The viral claim purporting an “EXCLUSIVE FIREFIGHTER NOTE” where Princess Diana allegedly told rescuers calmly, “I think I’m going to be fine,” only for the sentence to be “crossed out” in the typed report the next morning, has resurfaced amid ongoing interest in her tragic death. This narrative suggests a cover-up, implying deliberate censorship of optimistic words from the Princess in her final moments. However, as of January 6, 2026, no credible evidence from official investigations, firefighter testimonies, or forensic records supports this specific account.
Diana, Princess of Wales, died on August 31, 1997, following a high-speed car crash in the Pont de l’Alma tunnel in Paris. The Mercedes S280, driven by Henri Paul (with elevated blood alcohol levels and prescription drugs), carrying Diana, her companion Dodi Fayed, and bodyguard Trevor Rees-Jones, struck a pillar at excessive speed while evading paparazzi. Paul and Fayed died at the scene; Rees-Jones survived with severe injuries; Diana succumbed to internal bleeding (a torn pulmonary vein) hours later at Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital.
The most detailed public account of Diana’s final words comes from Sergeant Xavier Gourmelon, a Parisian firefighter who was among the first responders and administered aid. In interviews marking the 20th anniversary in 2017, Gourmelon recounted holding Diana’s hand and reassuring her in English: “Keep calm, keep calm.” She briefly regained consciousness after he performed cardiac massage, opening her eyes and uttering, “My God, what’s happened?” He described her as moving slightly but not visibly panicked, with minor external injuries (a shoulder wound), leading initial hopes she would survive. Gourmelon did not report her saying “I think I’m going to be fine” or expressing calm optimism about recovery.
Other responders, including off-duty doctor Frédéric Mailliez (who arrived first), noted Diana was conscious but in shock, murmuring incoherently or repeating “My God.” No official statements mention her assuring rescuers of her condition. Handwritten notes from the scene exist in French judicial files, but none contain the quoted phrase, nor is there documentation of alterations or “crossing out” in typed reports. The 1999 French inquiry and 2008 British inquest (with Operation Paget report) meticulously reviewed testimonies, finding no evidence of tampering.
This fabricated detail appears to stem from decades-old conspiracy theories, often amplified by Mohamed Al-Fayed (Dodi’s father), who alleged murder by British intelligence or the royal family. Claims of censored documents, flashes blinding the driver, or pregnancy cover-ups were exhaustively debunked. The inquest verdict: unlawful killing due to gross negligence by Paul and pursuing paparazzi.
Nearly 30 years later, Diana’s legacy—humanitarian work, motherhood to Princes William and Harry, and cultural impact—endures far beyond unsubstantiated rumors. Archival images from her final days show her vibrant and engaged.
For facts, consult official sources like the Operation Paget report, not sensational viral posts.
