When Princess Diana of Wales lost her life on August 31, 1997, the world was left reeling. Recognized globally for her compassion toward the less fortunate and her deep commitment to charitable work, the beloved princess was just 36 years old.
That fateful night, Diana and her then-beau, Dodi Fayed, were being driven through the narrow Paris streets. Behind the wheel was Henri Paul, who was traveling at what investigators estimated to be twice the legal speed limit. It was later discovered that Paul had both alcohol and prescription drugs in his system. As the vehicle approached the Pont de L'Alma tunnel, Paul lost control right at the entrance, sending the car into the wall on the right side before it swerved across to the left side of the two lanes, where it slammed into a pillar.
Arriving just behind the wrecked vehicle were paparazzi photographers who had been tailing Diana throughout the evening. While some attempted to offer assistance, others chose to snap photographs.
Both Henri Paul and Dodi Fayed were pronounced dead at the scene. Diana, however, remained conscious and was transported by ambulance from the wreckage to Pitié-Salpêtrière University Hospital.
Though not immediately apparent, Diana's injuries turned out to be devastating. Among them was significant damage to her heart, which was ultimately the cause of her death.
Trevor Rees-Jones, Dian's bodyguard, was the sole survivor of the crash. He had been the only occupant wearing a seatbelt.
A subsequent investigation concluded in 2008 that Diana had been unlawfully killed. Blame was ultimately placed on Paul for his negligent driving, as well as on the paparazzi who had been chasing the car.