The first responder at the scene of Princess Diana’s tragic accident recently shared his haunting memories of that night, recounting the moments he arrived to try and save her. Speaking for the first time in years, he described the overwhelming horror he felt, saying, “I couldn’t bring myself to look at her face.” His words convey the emotional weight of being one of the first to witness the aftermath of a tragedy that would soon rock the world.

The rescuer, who was part of the emergency team on August 31, 1997, described arriving to a chaotic scene under the Alma Bridge in Paris. The wrecked  car, paparazzi flashing cameras, and the silence from inside the vehicle all set a grim stage. Despite the intense training and experience he had as a first responder, he found himself deeply shaken upon realizing who was inside the  car.

He admitted that he initially hesitated, overwhelmed by the gravity of the situation. “It’s not something you prepare for,” he explained. “Knowing who she was, the responsibility of trying to save her life—it was nearly paralyzing.” While he worked to stabilize her, he couldn’t bring himself to look directly at her, fearing that the sight would stay with him forever. He focused solely on his duty, hoping his efforts would make a difference.

Over the years, he has carried the memory of that night, feeling the weight of both his professional role and the global significance of Diana’s passing. He shared that the night’s trauma lingered long after the accident, as he realized he had witnessed the final moments of one of the world’s most beloved figures. For him, the tragedy was a personal loss, not only because of her fame but because he, like millions of others, admired Diana’s humanitarian work and kindness.

The retelling of his experience has brought renewed sympathy and respect for those who were there that night, shouldering the responsibility of Diana’s final moments. As the world reflects on this new insight, the legacy of Princess Diana lives on, her memory kept alive by those who tried desperately to save her and the millions who continue to remember her with love and admiration.