Surgeon Breaks Silence on Princess Diana’s Tragic Death

On August 31, 1997, the world was shaken by the tragic death of Princess Diana in a car crash in Paris’ Pont de l’Alma tunnel. For over two decades, questions and conspiracy theories have swirled around the events of that fateful night. Now, Dr. Moncef Dahman, the emergency surgeon who fought to save the Princess at Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, has spoken out, sharing heartbreaking details that shed new light on her final moments.

The Night of the Crash

The accident occurred when Diana, her companion Dodi Fayed, and their driver, Henri Paul, were traveling at high speed through the Paris tunnel. Pursued by paparazzi, their Mercedes crashed into a pillar at approximately 65 mph, far exceeding the tunnel’s speed limit. Henri Paul and Dodi Fayed died at the scene, while Diana, seated in the back without a seatbelt, sustained severe injuries. Her bodyguard, Trevor Rees-Jones, was also critically injured but survived.

Emergency responders worked to stabilize Diana at the scene, following French protocols that prioritize on-site treatment over immediate transport. She was conscious but in severe pain when found. At 2:06 a.m., she was rushed to Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, where Dr. Dahman and his team faced a dire situation.

A Surgeon’s Battle to Save a Princess

Upon arrival, Diana went into cardiac arrest. The medical team performed multiple rounds of internal and external heart massage to revive her. Dr. Dahman, assisted by senior anesthetist Dr. Bruno Riou and France’s top heart surgeon, Dr. Alain Pavie, discovered a ruptured pulmonary vein causing massive internal bleeding—a nearly impossible injury to repair in an emergency. Additional injuries included a torn pericardium, a concussion, a broken arm, and severe chest trauma.

Despite over two hours of relentless efforts, including suturing the lesion and administering adrenaline, Diana’s injuries proved fatal. At 4:00 a.m., she was pronounced dead. Dr. Dahman later reflected that her fate seemed sealed from the moment of the crash, given the severity of her injuries.

Why Speak Now?

Dr. Dahman remained silent for years, bound by medical confidentiality and the emotional weight of the tragedy. The annual reminder of Diana’s death coincided with his son’s birthday, intensifying his grief. After decades of carrying this burden, he felt compelled to share the truth, driven by a desire to honor Diana’s memory and clarify the events of that night.

His account dismisses many conspiracy theories, emphasizing that Diana’s injuries were consistent with a high-speed crash. However, he acknowledges systemic issues, such as delays in the French emergency response, which took over an hour to transport her to a hospital just four miles away. While he believes even a faster response may not have changed the outcome, these delays have fueled ongoing debates.

Conspiracy Theories and Investigations

The crash sparked numerous theories, from paparazzi involvement to alleged plots by the British royal family or intelligence services. Some pointed to the paparazzi’s aggressive pursuit, with photographers on motorbikes flashing cameras, possibly pressuring Henri Paul to drive recklessly. Others noted Paul’s blood alcohol level was three times the legal limit, raising questions about whether he was knowingly impaired or drugged as part of a larger scheme.

A prominent theory suggests Diana’s death was orchestrated to prevent her rumored engagement to Dodi Fayed, which some believed threatened the monarchy’s image. Diana’s own fears, expressed in a letter to her butler Paul Burrell, claimed a plot to tamper with her car’s brakes. However, investigations, including the British Operation Paget, found no evidence to support these claims, and medical examinations confirmed Diana was not pregnant.

A Global Loss

Diana’s death at age 36 left a profound void. Known as the “People’s Princess,” her compassion touched millions. Her sons, Princes William and Harry, aged 15 and 12 at the time, were devastated. Shielded from the public by the royal family, they faced criticism for the monarchy’s perceived detachment. Both have since spoken about the lasting pain of their loss, with William describing it as “a pain like no other” and Harry addressing his grief through therapy in adulthood.

Diana’s humanitarian work—raising awareness for HIV/AIDS, campaigning against landmines, and supporting homeless youth—left an enduring legacy. Her efforts helped destigmatize AIDS and influenced the Ottawa Treaty to ban landmines. Her sons continue her work, with William focusing on mental health and homelessness and Harry championing veterans’ welfare.

A Farewell to the People’s Princess

Diana’s funeral on September 6, 1997, was a global event watched by 2.5 billion people. Held at Westminster Abbey, it drew 2,000 guests, including Tony Blair, Hillary Clinton, and Elton John, whose performance of “Candle in the Wind” became iconic. The procession, with Princes William and Harry walking behind their mother’s coffin, was a heart-wrenching moment. Diana was laid to rest on a private island at her family’s Althorp estate.

Though gone, Diana’s legacy lives on through her sons, the causes she championed, and the millions who remember her warmth. Dr. Dahman’s account offers a poignant glimpse into her final moments, reminding us of the fragility of life and the enduring impact of one extraordinary woman.