| Case Id | Source Type | Record Type | Source Citation | Source Url | Nde Year | Nde Date | Year Nde Submitted | Subject Age At Nde | Subject Gender | Text Summary | Clinical Death Type Id | Medical Setting | Medical Context Score | Veridical Quality Score | Total Score | Classification | Stated Verification Score | Narrative Quality Score | Medical Context Justification | Veridical Quality Justification | Corroboration Justification | Alternatives Justification | Doc Type | Eeg Documented | Cardiac Monitoring | Anesthesia Records | Eyes Taped | Ears Blocked | Deep Anesthesia | Other Barriers | Records Reviewed By | Review Date | Updated At | Observation Count | Corroboration Count | Primary Observation | Primary Obs Verified | Primary Witness | Biblical Compatibility | Tabatt Total Score | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4401 | quantitative | webpage | IANDS 701-certain-of-an-afterlife.html 2011 | https://iands.org/research0/2024-11-23-16-15-26/nde-research/nde-archives31/newest-accounts/701-certain-of-an-afterlife.html | 2011 | Unknown | While driving from a dental appointment with their mother and dog, the experiencer attempted a left turn at an intersection. Misjudging the distance of oncoming traffic during a yellow light, they were struck by a delivery truck that hit the rear of their vehicle. The impact occurred in slow motion - the car spinning, the dog thrown forward, interior molding falling, mother thrown under dashboard. The experiencer saw their mother's face etched with fear, pleading for help, before everything went dark. In this darkness, there was no thought, feeling, or body - just a strange "knowing" without words. After what seemed like considerable time, they sensed traveling fast and far toward "them," knowing "they were waiting" and wanting to be with them. A dim light ahead grew brighter as they approached, trying to make out who "they" were, when suddenly hitting an invisible wall that stopped them. Everything went black again. A voice-like presence said "not yet," and instantly they were back in the still-spinning car. Using the parking brake, they finally stopped the vehicle. Stepping out, they marveled at minimal injuries - only a gash near the left eye with temporary vision reduction. The experience eliminated their fear of death and gave them certainty of an afterlife in that strange bodiless form. They kept the experience secret for over ten years, believing no one would understand, until reading about other NDEs. | 5 | Other | 5 | 8 | 17 | Moderate Evidence | 4 | Serious car accident with truck collision causing injuries and trauma | Bodiless consciousness, travel toward waiting beings, communication of "not yet" | written_account | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 7/20/2025 | 1 | 1 | Awareness during unconsciousness | 0.00 | Mother | Highly Compatible | 7 | ||||||||||
| 4402 | quantitative | webpage | IANDS 702-love-will-happen-today.html 2011 | https://iands.org/research0/2024-11-23-16-15-26/nde-research/nde-archives31/newest-accounts/702-love-will-happen-today.html | 2010 | 2011 | M | A former pastor with 30 years of chronic back pain from crushed vertebrae underwent severe medication detoxification, reducing from 180mg oxycodone and 120mg methadone daily. During withdrawal in September 2010, with blood pressure reaching 250/115 and pulse at 30, he experienced complete systemic failure. His daughter, a registered nurse, witnessed him say "My chest hurts" before flatlining at 2:00 PM. Despite a DNR order, emergency resuscitation was performed when his daughter screamed "code." The experiencer entered complete velvet darkness - peaceful, warm, protected, and completely free of physical and emotional pain. He felt this was "exactly what I needed" and "the perfect heaven" - a place of rest from suffering. After successful resuscitation and induced coma, he experienced inner child healing, confronting childhood molestation trauma that had been suppressed for 47 years. Following the NDE, miraculous physical healing occurred: he went from using two walking sticks to playing golf within five weeks, regained lost sense of smell, blood pressure normalized without medication (from 225/115 to 120/70), and lost 50 pounds. The experience transformed his understanding to focus on love as the only thing that matters when crossing over, leading him to live by 1 Corinthians 13 and see each day as "like a child at Christmas." | 2 | Hospital | 10 | 12 | 32 | Strong Evidence | 10 | Documented cardiac arrest - flatlined with daughter RN present, required CPR and resuscitation | Profound velvet darkness experience with complete peace and absence of all pain | written_account | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 7/20/2025 | 1 | 1 | Experience of perfect peace in darkness | 0.00 | Daughter (RN) | Highly Compatible | 6 | |||||||||
| 4403 | quantitative | webpage | IANDS 704-a-business-mans-ndes.html 2011 | https://iands.org/research0/2024-11-23-16-15-26/nde-research/nde-archives31/newest-accounts/704-a-business-mans-ndes.html | 1995 | 2011 | 45 | M | A hard-driving businessman experienced two profound NDEs. The first occurred at age 45 in 1995 during a massive heart attack requiring triple bypass surgery. He drifted to a place of inexplicable calm with the bluest sky ever seen, tall grass gently blowing over rolling hills without breeze or sound, filled with warmth and universal oneness. Frames of his children flashed across the horizon, looking worried and needing him back. He chose to return for them despite the pain awaiting, seeing no bright lights or angels. His second NDE happened in 1997 during a serious car crash in Canada where he protected his daughter from impact. With pelvis broken in three places, punctured lung, fractured skull and severed ear, he felt no pain while trapped. He experienced a wide tunnel-like walkway with people appearing from waist up at the end - recognizing two grandfathers and his father (who had died with Alzheimer's but appeared healthy). Someone shook his hand in greeting. He was shown options to stay or return and felt coached to go back. A warm hand slowly released as he floated backward. He also saw a brown door with porcelain knob against black, knowing God and bright light were behind it, available anytime. Following these experiences, he lost fear of death, developed deep empathy for others' hurt, became sensitive to real tragedies, and now carefully shares his experiences while wanting to help others with their concerns. | 1 | Hospital | 10 | 15 | 32 | Strong Evidence | 7 | First: massive heart attack with triple bypass surgery. Second: severe trauma with multiple life-threatening injuries | Detailed otherworldly realms, deceased relatives appearing healthy, tunnel experience, door to divine | written_account | 0.00 | 1.00 | 1.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 1.00 | 7/20/2025 | 2 | 1 | Saw deceased relatives in tunnel | 0.00 | Surgical team | Highly Compatible | 8 | ||||||||
| 4404 | quantitative | webpage | IANDS 705-ascension.html 2011 | https://iands.org/research0/2024-11-23-16-15-26/nde-research/nde-archives31/newest-accounts/705-ascension.html | 2011 | 40 | M | A man who spent 40 years as an "equal opportunity hater" filled with anger experienced a life-changing NDE during a camper accident. Unable to stop due to brake failure at 60mph approaching a red light, he was broadsided after entering the intersection, flipping the vehicle. Slipping in and out of consciousness with head split in two places and blood-soaked clothes, he experienced complete unconsciousness at the hospital. His spirit left his body, viewing it from above before being swept away at great speed through a tunnel of blinding white light formed from blending colors. He visited multiple worlds with different colored skies and varied life forms across the universe. Exiting the tunnel onto a hill overlooking a distant city, he was surrounded by orange/golden light and encountered spirit essences shaped like inverted drops. He experienced overwhelming joy, unconditional love, total acceptance, and received telepathic communication. Time and space ceased to exist - he was simultaneously in past (medieval), present, and future. He realized there is no sin or guilt, only earth-bound concepts for control. When other essences were about to take him further, another arrived saying firmly "NO" and "Gerry must go back because they don't know." Returning through the tunnel with a swooshing sound, he re-entered through his crown chakra. The experience began a five-year recovery process and complete life transformation from hatred to love and compassion. | 5 | Hospital | 7 | 18 | 29 | Strong Evidence | 4 | Serious vehicle accident with head trauma, unconsciousness, hospitalization | Extensive otherworldly experience with multiple realms, beings, telepathic communication | written_account | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 7/20/2025 | 2 | 0 | Viewed body from above | 0.00 | Low Compatibility | 8 | ||||||||||
| 4405 | quantitative | webpage | IANDS 706-life-death.html 2011 | https://iands.org/research0/2024-11-23-16-15-26/nde-research/nde-archives31/newest-accounts/706-life-death.html | 1959 | 1959-08-08 | 2011 | F | On August 8, 1959, an American graduate student in Paris was struck by a taxi while riding a Vespa to develop film. The accident resulted in severe head trauma, broken bones, hearing loss, and aphasia. She experienced multiple out-of-body episodes, first seeing "white clad angels" (hospital staff) from above her bed. During ambulance transfer, she left her body and circled the vehicle, examining the dashboard through the driver's window. In the second hospital, she again left her body and saw a tunnel leading to clarity/light. Knowing that entering meant death, she chose to investigate, laughing about not having to clean her parents' attic. In the tunnel, she swirled faster, accompanied by others partway through. Exiting onto a hill overlooking a distant village, she heard "Gerry's here! Gerry's here!" from 3-4 essences shaped like inverted drops of clear light. She experienced overwhelming joy, euphoria, total acceptance, and telepathic communication. Time and space ceased - she was simultaneously in medieval past, present, and future like superimposed film layers. She realized sin and guilt are man-made control concepts. When essences were about to take her further, another arrived saying "NO" and "Gerry must go back because they don't know." She returned through the tunnel with swooshing sound, re-entering through her crown chakra. Hospital records noted aphasia had "notoriously regressed" within a month. Recovery took five years, with her sense of self progressing through developmental stages from first grade to adult. She developed lasting reverence for creation and persistent homesickness for the other realm. | 5 | Hospital | 10 | 20 | 40 | Exceptional Evidence | 10 | Severe accident with documented head trauma, broken bones, aphasia, extended hospitalization | Multiple detailed OBEs including ambulance dashboard observation, tunnel experience, being communication | written_account | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | Aphasia documented | 7/20/2025 | 2 | 1 | Circled ambulance and saw dashboard | 0.00 | Hospital staff and doctors | Low Compatibility | 8 | |||||||
