In the early hours of August 31, 1997, a devastating car crash in Paris’s Pont de l’Alma tunnel claimed the life of Princess Diana, one of the most beloved figures in modern history. Exclusive handwritten notes from a firefighter at the scene have surfaced, shedding new light on Diana’s composure in her final conscious moments – and raising questions about what was omitted from official records.

According to the firefighter’s personal account, as rescuers worked frantically to extract the injured princess from the wreckage of the Mercedes, Diana remained remarkably calm. She spoke clearly and without panic to the first responders. “She said calmly, without any sign of fear,” the notes recall. Diana reportedly told them, “I think I’ll be alright.” These words painted a picture of quiet resilience, even as she lay gravely injured alongside her companion Dodi Fayed and driver Henri Paul.

The firefighter, who was among the first on the scene, documented this exchange meticulously in his initial handwritten report that night. He held her hand, offering reassurance while paramedics prepared to move her to the ambulance. At that point, Diana’s vital signs were stable enough that many responders believed she would survive the ordeal. Tragically, she suffered a cardiac arrest en route to the hospital and could not be revived.

What makes this account particularly intriguing is what happened next. The firefighter noted that when his handwritten observations were typed up into the official report the following morning, Diana’s poignant statement – “I think I’ll be alright” – had been struck out and removed entirely. This deletion has fueled speculation about why such a seemingly innocuous and humanizing detail was excised from the formal documentation.

The Paris crash has long been surrounded by intense scrutiny. The official French investigation concluded it was caused by high speed, impaired driving, and pursuit by paparazzi photographers. A subsequent British inquest in 2008 ruled the deaths unlawful, citing gross negligence by the driver and the pursuing vehicles. Firefighters and medical personnel provided detailed testimonies during these proceedings, describing the chaotic scene and their efforts to save lives.

Yet, discrepancies in early reports have persisted. Other responders recalled Diana murmuring phrases like “My God, what’s happened?” as she regained brief consciousness after being freed from the car. These align with accounts from Sergeant Xavier Gourmelon, who led the fire team and later shared that he thought Diana would live based on her condition at the scene.

Diana’s calm demeanor in the face of catastrophe reflects the grace she was known for throughout her life. From her humanitarian work combating landmines to her openness about personal struggles, she faced adversity with poise. This newly revealed detail – her optimistic words amid horror – adds a deeply human layer to the tragedy that shocked the world.

Nearly three decades later, the loss of the “People’s Princess” at age 36 continues to evoke profound grief. Mourners flooded London with flowers, and her funeral drew billions of viewers globally. While official inquiries have closed the book on many aspects, revelations like these firefighter notes remind us that some mysteries linger, inviting reflection on transparency in high-profile tragedies.

In an era of relentless media scrutiny, Diana’s story remains a cautionary tale about privacy, pressure, and the human cost of fame. Her erased words of hope serve as a poignant reminder: even in darkness, she believed she would be alright.