Michael Schumacher's devastating text message to wife 12 years on from tragic skiing accident

Having concluded his remarkable racing journey at the Brazilian Grand Prix in November 2012, Schumacher enjoyed barely a year of retirement before tragedy struck.

On 29 December 2013, while skiing at the French resort of Meribel, the legendary driver sustained severe head trauma in a devastating crash that left him in a coma.

The accident occurred just over a year after he had stepped away from the sport.

In the hours preceding the accident, Schumacher had exchanged text messages with his wife Corinna that would later take on a poignant significance.

Speaking in the 2021 Netflix documentary 'Schumacher', Corinna revealed the contents of their final exchange before the crash.

"Shortly before it happened in Meribel, he said to me: 'The snow isn't optimal. We could fly to Dubai and go sky diving there'," she recalled.

The suggestion that they abandon their skiing plans altogether makes the subsequent events all the more tragic. Corinna has spoken of her refusal to apportion blame for what happened"

"I have never blamed God for what happened. It was just really bad luck, all the bad luck anyone can have in life."

Following the collision, Schumacher was transported by helicopter to hospital where medical teams placed him into an induced coma.

He remained in this state until June 2014, when he finally emerged from the prolonged period of unconsciousness.

Throughout the years since that fateful day, Corinna has remained steadfastly by her husband's side, dedicating herself to his care.

The family has maintained strict control over information regarding his condition, permitting only a select group of trusted individuals access to the former champion.

This protective approach has meant that details about Schumacher's current state remain largely unknown to the public, with his loved ones forming a tight circle around him.

Corinna has been candid about the emotional toll the accident has taken on the entire family.

"Of course, I miss Michael every day. But it's not just me who misses him. The children, the family, his father, everyone around him. I mean, everybody misses Michael," she shared.

Despite their grief, however, the family has committed to pressing forward together.

"We're trying to carry on as a family, the way Michael liked it and still does. And we are getting on with our lives," Corinna explained.

Their decision to shield his condition from public scrutiny reflects Schumacher's own values.

"'Private is private', as he always said," his wife stated.

"It's very important to me that he can continue to enjoy his private life as much as possible."