| 4406 | quantitative | webpage | IANDS 707-my-spiritual-enlightenment.html 2011 | https://iands.org/research0/2024-11-23-16-15-26/nde-research/nde-archives31/newest-accounts/707-my-spiritual-enlightenment.html | 1969 | 2011 | 32 | F | In 1969, a 32-year-old mother of five suddenly became severely ill with what appeared to be flu. Experiencing waves of nausea, knife-like stomach pains, migraine, and violent chills, her condition rapidly deteriorated. She felt blood stopping in her veins, starting from fingers and toes moving toward her trunk. Realizing death was imminent when it reached her heart and lungs, she mentally fought desperately to stay for her children with "superhuman strength." Her husband called paramedics when he saw her turn blue. She moved through a frightening dark tunnel toward a beautiful light at the end, arriving in indescribable beauty and love beyond earthly experience. She was enveloped in love and found herself "in the presence of God" - not a visual being but a knowing presence. She experienced a quick life review and realized her children now seemed "as insignificant as childhood toys" from this perspective. She was given "knowledge of the universe" (not retained upon return) before suddenly returning to struggle for air from the third oxygen tank. Hospitalized for two weeks with severe dehydration and critically low potassium requiring IV treatment, she initially couldn't discuss the experience for fear of psychiatric commitment. The experience brought lasting inner peace, complete lack of death fear, rock-solid faith, and inability to grieve for those who die, knowing they've gone somewhere wonderful. She later started an IANDS support group and considers the experience her greatest blessing. | 5 | Hospital | 10 | 15 | 35 | Exceptional Evidence | 10 | Severe medical crisis with organ failure symptoms, turned blue, required paramedics and hospitalization | Direct experience of God's presence, received universal knowledge, life review | written_account | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | Low potassium critical | 7/20/2025 | 1 | 2 | Given knowledge of the universe | 0.00 | Paramedics | Highly Compatible | 9 | |||||||
| 4407 | quantitative | webpage | IANDS 708-nearing-divine-enclosure-my-story.html 2011 | https://iands.org/research0/2024-11-23-16-15-26/nde-research/nde-archives31/newest-accounts/708-nearing-divine-enclosure-my-story.html | 1994 | 1994-06-22 | 2011 | F | On June 22, 1994, a widow experienced a ruptured brain aneurysm at home, falling in the exact spot where her husband had died of a heart attack five years earlier. After emergency transport to a local hospital, she was airlifted to a specialist surgeon with her daughter accompanying her. Following nine hours of surgery, she survived but experienced severe vasospasms that kept her in a deep coma for four days. During this time, she took "a beautiful trip to the other side of life." Her journey began standing behind a closed door, supported by a Being of Light who told her it would open when ready. Upon entering, she passed through a tunnel with overwhelming light and had a brief life review. The Being escorted her to an indescribably beautiful garden with everlasting inner glow that no artist could capture. She reached a meadow she couldn't cross alone, told to wait for her deceased husband to come from behind a large tree to take her "the rest of the way." She remained there for what felt like four days. When her eyes opened from the coma, she knew she was "back to stay." Despite being told she'd need extensive speech therapy, she recovered remarkably - walking out of the hospital two weeks later with 100% recovery predicted. The experience gave her lasting peace and she carries daily the church bulletin quote from her youth: "Enter through me, He saith, for I am the door." | 1 | Hospital | 10 | 15 | 35 | Exceptional Evidence | 10 | Ruptured brain aneurysm requiring 9-hour surgery, 4-day coma with vasospasms in ICU | Being of Light guidance, beautiful otherworldly garden, deceased husband awaiting | written_account | 0.00 | 1.00 | 1.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | Vasospasms documented | 7/20/2025 | 2 | 1 | Saw deceased husband waiting | 0.00 | Surgical team and ICU staff | Highly Compatible | 8 | |||||||
| 4408 | quantitative | webpage | IANDS 709-an-nde-during-child-birth.html 2011 | https://iands.org/research0/2024-11-23-16-15-26/nde-research/nde-archives31/newest-accounts/709-an-nde-during-child-birth.html | 1982 | 2011 | F | The experiencer had a difficult childbirth in January 1982 after three days of labor with an atrophic uterus. Following delivery, she experienced severe bleeding that the doctor struggled to control. She heard the doctor say "Come on, stop bleeding!" and saw her skin turn bluish gray in the overhead mirror. She felt her heart pumping faster trying to compensate for blood loss, then everything stopped - her heart and breathing ceased. She experienced profound peace and felt herself rise above her body toward the ceiling as a wave of movement. She found herself immersed in white light all around her and conversed with the light, asking to return to her new baby. She heard someone say "I'll go back with her" though she couldn't identify the voice. Her energy form snapped back into her body, bringing pain and heaviness. She awoke with medical equipment attached and spent three to four hours in recovery until bleeding stopped. The next day she delivered retained placenta the doctor had forgotten to remove. The experience eliminated her fear of death and she now knows there is nothing like the love felt in that white light. | 5 | Hospital | 5 | 12 | 24 | Moderate Evidence | 7 | Life-threatening postpartum hemorrhage with cardiac arrest described | Observed bluish-gray skin color in mirror, heard doctor's specific words about bleeding, awareness during resuscitation | written_account | 0.00 | 1.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 7/20/2025 | 2 | 1 | Saw skin color change in overhead mirror | 0.00 | Doctors | Highly Compatible | 7 | |||||||||
| 4409 | quantitative | webpage | IANDS 718-still-vivid-40-years-later.html 2011 | https://iands.org/research0/2024-11-23-16-15-26/nde-research/nde-archives31/newest-accounts/718-still-vivid-40-years-later.html | 1971 | 2011 | 15 | M | A 15-year-old experienced a severe allergic reaction on Good Friday that progressively worsened. After initial emergency room treatment with Benadryl, he awoke the next morning with whole-body swelling including heart and brain. At the doctor's office, he was slipping in and out of consciousness and on the verge of cardiac arrest. While lying on the examination bed, he left his body and looked down at it, feeling wonderfully light and free of pain. He saw his parents holding each other with his mother crying, feeling compassion but knowing they would be fine. He then entered a void or space, being pulled along a path with a feminine presence beside him who embraced him with intense love. They communicated without words and he was shown the universe - stars and galaxies - with access to all knowledge. He asked questions and gained deep understanding, though he cannot recall the specific knowledge. He felt movement toward a distant pinpoint of light, filled with indescribable love and peace, feeling connected to everything. After returning to consciousness following treatment with antihistamines and adrenaline, he felt weak but peaceful for days. The memory remains vivid after forty years, providing comfort during difficult times and inspiring a life dedicated to compassion, peace, and justice causes. | 5 | Other | 5 | 10 | 19 | Moderate Evidence | 4 | Severe allergic reaction with organ swelling, near cardiac arrest documented | Observed parents holding each other, mother crying, from above body perspective | written_account | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 7/20/2025 | 3 | 1 | Saw parents from above | 0.00 | Doctor | Moderately Compatible | 8 | ||||||||
| 4410 | quantitative | webpage | IANDS 719-coming-and-going-somewhere.html 2011 | https://iands.org/research0/2024-11-23-16-15-26/nde-research/nde-archives31/newest-accounts/719-coming-and-going-somewhere.html | 2011 | M | An endurance athlete who had raced bicycles for 25 years experienced chest pain for about a month, which he thought was a pulled muscle. Despite running 4 times weekly, he had shortness of breath. On June 12th, severe pain led his wife to take him to the hospital. He was rushed down a hall on a gurney in excruciating pain, with a doctor telling him not to move or he would not survive. Prior to hearing the doctor, he found himself in a gold-colored room or space. He sensed presences all around though didn't see them. A dark brown mahogany casket was in front of him, small like for a 10-year-old, open with gold silk lining. Looking inside, he saw leaves, twigs, and water as if left outside. Then he saw the doctor above telling him not to move. His heart attack involved 100% occlusion of the left anterior descending artery. He was in cardiogenic shock requiring a balloon pump for 36 hours. Afterward, he recalls being roused and told not to move. He considers the vision more real than a dream and relives it daily. Since then, he sometimes "sees" people his clients bring into sessions and knew instantly when a friend in ICU had crossed over. He knows he was going somewhere and came from somewhere. | 1 | Hospital | 10 | 8 | 25 | Strong Evidence | 7 | Cardiac arrest with 100% LAD occlusion, cardiogenic shock, balloon pump for 36 hours | Saw gold room with casket containing leaves and water, heard doctor's warning | written_account | 0.00 | 1.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 7/20/2025 | 1 | 1 | Gold room with casket vision | 0.00 | CICU medical team | Mixed Compatibility | 6 | ||||||||||
