathologist Dr. Richard Shepherd, in his upcoming book Unnatural Causes, reflects on Diana’s injuries. He reveals that she suffered a tiny tear in a pulmonary vein—an exceptionally rare and almost unheard-of injury in his decades of experience. This tear was critical—“a very small injury but in the wrong place.” Dr. Shepherd stresses that her death wasn’t a result of conspiracy; the pathology is “indisputable.” Still, he underscores how a few changes might have reversed her fate.
The “If Only” Scenarios
Dr. Shepherd frames Diana’s death as a classic “if only” case, presenting several pivotal moments where a different outcome was possible:
Seat Belt Usage
Dr. Shepherd writes that if Diana had been wearing a seat belt, she might have walked into public appearances just days later—perhaps with a black eye, a fractured rib, or a broken arm in a sling.
Positional Impact
The angle of her collision into the back of the seat in front may have contributed to the injury’s severity. A slight change in impact dynamics or speed might have resulted in a vastly different outcome.
Emergency Medical Response
Diána was not immediately loaded into an ambulance, as she appeared responsive, masking the internal bleeding from the ruptured vein. Firefighter Xavier Gourmelon, one of the first responders, later admitted he believed she would survive—not knowing the extent of her internal injuries. Medical experts like Dr. Stanley Zydlo and Dr. Annie McGuinness have highlighted further missteps in emergency care—extended delays at the crash site, slow ambulance transport, and possibly sedatives that may have worsened her condition—all of which likely diminished her chances.
Confirming a Tragic Accident
Investigations confirm that Diana’s death was a tragic accident. A 2004 police inquiry found no suspicious circumstances, a verdict Dr. Shepherd supports, reaffirming that her passing was directly attributable to the injuries sustained—and not malicious intent.
Closing Thoughts
While Dr. Shepherd remains resolute that Diana’s death stemmed from a devastating, rare injury, his “if onlys” illuminate the narrow margin between survival and tragedy. From wearing a seat belt to faster medical response, small changes that might have transformed history.
Conclusion
Princess Diana’s death remains one of the most poignant “what if” moments in modern history. Dr. Shepherd’s insights remind us that her fatal injury, while rare and catastrophic, might have been survivable under slightly different circumstances—whether through seat belt use, faster medical intervention, or minor changes in the crash dynamics. Yet, despite decades of speculation, the evidence overwhelmingly supports that her passing was a tragic accident, not the result of foul play. Her story continues to evoke both sorrow and reflection, highlighting how fragile life can be and how small decisions can shape the course of history.
