ROYAL FAMILY NEWSPrincess Diana 'Still Would've Been With Us' Had She Worn a Seatbelt During Fatal Paris Car Crash, Expert Says
Princess Diana could be alive today if not for one fatal error, an expert believes.
Aug. 20 2026, Published 1:08 p.m. ET
A crime journalist alleged that avoiding one error could have saved Princess Diana's life in her fatal 1997 car crash.
Reporter Jakson Buhaj used modern technology to revisit Diana's final night with Dodi Fayed when their Mercedes crashed at a high speed in Paris while they were being chased by paparazzi.
The only surviving person in the crash was Dodi's bodyguard, Trevor Rees-Jones, who was originally thought to be wearing a seat belt at the time. Investigations later discovered that no one in the vehicle was strapped in.
'It's Very Odd That No One Was Wearing a Seat Belt'
Princess Diana died on August 31, 1997, after a fatal car accident.
"It's very odd that no one was wearing a seat belt," Jakson told Fox Digital. "You would think that Trevor Rees-Jones, who was sitting in the front seat directly ahead of Diana ... would caution her that she should definitely put a seat belt on, considering the car is driving way over the speed limit."
The vehicle crashed into the 13th concrete pillar of Paris’ Pont de l’Alma underpass shortly after midnight on August 31. Not only was the mom-of-three accompanied by Dodi and Trevor, but also by Henri Paul, who was driving the vehicle.
"What I think is the most tragic thing about this is that had everyone been wearing their seat belt, unfortunately, Henri Paul and Dodi Fayed probably would’ve passed away, but Diana most likely still would’ve been with us," Jakson assessed.
Princess Diana could have been saved had she been wearing a seatbelt, an expert claimed.
"There is a whole other timeline out there where a seat belt could have saved Princess Diana," he added.
However, another factor of that evening's fatal trip, Jakson said, was the driver, who was scheduled to be off that night. Henri's blood alcohol at the time of the crash was later found to be three times the legal limit in France.
Witnesses reportedly observed the driver acting strangely, even taunting photographers as they chased after the car.
"You won’t catch up with us," he allegedly yelled at the paparazzi.
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'Getting Into That Car Was a Death Sentence'
Princess Diana was known to express concern for her own safety.
"There are many, many things that could have prevented the death of Princess Diana," Jakson continued. "I think getting into that car with Henri Paul was a death sentence for Princess Diana. ... And had she not done that, she could still be with us today."
The princess was found on the floor of the mangled car after both Dodi and Henri died at the scene. She was carefully taken to the hospital, where she passed away several hours later.
Before her death, Diana was known to express concern for her own safety and was even described as "paranoid" by those close to her, as she harbored major distrust of those around her.
Princess Diana privately disclosed fears of dying in a car accident.
"People in her close circle described her as quite paranoid," Jakson shared. "... She is the most famous person on the planet. ... So not only are billions of people across the world glued to the screen whenever she appears on it, but she’s also constantly having to look over her shoulder out of fear."
The beloved princess even wrote privately about fears of dying in a car crash.
"I think what I learned about her paranoia ... was that she had an extremely strained relationship, not just with her husband, but with the entire royal family," he added. "And I think that played a huge role in that paranoia."