| 4411 | quantitative | webpage | IANDS 720-from-the-ceiling.html 2011 | https://iands.org/research0/2024-11-23-16-15-26/nde-research/nde-archives31/newest-accounts/720-from-the-ceiling.html | 2011 | 20 | F | A 20-year-old college student was hospitalized for pelvic pain, diagnosed with ovarian blood clots after laparoscopy, and treated with Heparin. On the third or fourth evening, she experienced sharp pain after a bowel movement and became confused with a swollen abdomen. The next morning, the doctor dismissed it as gas. When her mother arrived unexpectedly early (her boyfriend had asked about ring size), they walked to the shower room where the patient collapsed. From above the ceiling, she observed the scene below: her mother against the wall with arms wrapped around herself, people everywhere, a crash cart, and herself lying in the hallway with her nightgown cut off. Everything was quiet from her perspective. She then saw a man leaning over her with a huge syringe containing yellow liquid, telling her she would be okay and to stay. She underwent emergency surgery, receiving five units of blood. The experience occurred on a Saturday morning around 10am. Her mother was supposed to attend a children's carnival but came early because the boyfriend asked about ring size. An old missionary friend visited the day of or after surgery. The patient views these timing coincidences as divine gifts along with her life. | 5 | Hospital | 7 | 14 | 28 | Strong Evidence | 7 | Life-threatening internal bleeding requiring emergency surgery and 5 units of blood | Observed mother's specific posture, crash cart, cut nightgown, man with yellow syringe from ceiling view | written_account | 0.00 | 1.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 7/20/2025 | 3 | 1 | Saw mother's specific posture | 0.00 | Emergency medical team | Highly Compatible | 4 | |||||||||
| 4412 | quantitative | webpage | IANDS 729-sphere-of-universal-communion.html 2011 | https://iands.org/research0/2024-11-23-16-15-26/nde-research/nde-archives31/newest-accounts/729-sphere-of-universal-communion.html | 2003 | 2011 | 53 | Unknown | At age 53 in spring 2003, a genetic condition caused the experiencer's heart to stop beating in an emergency room. Fully awake when dying, they felt their last breath pass and heart stop. They were catapulted out of body into what they call the "sphere of universal communion" - appearing as aware light where all individual souls exist as spheres of communion. The experiencer describes being a sphere of aware light among infinite others, with two aspects: Understanding (higher soul) and Memory (lower soul/personality). Contact between spheres resulted in spontaneous exchange of all knowledge and experience. They experienced periodic universal communion when all spheres merge into one consciousness. The return journey passed through a darker realm of confused souls unaware of their death, simply reliving memories. Contact with these souls sometimes awakened them to return home. The body was dead for two minutes but the experience felt like many years. Eight years later, they shared this account, having dedicated their life to expressing lessons learned. They maintain sensitivity to perceive everyone as spheres of aware light even with bodies, believing the same communion occurs here though harder to perceive. They conclude that learning to live is preparing to die, and preparing to die is learning to live. | 2 | Hospital | 10 | 4 | 14 | Suggestive Evidence | 0 | Heart stopped in emergency room, clinically dead for 2 minutes | Philosophical/spiritual observations only, no specific veridical details | written_account | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 7/20/2025 | 0 | 0 | Low Compatibility | 8 | |||||||||||
| 4413 | quantitative | webpage | IANDS 730-not-a-dream.html 2011 | https://iands.org/research0/2024-11-23-16-15-26/nde-research/nde-archives31/newest-accounts/730-not-a-dream.html | 2011 | 6 | F | At age six, just starting first grade, the experiencer became gravely ill with rheumatic fever. A doctor made a house call and immediately ordered hospitalization. While in the hospital, lying flat on her back unable to move her arms, she noticed two people (a man and woman) standing in the right corner of the ceiling. They had no wings and didn't smile. Being shy and afraid of strangers, she was hesitant when the man told her telepathically to come with them. She began floating in the air, thinking "this is so easy, why didn't I think of doing this before?" An opening appeared to the right showing a beautiful field. She started following them but looked back over her left shoulder and saw her parents in a different hospital room, clearly visible though distant, looking sad and crying. She said "But my parents will be so sad they'll never get over it." The visitors instantly vanished and she was back in bed. She told her father later but his response wasn't positive, so she concluded she must have been dreaming, though she knew she wasn't. She blocked the memory until reading about NDEs years later. The doctor later told her mother that without penicillin, she would have died. She also recalls pre-birth memories of being content in the womb and not wanting to be born, knowing life would be harder outside. | 5 | Hospital | 7 | 12 | 23 | Moderate Evidence | 4 | Gravely ill with rheumatic fever, doctor said would have died without penicillin | Saw parents crying in different room, floated in air, saw two beings in ceiling corner | written_account | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 7/20/2025 | 1 | 1 | Saw parents in different room | 0.00 | Doctor | Highly Compatible | 6 | |||||||||
| 4414 | quantitative | webpage | IANDS 731-scenes-recalled-thirty-years-later.html 2011 | https://iands.org/research0/2024-11-23-16-15-26/nde-research/nde-archives31/newest-accounts/731-scenes-recalled-thirty-years-later.html | 2011 | M | A young boy went to the Brazos River with his father and four friends while his father fished. After playing for an hour, they began wading upstream when he stepped into a hole and went under without getting a breath. He struggled repeatedly to surface, spitting water but unable to breathe before going under again. After exhausting struggle, he gave up and everything went into slow motion. He rose out of his body, looking down at it struggling, feeling no concern about being in two places. Rising 10 feet above water, he saw a basketball-sized sphere of intensely bright light with swirling light inside. A black speck in its center moved toward him and Jesus appeared with golden complexion, radiating visible light in all directions. Though initially feeling unworthy, Jesus extended his hand and the guilt vanished. Jesus spoke telepathically saying "Fear not. Be at peace." A giant screen appeared showing random scenes from his life. Jesus questioned him about lies, bullying, and wrongdoing, correcting any attempts to minimize his actions, while praising good deeds with humor and laughter. They traveled at tremendous speed through a churning tunnel toward distant light before he suddenly returned when a friend touched his foot underwater. The friend rescued him, and he vomited water repeatedly in agonizing pain. Due to trauma, he forgot the Jesus encounter for thirty years until reading about NDEs jogged his memory. | 5 | Other | 5 | 6 | 15 | Moderate Evidence | 4 | Near-drowning with prolonged underwater struggle, rescued by friend | Life review scenes only, no veridical external observations reported | written_account | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 7/20/2025 | 0 | 1 | Friend | Highly Compatible | 8 | ||||||||||||
| 4415 | quantitative | webpage | IANDS 732-white-all-around-me.html 2011 | https://iands.org/research0/2024-11-23-16-15-26/nde-research/nde-archives31/newest-accounts/732-white-all-around-me.html | 2011 | M | The experiencer had a 100% blockage of a main artery resulting in cardiac arrest while in the emergency room, occurring while actually talking to the doctor and describing symptoms. While unconscious and dead, he experienced being in a car hurtling down a road out of control, unable to stop or move, with arms pinned at sides. Everything around was white - no trees, houses, or people, just white nothingness. There were no boundaries on either side of the vast road. He wasn't passing anything and there was nothing to pass. The only sensation was hurtling forward out of control through white space. He suddenly awoke looking up at his wife, thinking he had passed out and had a weird dream. She informed him his heart had stopped in the ER and the doctor had brought him back. The experience opened his eyes to a world of possibilities. When he later returned to thank the emergency room staff, he felt like a ghost returning to the scene of his death. The hospital wrote about the event in their newsletter, making him feel like he was reading his own obituary. He now knows there is much about this world he doesn't understand, with answers beyond his ability to fathom the questions. | 2 | Hospital | 10 | 2 | 16 | Moderate Evidence | 4 | 100% arterial blockage with cardiac arrest in ER, resuscitated by doctor | No veridical observations, only subjective experience of white void | written_account | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 7/20/2025 | 0 | 1 | ER Doctor | Highly Compatible | 4 | ||||||||||||
| 4416 | quantitative | webpage | IANDS 733-confirmation-of-eternity.html 2011 | https://iands.org/research0/2024-11-23-16-15-26/nde-research/nde-archives31/newest-accounts/733-confirmation-of-eternity.html | 1981 | 2011 | 10 | Unknown | At age 10 in 1981, shortly after parents' divorce, the experiencer went to Zuma Beach, Malibu with mother, younger brother, and mother's date. At sunset, while playing in unusual soup-like surf, the child was pulled by undertow into a vacuum of swirling water, slammed face-first against an unseen sandbar. Instantly, perspective changed to floating one story high above the body with panoramic 360-degree vision, seeing through dozens of eyes like a crown around the head, existing as invisible air. The child observed their body being pummeled, feeling only amusement at watching it flap like meat, with complete amnesia about their 10 years of life and no emotional connection to family members standing around. They experienced total freedom from gravity, worldly concerns, promises, guilt, societal pressures, and survival needs - feeling profound elation and weightlessness of soul. Colors were magnified and more acute than ever before or since. With childlike playfulness, they decided to depart upward when mother's scream of their name instantly returned them to the drowning body. Lungs burned, head pounded, body felt like dead weight. After crawling blindly and surfacing, mother helped them up. Five minutes later on the beach, they wept uncontrollably, having confirmed that consciousness thrives outside flesh, outside time, and never dies. Made an oath never to return to a body if given choice. Now at 40, the experience guides their spiritual quest. | 5 | Other | 5 | 10 | 15 | Moderate Evidence | 0 | Near-drowning with underwater battering against sandbar | Panoramic observation of body and people from above, enhanced color perception | written_account | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 7/20/2025 | 1 | 0 | Panoramic view from above | 0.00 | Moderately Compatible | 6 | |||||||||
| 4417 | quantitative | webpage | IANDS 1129-finding-spyro.html 2016 | https://iands.org/research0/2024-11-23-16-15-26/nde-research/nde-archives31/newest-accounts/1129-finding-spyro.html | 2016 | Unknown | The experiencer, adopted from Greece at age 4 and raised as an only child, was hospitalized with what had been repeatedly misdiagnosed as walking pneumonia but was actually viral cardiomyopathy. After calling 911 and being rushed to CICU, their heart stopped. They instantly found themselves in a vast bluish/white infinity radiating peace and beauty. Realizing they had died, they felt sadness for those left behind. A male presence on their right said "Do not worry. All is well," bringing complete peace. When they tried to look at him, he said "Do not look me in the face" and "Look beyond." They saw the cosmos - suns, planets, galaxies, universes teeming with radiant life energy. After hours of observation, the presence pointed into the vastness where they saw a young man's silhouette holding a cat. They felt profound love and connection, knowing this person was part of them. Before they could run forward, the presence stopped them saying "You must go back. You have much to accomplish" and told them a secret to be kept hidden until the right time. Colors never seen before radiated from the being's flowing sleeve. They awoke watching a female doctor in a fuchsia blouse working on someone, later learning it was themselves. Their heart had stopped for over 5 minutes. Months later, driven to search, they found their biological family in Greece through Facebook, discovering they had four brothers, one deceased brother named Spyro who appeared in photos holding a cat - matching the vision. They met the family after 47 years of separation. | 1 | Hospital | 10 | 18 | 38 | Exceptional Evidence | 10 | Cardiac arrest in CICU for over 5 minutes from viral cardiomyopathy | Saw unknown deceased brother holding cat, later verified through photos; observed doctor in fuchsia blouse | written_account | 0.00 | 1.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 7/20/2025 | 2 | 1 | Saw deceased brother never known about | 1.00 | Doctors and nurses | Moderately Compatible | 8 | ||||||||||
| 4418 | quantitative | webpage | IANDS 1909-kenyan-man-is-told-that-his-spirit-is-the-son-of-god.html 2025 | https://iands.org/research0/2024-11-23-16-15-26/nde-research/nde-archives31/newest-accounts/1909-kenyan-man-is-told-that-his-spirit-is-the-son-of-god.html | 2012 | 2025 | M | Teddy Waiyaki, a deaf and mute man from Nairobi, Kenya, experienced death in 2012 while suffering from severe heart pain and headaches. After collapsing one night, his spirit was lifted at incredible speed toward heaven where he stood before Jesus Christ and Jehovah God. Initially seeing only darkness, he felt overwhelming strength and purity unlike anything in his earthly body. Through a vision like a TV screen, he saw his mother and brother mourning over his lifeless body. An Archangel appeared and communicated with him using sign language, telling him his spirit was the son of God. The Archangel led him to a divine throne room where Jesus stood near Jehovah God. Along the way, he saw countless spirits filled with light who gazed at him in wonder, as his spirit was tall and mighty, resembling Jehovah God Himself. When he asked to return to his body, the Archangel agreed. His spirit flew back through space like Superman, through clouds, and re-entered his body at midnight. He woke up healed, stunning his mother and brother who witnessed his return to life. | 5 | Home | 7 | 10 | 24 | Moderate Evidence | 7 | Heart pain and severe headaches led to collapse and death | Saw mother and brother mourning his body, divine beings, returned at midnight surprising family | written_account | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 7/20/2025 | 2 | 1 | Saw family mourning his body | 0.00 | Mother and brother | Low Compatibility | 8 | |||||||||
| 4419 | quantitative | webpage | IANDS 1910-german-man-in-collision-analyses-consciousness-and-moral-issues.html 2025 | https://iands.org/research0/2024-11-23-16-15-26/nde-research/nde-archives31/newest-accounts/1910-german-man-in-collision-analyses-consciousness-and-moral-issues.html | 2024 | 2024-05-26 | 2025 | M | A German man was struck head-on by a drunk driver in a van on May 26, 2024, while cycling. The collision caused cardiac arrest, moderate traumatic brain injury, multi-fragmented nasal fracture, and he was thrown 50-70 meters through the air. At the moment of impact, he experienced his life flashing before his eyes chronologically. When his heart stopped, everything went black, then his consciousness departed his body at what he perceived as faster-than-light speed into another dimension. There he experienced omniscience, knowing everything about the universe including its beginning and end. He felt complete unity with universal knowledge, absence of pain, and indescribable bliss. Time did not exist - everything was an eternal present. After landing in grass, his heart restarted and consciousness was pulled back into his body, where he endured up to 30 minutes of excruciating deep coma, completely paralyzed but able to hear the drunk drivers discussing whether to call an ambulance. They decided to flee, leaving him for dead. He eventually recovered enough to stand and seek help. The experience left him with PTSD but absolute certainty about consciousness surviving death. | 5 | Other | 10 | 8 | 18 | Moderate Evidence | 0 | Severe vehicle collision causing cardiac arrest, traumatic brain injury, deep coma | Heard perpetrators discussing while in coma, experienced omniscience in other dimension | written_account | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 7/20/2025 | 2 | 0 | Heard perpetrators discussing during coma | 0.00 | Mixed Compatibility | 8 | |||||||||
| 4420 | quantitative | webpage | IANDS 1915-teen-has-nde-in-surgery-as-well-as-subsequent-unusual-experiences.html 2025 | https://iands.org/research0/2024-11-23-16-15-26/nde-research/nde-archives31/newest-accounts/1915-teen-has-nde-in-surgery-as-well-as-subsequent-unusual-experiences.html | 2025 | Unknown | A person experienced an NDE in a hospital setting, traveling through a tunnel with colorful lights at lightning speed before stopping near the end. They felt overwhelming calmness and encountered an entity appearing as a nebulous circle, which they sensed as their maternal grandmother. This entity conveyed love, acceptance, and deep connection without words, telling them "It's not your time." They returned abruptly to find themselves in a hospital bed with arms strapped to railings. A nurse informed them they had died for just over a minute and had been so combative upon resuscitation that restraints were necessary. The experiencer has no memory of the combative behavior. Following this NDE, they had several other paranormal experiences over the years, including visitations from a "Tall Woman" in dreams who warned of life changes and later messages about loved ones' health. These subsequent experiences included accurate premonitions about their father's death and a friend's dream warning about colorectal cancer that proved correct. | 6 | Hospital | 3 | 4 | 11 | Suggestive Evidence | 4 | Hospital setting with death for over a minute, specific medical context unclear | Tunnel with lights, entity encounter, told "not your time", subsequent premonitions proved accurate | written_account | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 7/20/2025 | 1 | 1 | Tunnel experience and entity encounter | 1.00 | Nurse | Mixed Compatibility | 7 | ||||||||||
| 4421 | quantitative | webpage | IANDS 1916-algerian-man-hit-by-car-is-visited-by-jesus-mohammed-shiva-and-female-deity.html 2025 | https://iands.org/research0/2024-11-23-16-15-26/nde-research/nde-archives31/newest-accounts/1916-algerian-man-hit-by-car-is-visited-by-jesus-mohammed-shiva-and-female-deity.html | 2002 | 2025 | M | Malek from Algeria was hit by a car traveling 80 km/h during a sandstorm in 2002 while working at a Sahara hotel. The impact threw him several meters, causing fractures to his right hand, double fracture in right leg, and multiple rib fractures. While being transported to the hospital, he experienced an altered state where a young girl appeared, keeping him conscious and later guiding him through otherworldly experiences. He floated above his body in the operating room, observing medical procedures and hearing staff discuss anesthesia not taking effect. The girl led him to another realm where he encountered Jesus Christ, Prophet Mohammed, Shiva, and a female deity. These beings placed hands on his chest, granting him "grace" and stopping his bleeding. Mohammed showed him scenes from his life including painful memories. He witnessed a cosmic display of civilizations and their technologies, experiencing universal knowledge. After 24 hours in deep coma, he awoke with lasting changes including heightened sensitivity, ability to perceive other dimensions, and frequent visits from the deceased. The recovery took six months, leaving deep physical and psychological scars. | 5 | Hospital | 7 | 12 | 19 | Moderate Evidence | 0 | Hit by car at 80 km/h, multiple fractures, transported to hospital, surgery | OBE in operating room, heard staff discuss anesthesia, saw specific medical procedures, encountered multiple deities | written_account | 0.00 | 0.00 | 1.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 1.00 | 7/20/2025 | 3 | 0 | Operating room observations | 0.00 | Incompatible | 9 | ||||||||||
| 4422 | quantitative | webpage | IANDS 1919-man-wakes-in-morgue-following-seizure-hospital-then-peace.html 2025 | https://iands.org/research0/2024-11-23-16-15-26/nde-research/nde-archives31/newest-accounts/1919-man-wakes-in-morgue-following-seizure-hospital-then-peace.html | 2022 | 2022-04-18 | 2025 | 40 | M | On April 18, 2022, a man with a recent history of seizures experienced a sudden shock through his body while standing in the kitchen. Rushed to emergency, he was awakened by painful sternum rubbing from a nurse practitioner who expressed concern about his low oxygen levels. Despite believing he was responding clearly, medical staff did not hear him. His condition deteriorated rapidly - monitors alarmed, his pupils became myotic, and he was catheterized while unable to make staff hear his protests of pain. He witnessed all procedures but couldn't communicate. After seeing a flash of white light, he experienced complete peace unlike anything in his life. He felt others' presence and happiness at his arrival, experiencing complete understanding of the universe. When he thought of his children and ex-wife, a woman's voice said "We didn't expect you to make it to 40 years. You really don't have to go back." After insisting on returning, he awoke completely nude in a frigid room with no call button - the morgue. After wandering empty halls for ten minutes, he found staff who were bewildered to see him. He learned he had urinated on himself and didn't look good when brought in. The experience led him to extensive study of cosmology, physics, and spiritualism. | 5 | Hospital | 7 | 10 | 21 | Moderate Evidence | 4 | Seizure leading to cardiac/respiratory arrest, pronounced dead, placed in morgue | Aware during medical procedures though unresponsive, woke in morgue, told wouldn't make it to 40 | written_account | 0.00 | 1.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 7/20/2025 | 2 | 1 | Awareness during medical emergency | 0.00 | Hospital staff member | Mixed Compatibility | 7 | |||||||
| 4423 | quantitative | webpage | IANDS 799-nobody-ever-dies-we-just-change.html 2011 | https://iands.org/research0/2024-11-23-16-15-26/nde-research/nde-archives31/newest-accounts/799-nobody-ever-dies-we-just-change.html | 2011 | M |
The experiencer was drinking and smoking with biker friends at a bar when he suddenly felt weak and started sweating profusely. He went outside for air, sat on a motorcycle, and collapsed onto the dirt. He experienced a mild heart attack that initiated his near-death experience. During the experience, he found himself looking down at his own body lying helpless on the ground. He was pulled into complete darkness that frightened him intensely. Then his deceased brother "Dog" called to him from above and lifted him out of the dark hole. They embraced, and the experiencer found himself able to see the entirety of existence - planets, suns, and the whole universe. He felt safe, loved, and free from fear. His brother communicated telepathically that nobody ever dies, they just change form. When told he had to return, the experiencer resisted, saying his life was difficult and he wanted to stay. His brother explained it was God's will and he had unfinished work to do. Three-dimensional images of his children appeared, emphasizing his responsibilities. The experiencer observed several veridical elements during his NDE. He accurately described looking down at his body from above while it lay on the dirt. He reported details about his physical condition that were later confirmed, including having wet himself during the event. Medical tests at a walk-in clinic the next day confirmed he had suffered a mild heart attack, though cardiac imaging found no specific damage area. After returning to his body, the experiencer underwent profound life changes. He developed psychic abilities, being able to perceive people's thoughts and feelings with complete accuracy. He quit drinking and smoking, forgave his ex-wife completely, and became deeply involved with his family. He reports feeling God's presence within him and receiving divine guidance when needed. |
2 | Other | 7 | 8 | 19 | Moderate Evidence | 4 | Mild heart attack confirmed by medical tests at walk-in clinic the day after, though occurred outside medical setting | Limited veridical content - mainly self-observation from above and physical condition details confirmed later | written_account | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 7/20/2025 | 3 | 1 | Saw own body from above | 0.00 | Walk-in clinic staff | Mixed Compatibility | 9 | ||||||||||
| 4424 | quantitative | webpage | IANDS 809-kissed-by-a-marshmallow.html 2012 | https://iands.org/research0/2024-11-23-16-15-26/nde-research/nde-archives31/newest-accounts/809-kissed-by-a-marshmallow.html | 2012 | Unknown |
The experiencer was in their late twenties, hospitalized in the neuro-intensive care unit for brain bleeding. They told the nurse something was seriously wrong, reporting it was the worst they had ever felt, but the nurse dismissed it as anxiety and left. This dismissal preceded the onset of their near-death experience. Three men in white robes suddenly appeared at the bedside, appearing to be surrounded by one-inch flames that were brighter than a thousand suns yet didn't hurt the eyes or light the room corners. Despite initial fear about the fire, the experiencer realized these beings felt no distress. The being on the left raised both hands, causing the experiencer to leave their body. They floated face-first through the ceiling and hospital roof, then turned to observe the building from above. This aerial view was later confirmed accurate through satellite imagery. The group ascended into clouds and began flying horizontally at tremendous speed without experiencing friction, gravity, or cold. Mind-to-mind communication occurred throughout, with the lead angel explaining physical laws didn't apply there. The angel revealed he spoke all languages and shared profound knowledge including the meaning of life being "for the entertainment of the spirit realm." Flying through clouds felt like being "kissed by a marshmallow" during exhilarating acrobatic maneuvers. The experience included highly specific veridical observations that were independently verified. The aerial view of the hospital roof and grounds showed details later confirmed through satellite imagery, providing objective evidence the experience wasn't hallucination or dream. The experiencer observed grass appearing extraordinarily vibrant, glowing and pulsating in ways beyond normal perception. They were shown a life review including being held by Jesus as a baby, childhood conversations with God, and adult dishonesty that pleased demons. Visions of their mother and best friend mourning their potential death convinced them to return. Upon return to the body, the experiencer discovered they had been in a prolonged medical crisis that the nurse had dismissed. The profound experience left them with permanent longing for the perfect love they experienced and a certainty about the continuation of consciousness after death. |
4 | Hospital | 5 | 18 | 33 | Strong Evidence | 10 | Neuro-ICU for brain bleeding represents serious medical condition though specific clinical death not documented | Exceptional veridical content with hospital roof view verified by satellite imagery, plus specific details of surroundings | written_account | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 7/20/2025 | 4 | 1 | Hospital roof structure from above | 1.00 | Experiencer | Highly Compatible | 9 | ||||||||||
| 4425 | quantitative | webpage | IANDS 816-donor-visit-during-nde.html 2012 | https://iands.org/research0/2024-11-23-16-15-26/nde-research/nde-archives31/newest-accounts/816-donor-visit-during-nde.html | 2012 | Unknown |
The experiencer was a liver transplant recipient whose near-death experience resulted from severe complications during an initial surgical procedure. Due to deteriorating conditions that other tests failed to diagnose, medical staff decided to perform a liver biopsy to identify the underlying problem. The biopsy procedure went catastrophically wrong when the probe tore a gash in the side of the liver and punctured both the right lung and diaphragm. These severe injuries resulted in the patient's clinical death for six minutes. During this time, the experiencer had a profound near-death experience characterized by an unusual element - the felt presence of their organ donor accompanying them throughout the experience. Following the NDE, the patient remained in a coma for one week, during which they maintained awareness of existing as a "dual body," experiencing a shadowing effect whenever attempting movement. The most remarkable veridical aspect of this experience was the experiencer's accurate knowledge about their donor's gender. When discussing the experience with their doctor afterward, the experiencer referred to the donor as "she." When the doctor asked how they knew the donor was female, this intuitive knowledge proved correct upon verification. This represents a particularly significant form of veridical perception, as organ donor information is typically kept strictly confidential and unavailable to recipients. The ongoing connection with the donor continues beyond the initial NDE. The donor regularly visits in dreams where communication occurs, though the specific content is never remembered upon waking. Rather than being frightening, these visitations provide comfort and reassurance. The experiencer describes the donor as always present, suggesting a permanent spiritual bond formed through the organ transplantation and strengthened during the near-death experience. |
1 | Hospital | 10 | 16 | 36 | Exceptional Evidence | 10 | Clinical death for 6 minutes in hospital setting with clear medical cause from surgical complications | Correctly identified donor gender despite confidential information, unique form of impossible knowledge | written_account | 0.00 | 1.00 | 1.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 7/20/2025 | 2 | 1 | Donor gender identification | 1.00 | Doctor | Low Compatibility | 7 | ||||||||||
| 4426 | quantitative | webpage | IANDS 820-as-sacred-as-birth.html 2012 | https://iands.org/research0/2024-11-23-16-15-26/nde-research/nde-archives31/newest-accounts/820-as-sacred-as-birth.html | 1981 | 2012 | F |
In 1981, the experiencer underwent arthroscopic surgery to repair decade-old knee damage. She had deliberately waited for this less invasive procedure to be perfected, knowing recovery would be faster than traditional surgery. While waiting on the gurney before surgery, she experienced severe cold and shaking, likely from nerves and pre-operative medication. A nurse placed warm blankets on her, allowing her to relax and doze off. The experiencer next found awareness in what she thought was the recovery room, hearing medical staff discussing a patient while watching the scene unfold. Not initially realizing they were working on her own body, she tried unsuccessfully to get their attention. She discovered she had floated to the ceiling corner, observing everything with a muffled quality. Without recognizing her out-of-body state, she felt pulled toward a dark tunnel by pressure from behind. Moving toward a growing light that eventually immersed her completely, she encountered two rows of hooded beings in monk-like robes. One being stepped forward, communicating energetically rather than vocally in a form of mutual internal dialogue. She experienced overwhelming unconditional love radiating from all the beings, feeling truly cherished and home for the first time. When told she must return because her six-year-old daughter needed her, she resisted despite recognizing her daughter would have no suitable guardian. She was shown a life review of choices before being returned to her body. The experience included two primary veridical observations. First, she observed the medical team from the ceiling corner of the recovery room, watching them work on her body from an impossible vantage point. Second, her extended time in recovery was later confirmed by her sister, who had been told there was much more surgical damage than expected, requiring three additional hours of work. Her roommate with similar but less extensive surgery suffered greatly while she experienced minimal pain. The NDE produced profound lasting changes. Initially unaware of what had occurred, memories returned through flashbacks and dreams. She developed significant psychic abilities including empathic perception, clairsentience, clairaudience, and clairvoyance. She began channeling and automatic writing, gaining information beyond normal means. Her spiritual path led her away from Catholicism toward broader spirituality. She became a spiritual life coach and intuitive counselor, dedicated to helping others recognize their divine essence. |
3 | Hospital | 7 | 6 | 15 | Moderate Evidence | 2 | Arthroscopic knee surgery under general anesthesia with extended recovery time | Limited specific veridical details - mainly self-observation from ceiling and confirmed extended surgery time | written_account | 0.00 | 0.00 | 1.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 1.00 | 7/20/2025 | 2 | 0 | Viewed medical team from ceiling | 0.00 | Incompatible | 9 | ||||||||||
| 4427 | quantitative | webpage | IANDS 734-dying-to-be-near-god.html 2011 | https://iands.org/research0/2024-11-23-16-15-26/nde-research/nde-archives31/newest-accounts/734-dying-to-be-near-god.html | 2006 | 2011 | Unknown |
The experiencer suffered approximately four heart attacks while on distant shores and experienced a particularly severe episode lasting 48 hours in Nanning, China in 2006. During this extended cardiac crisis, marked by excruciating pain that made them want to die for relief, they experienced a profound shift in consciousness. The pain was initially misdiagnosed as acid reflux for three years before this critical event. During the ordeal, they became so consumed with observing their body's reactions that they forgot to fear death, entering a state of fearlessness that lasted seven days from attack through surgery and recovery. The core experience occurred during surgery at the hands of Chinese doctors. The experiencer found themselves hovering approximately 10 feet above the operating scene, observing their body below along with the medical staff. From this vantage point, they experienced themselves as a pure viewpoint or consciousness, completely separate from their physical form. This out-of-body perspective provided them with absolute certainty that they would never truly die and that they were part of what they describe as "the Great I Am." They observed the surgical scene with complete detachment yet full awareness. The experiencer noted specific details of being outside their body as a mere observing viewpoint during the surgery. They could see their physical body on the operating table and all the doctors and nurses working on them from a position 10 feet above. This observation occurred while Chinese doctors were performing surgery related to their heart condition. Upon returning to their body, they experienced intense physical sensations including rigid body, immobile arms, frozen feet, deep chest pain near the heart that was almost unbearable, and extreme difficulty breathing. The experiencer reports being fundamentally transformed, now understanding that God exists within all creation rather than as an external judge, manifesting through acts of kindness and the instinctive drive for survival in all life forms. |
1 | Hospital | 10 | 8 | 18 | Moderate Evidence | 0 | Multiple heart attacks documented with surgical intervention in Chinese hospital | Clear out-of-body observation during surgery, hovering 10 feet above operating room | written_account | 0.00 | 1.00 | 1.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 1.00 | 7/20/2025 | 1 | 0 | Hovering above surgery scene | 0.00 | Highly Compatible | 6 | ||||||||||
| 4428 | quantitative | webpage | IANDS 735-unlike-anything-before-or-since.html 2011 | https://iands.org/research0/2024-11-23-16-15-26/nde-research/nde-archives31/newest-accounts/735-unlike-anything-before-or-since.html | 2011 | Unknown |
A military service member was hospitalized in Vietnam with severe burns from combat action. The medical team worked to stabilize them for transport to a hospital in Japan, though they have no memory of boarding the aircraft and only regained consciousness the next day in the burn ward. Their roommate, who had lost an arm and leg and was also severely burned, shared that his deceased fire team had appeared to him, telling him not to feel guilty about surviving and to continue with his life. During transport in a C-130 hospital aircraft filled with wounded soldiers on stacked stretchers, the experiencer found themselves watching their own body from outside. They observed two Air Force nurse captains working desperately to save them - one administering mouth-to-mouth resuscitation with their nose pinched off, while the other rhythmically pounded on their chest. They watched this scene dispassionately while sensing they were moving up and away, further back from the scene. They traveled to what they describe as a wonderful, cool, white-light place of incredible beauty, unlike anything experienced before or since, filled with tremendous peace and serenity. The experiencer observed specific medical procedures being performed on them in the aircraft. They saw one nurse captain pinching their nose while giving mouth-to-mouth resuscitation, and another nurse captain with her left hand on the center of their breastbone, using her right hand to rhythmically pound their chest. They noted the interior layout of the C-130 with stretchers stacked floor to ceiling holding other wounded soldiers. The perspective was from outside their body, watching the resuscitation efforts dispassionately. Upon realizing what was happening, they made a conscious choice to return, wordlessly saying "No, wait. Not now" feeling they had too much left to do. They came to consciousness about a day later in Japan, and only recalled the experience when their roommate shared his own visitation from deceased comrades, causing the NDE memory to return "in a rush out of nowhere." |
1 | Ambulance | 10 | 12 | 22 | Moderate Evidence | 0 | Combat burns requiring stabilization and resuscitation during medical transport | Detailed observation of two nurses performing CPR, specific hand positions and techniques | written_account | 0.00 | 1.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 7/20/2025 | 2 | 0 | Observed resuscitation procedures | 0.00 | Highly Compatible | 5 | |||||||||||
| 4429 | quantitative | webpage | IANDS 736-never-wanted-to-leave-the-presence.html 2011 | https://iands.org/research0/2024-11-23-16-15-26/nde-research/nde-archives31/newest-accounts/736-never-wanted-to-leave-the-presence.html | 2011 | 16 | Unknown |
A 16-year-old honor student with a full academic scholarship was driving with two soccer teammates to go hiking at Hatcher's Pass in Alaska during summer solstice. On the return trip down the mountain, they stopped briefly at outhouses before continuing. The driver has no memory of what happened next due to frontal and posterior brain damage. According to passengers, the driver possibly fell asleep, drifted to the road edge, overcorrected, causing the car to flip end over end, with the driver's head going through the windshield into a tree. First responders initially covered the victim, unable to get vitals, before a medical professional eventually revived them. The experiencer was enveloped in darkness, which they attribute to being blinded in the accident (doctors said they would be permanently blind). They felt themselves transcending time and space, spiraling through the galaxy as an unbound entity, like a raindrop heading toward a puddle that represented a collective of all souls. They experienced pure, unconditional love amplified beyond earthly comprehension - comparing earthly love to a grain of sand versus all beaches in the world. They felt the presence of angels and joyous souls who delivered a hundred lifetimes of knowledge about divinity, and knew they were in the presence of God, never wanting to leave. Due to being blinded during the accident, the experiencer had no visual observations of the physical world. Instead, they experienced non-visual awareness of transcendent realms, feeling themselves as an entity moving through space toward a collective consciousness. They received knowledge about divinity through non-visual communication with angelic presences and souls. The darkness they experienced was not malevolent but rather a result of their physical blindness. The experiencer sustained level 3-4 Le Fort fractures, shattering every facial bone except the chin, requiring over 100 titanium plates, screws, and mesh for reconstruction. They survived injuries that typically prove fatal. The experience occurred 17 years ago and fundamentally changed their life perspective. |
5 | Other | 10 | 4 | 14 | Suggestive Evidence | 0 | Catastrophic facial trauma with level 3-4 Le Fort fractures, initially presumed dead | No veridical observations due to blindness, spiritual/transcendent experience only | written_account | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 1.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | Physical blindness during experience | 7/20/2025 | 0 | 0 | Moderately Compatible | 7 | |||||||||||
| 4430 | quantitative | webpage | IANDS 737-peace-despite-difficult-life.html 2011 | https://iands.org/research0/2024-11-23-16-15-26/nde-research/nde-archives31/newest-accounts/737-peace-despite-difficult-life.html | 1986 | 1986-12-01 | 2011 | Unknown |
On December 1, 1986, the experiencer was in a head-on collision with a drunk driver. Their coma was likely induced due to severe facial bleeding. They suffered a closed head injury with their brain reportedly tripling in size from swelling, preventing a CAT scan for three days. The first year after the accident remains a blur in their memory. The accident resulted in a frontal lobe injury that caused significant personality changes and long-term disabilities. During the coma, the experiencer was in a place of profound peace, completely detached from anything earthly. They describe this peace as the most beautiful that cannot be adequately described in earthly terms. This experience of transcendent peace stood in stark contrast to their difficult post-accident life. The experiencer interprets this as having been shown "a piece of heaven" by their creator, and they returned with that divine peace still within them. The account contains no specific veridical observations, focusing entirely on the subjective experience of beautiful, indescribable peace during the coma state. The experiencer provides no details of any visual, auditory, or other sensory observations during their NDE, only the overwhelming sense of peace and detachment from earthly concerns. Following the accident, the experiencer's life became very difficult. They experienced personality changes from the frontal lobe injury, divorced, developed compromised communication skills, increased irresponsibility, work difficulties, and began hearing voices when stressed. They were diagnosed with schizophrenia in 2000 and prescribed psychiatric medications. Despite these challenges, they consider the NDE a blessing because it showed them heavenly peace. |
4 | Hospital | 5 | 1 | 6 | Weak Evidence | 0 | Coma from head-on collision with severe brain injury and swelling | No veridical observations, only subjective peace experience | written_account | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 7/20/2025 | 0 | 0 | Highly Compatible | 2 | |||||||||||
| 4431 | quantitative | webpage | IANDS 740-ethereal-tunnel.html 2011 | https://iands.org/research0/2024-11-23-16-15-26/nde-research/nde-archives31/newest-accounts/740-ethereal-tunnel.html | 2011 | F |
Following a long and difficult labor with spinal anesthetic, the experiencer was lying on a stretcher after delivery when she felt a tight band around her chest. A nurse checked her blood pressure at 70/30 and opened the IV line. Despite feeling wonderful and wanting to close the line, she couldn't move. A doctor ran up yelling "What the hell happened? She was fine a few minutes ago! Get the cart!" as medical staff rushed to respond to the emergency. The experiencer, having participated in many medical codes professionally, found watching her own resuscitation boring. She left her body floating face down, observing herself on the stretcher with complete detachment. She felt wonderful with no pain or worries, noting the tops of walls faded into blackness with stars visible above. She found herself in an ethereal tunnel moving slowly toward a light with two beings present. The beings seemed flustered, communicating that it wasn't her time and she had many years left to live with lots of work to do. When they said "Who will take care of the baby?" she looked left and saw her son in the nursery crib, battered and bruised from the difficult labor with a misshapen head. The experiencer observed her body on the stretcher from a floating position face down. She heard the doctor's exact words expressing alarm and calling for the crash cart. She saw her baby son lying in his crib in the nursery, noting specific details about his appearance including bruising and misshapen head from the difficult delivery. She observed a large window below her floating position and received telepathic communication about being able to visit home. The thought of her injured newborn son made her resolve waver, and she fought to return, describing it like "swimming backwards" to get back into her body. Upon return, her body felt cold, damp, and painful, and she was momentarily angry at the medical staff for bringing her back, though she knew she had made the right choice. |
5 | Hospital | 7 | 10 | 17 | Moderate Evidence | 0 | Childbirth emergency with dangerously low blood pressure requiring crash cart | Observed medical response, saw baby in nursery with specific details | written_account | 0.00 | 1.00 | 1.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 7/20/2025 | 2 | 0 | Medical emergency response | 0.00 | Highly Compatible | 7 | |||||||||||
| 4432 | quantitative | webpage | IANDS 741-found-but-lost.html 2011 | https://iands.org/research0/2024-11-23-16-15-26/nde-research/nde-archives31/newest-accounts/741-found-but-lost.html | 2010 | 2010-09-19 | 2011 | F |
On September 19, 2010, at 12:40 AM, the experiencer with a history of supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) had her most severe episode after approximately 100 previous hospital visits. Unlike prior episodes where she remained conscious and talkative, this attack began suddenly with suffocation and immediate fear. She warned nurses this would "go real bad real fast." Her blood pressure dropped to 56/27, she began vomiting, lost bowel control, and heard staff calling a "pre-code." She told her husband "I think I am going to die" before losing consciousness as doctors worked to save her. The experiencer found herself with her deceased father (died 2008) standing by an orange cap in the trauma room. They existed as essence/spirit/energy without physical form, experiencing "knowing" rather than seeing. They could feel the tension, pressure, and various emotions of the medical staff, which was unpleasant, so they left to a dark space like her unlit basement. She could smell her father's cigarette and body odor. Communication occurred without words, feeling wonderful, peaceful, loving, and perfect. Her father indicated she had to return, which she resisted, wanting desperately to stay. He "bumped" her hard and she traveled rapidly through a bright white tunnel. The experiencer observed the trauma room from a non-physical perspective with her deceased father, standing by an orange cap (later identified as a disposable container lid on the wall). The perspective showed the cap appearing much higher than its actual position. She "knew" rather than saw multiple people in the room and felt their emotions. Upon awakening, she saw her father's face superimposed on her husband's face, like a camera shifting focus between them. Upon returning, she awoke seeing her father's face overlapping her husband's before it faded. Her husband, who witnessed everything, confirmed she went unconscious, stopped breathing, was defibrillated, and slowly stabilized after about a minute. Physical aftereffects included chest soreness from sternum rub, burn marks from defibrillation, and spinal pain. She experienced lasting changes including meat aversion, heightened senses, feeling others' energies, depression about returning, and complete transformation of life priorities. |
1 | Hospital | 10 | 8 | 22 | Moderate Evidence | 4 | SVT episode with BP 56/27, pre-code called, defibrillation performed | Observed orange cap from impossible perspective, later verified as container lid | written_account | 0.00 | 1.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 7/20/2025 | 1 | 1 | Orange cap in trauma room | 1.00 | Husband | Moderately Compatible | 8 | ||||||||
| 4433 | quantitative | webpage | IANDS 751-guide-given-word-qintranscendentalq.html 2011 | https://iands.org/research0/2024-11-23-16-15-26/nde-research/nde-archives31/newest-accounts/751-guide-given-word-qintranscendentalq.html | 2011 | Unknown |
The experiencer left their body and flew to a still place described as being in the gravity of a first floor before escalating into the gravity of life, existing in dark dimness. They encountered beings who explained they were in a "total risk, vital, transition" and could ascend further to meet someone who would decide if they would return to their body. The beings warned that ascending would bring tremendous experiences but decrease the possibility of return. The location resembled a train station with many chattering beings in brownish colors, with grayish entities being helped by guides to leave terrestrial life permanently. The experiencer underwent a self-judgment where they alone judged themselves, understanding all contradictions, actions, guilt and non-guilt from their life events. The guides comforted them, explaining everything was part of evolution's game and ultimately "intranscendental" (their unique term). After accepting the risk, they ascended at great speed through a translucent tunnel toward yellowish light. They saw many beings ascending and descending, including two people known from Earth - one friend who nearly died but was saved by doctors and returning to his body, and a family friend who had permanently died. They met their deceased father and family members in another stage. The experiencer observed specific individuals in the spiritual realm. They saw a friend who explained he nearly died from serious health problems but was returning after medical intervention. They witnessed a family friend who had permanently left her body, appearing confused and not yet aware she was dead. They saw their deceased father and other dead family members. They observed beings ascending and descending through tubular shapes in the translucent tunnel. Ultimately, they encountered an androgynous Being of Light radiating golden luminosity like the sun, who extended their arm over a dark abyss offering permanent transition. The experiencer declined, choosing to return for unfinished earthly tasks. The guides revealed details about how the experiencer, their wife, and daughter would die, and showed their complete future, though they would only remember fragments. They returned through explosive sensations, landing heavily in their body with intense chest pain lasting 90 minutes. |
6 | Unknown | 3 | 12 | 22 | Moderate Evidence | 7 | Medical crisis described as vital transition but specific condition unknown | Identified specific people, learned of friend's near-death medical crisis | written_account | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 7/20/2025 | 1 | 1 | Friend's near-death from illness | 1.00 | Friend | Mixed Compatibility | 9 | ||||||||||
| 4434 | quantitative | webpage | IANDS 752-intuitive-know-how.html 2011 | https://iands.org/research0/2024-11-23-16-15-26/nde-research/nde-archives31/newest-accounts/752-intuitive-know-how.html | 2011 | 30 | M |
A 30-year-old journalist-photographer in Melbourne, Australia, raised Roman Catholic but an avowed atheist at the time, suffered from recurring appendicitis that gradually worsened. Distrusting doctors, he avoided medical care until one day, while alone and experiencing symptoms, he hurried to his cousin's house. Finding no one home, he collapsed outside the rear door, doubled over in agony, feeling something trying to rip out from inside. He felt an internal explosion and gratefully lapsed into unconsciousness. Emerging from unconsciousness with full clarity and alertness equal to his normal conscious state, he was amazed to see himself looking down on his crumpled, inert body on the floor. He felt puzzled by his detachment from his physical form, then experienced a force drawing him away into a tunnel with a rushing sensation that accelerated madly. After the speed lessened, he saw a powerful, loving light above in the void that eased his fears. He became aware of spiritual presences including his grandmother and father who radiated love. A voice communicated internally: "You haven't finished everything. You must go back." He protested but found himself speeding back down the tunnel. The experiencer observed his own body lying crumpled and inert on the floor from an elevated perspective. He maintained full clarity of vision and awareness, feeling certain he could have heard any sounds from below had someone been present. He experienced the tunnel travel and encountered deceased relatives including his grandmother and father in spirit form. Upon returning, he awakened on the floor aware of what happened. When his cousin found him and called a doctor who wanted to hospitalize him for emergency surgery, he insisted he was healed. The appendicitis never recurred. He subsequently traveled to Northern Australia to work with Aboriginal peoples, documenting their traditions and establishing successful art/craft programs nationwide. He discovered an intuitive ability to master crafts without training and developed self-healing capacities, including rapid wound healing. |
5 | Home | 5 | 6 | 11 | Suggestive Evidence | 0 | Appendix burst causing collapse and unconsciousness | Clear out-of-body observation of own collapsed body | written_account | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 7/20/2025 | 1 | 0 | Saw own body from above | 0.00 | Moderately Compatible | 8 | ||||||||||
| 4435 | quantitative | webpage | IANDS 761-fingernail-crescent-spheres.html 2011 | https://iands.org/research0/2024-11-23-16-15-26/nde-research/nde-archives31/newest-accounts/761-fingernail-crescent-spheres.html | 1986 | 1986-08-01 | 2011 | M |
On August 1, 1986, the experiencer was alone at the edge of his peanut field holding a 30-foot irrigation pipe in the air too close to overhead electrical distribution lines. Though the pipe never touched the wires, 7,200 volts jumped through his well-grounded body (wet socks and tennis shoes on damp earth), entering through his hands and exiting through the sides of his feet. His heart stopped for an unknown duration. He remembers feeling the electricity with his hands before losing consciousness. Upon losing consciousness, his verbal consciousness became very excited and unaccepting, rapidly pleading that this was just an accident, he didn't belong here, and his daughter and wife needed him. His visual consciousness became aware of darkness. In the darkness, he saw two distant spheres lit in tight fingernail crescents by a very bright light source off to the right edge of his view. He felt he was moving toward the light to become one of those spheres, with the other sphere serving as his guide in this new dimension. The experiencer observed two spheres in darkness, lit by crescents from a bright light source to the right. He sensed he was drifting toward the spheres to become one of them, with the other as his guide. Small blue patches began forming and expanding, gradually covering the darkness and spheres until he was looking at blue sky. He was not moving fast, just drifting toward the spheres. Then small blue patches began forming and expanding, covering the darkness and spheres. He came to on his back looking up at the blue sky. The experience left him with a clear memory of the otherworldly spheres and light configuration. |
2 | Other | 10 | 4 | 14 | Suggestive Evidence | 0 | 7200 volt electrocution causing cardiac arrest | Observed two lit spheres and gradual transition back to blue sky | written_account | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 7/20/2025 | 1 | 0 | Two spheres in darkness | 0.00 | Highly Compatible | 5 | |||||||||
| 4436 | quantitative | webpage | IANDS 764-journey-toward-god.html 2011 | https://iands.org/research0/2024-11-23-16-15-26/nde-research/nde-archives31/newest-accounts/764-journey-toward-god.html | 2009 | 2011 | 67 | M |
Jack, a part-time hospital chaplain, was grading around his new pole barn foundation on a Monday afternoon in March 2009 when his tractor overturned, pinning him underneath the roll bar. The full weight of the tractor pressed on his lower back, making breathing increasingly difficult. He knew he was dying and began praying, saying goodbye to family members and asking God's forgiveness. During the experience, Jack saw multiple profound visions. He witnessed his front yard transformed into a beautiful garden filled with flowers and people of all ages laughing with great happiness - what he now believes was a glimpse of heaven. His deceased parents appeared, walking toward him while smiling and holding hands with a small girl he believes was the child they lost in pregnancy. Most remarkably, he observed a large tube-like portal with a light at the far end, resembling an oversized dryer vent tube that was spinning with angels all around it, like an inverted tornado with the large end at the bottom. Jack floated to the opening of the tube and entered it, immediately feeling relief from pain and breathing difficulties. He experienced overwhelming love, compassion, understanding and calmness - "the peace that surpasses all understanding." He knew God was asking if he loved and accepted love. When his wife Carol called him for dinner, her voice seemed amplified by angels, and he was suddenly yanked back under the tractor. Carol found him and used a steel pipe to lift the tractor slightly, allowing him to breathe better until emergency services arrived. At shock trauma in Baltimore, extensive testing revealed no damage to any part of his body despite the crushing weight of the tractor. Three doctors examined him before discharge, with the last one calling him "lucky" to escape without major damage. Jack corrected her, saying he was "blessed," and she thoughtfully agreed. A year later, the medic who rescued him expressed astonishment that Jack had no permanent damage, saying "It sure wasn't a pretty sight when they pulled you out." |
5 | Other | 5 | 10 | 22 | Moderate Evidence | 7 | Life-threatening tractor accident with crushing injury and breathing difficulty | Detailed observations of portal/tube with angels, vision of front yard as heaven, saw deceased parents | written_account | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 7/20/2025 | 3 | 2 | Saw front yard transformed into heavenly garden | 0.00 | Carol (wife) | Highly Compatible | 8 | ||||||||
| 4437 | quantitative | webpage | IANDS 765-four-returns.html 2011 | https://iands.org/research0/2024-11-23-16-15-26/nde-research/nde-archives31/newest-accounts/765-four-returns.html | 2008 | 2011 | Unknown |
The experiencer reports multiple near-death experiences throughout their life. The most significant occurred in February 2008 when they died for 20 minutes from heart failure and were shocked five times by an ambulance crew. At the hospital, they were placed in an induced coma using freezer bags for five days, with only a 2% chance of survival and high probability of brain damage. During the coma, they received a blessing from their LDS (Latter Day Saints) bishop. Upon awakening from the coma, their first words were that their bishop had given them a blessing, despite having no conscious awareness during the coma period. Over the following months, they slowly returned to consciousness and eventually resumed work and a relatively normal life. They noticed an increased sensitivity to light and color following the experience. Remarkably, they have no recollection of the couple of months before, during, or after the incident. The individual also reports three other NDEs: at age 14 after being thrown from a motorcycle at 35 mph; in September 1982 when developing a fever and experiencing an out-of-body state where their spirit rose 30-40 feet above their body looking down through a dark, silvery tunnel before returning after receiving a blessing; and in 1993 when they died for approximately five minutes from a pulmonary embolism but were "not allowed to remember anything" from that experience. The pattern of multiple NDEs and the religious context of receiving blessings during critical moments suggests a strong spiritual framework. The lasting effects include heightened sensory perception and complete amnesia for the period surrounding the most severe incident. |
2 | Hospital | 10 | 4 | 14 | Suggestive Evidence | 0 | Cardiac arrest with clinical death for 20 minutes, shocked 5 times, induced coma | Awareness of bishop's blessing during coma, OBE with tunnel in 1982 experience | written_account | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | Induced coma with freezer bags | 7/20/2025 | 1 | 0 | Awareness of bishop's blessing during coma | 0.00 | Highly Compatible | 6 | |||||||||
| 4438 | quantitative | webpage | IANDS 771-speak-of-nde-when-given-opportunity.html 2011 | https://iands.org/research0/2024-11-23-16-15-26/nde-research/nde-archives31/newest-accounts/771-speak-of-nde-when-given-opportunity.html | 2008 | 2008-10-23 | 2011 | F |
A woman with Sjogren's auto-immune disorder had become severely ill by 2008, requiring open heart surgery in 2002 for pericarditis and diagnosed with incurable lymphocytic interstitial pneumonitis in 2005. By October 2008, she was dependent on supplemental oxygen, addicted to opiates and benzodiazepines, severely depressed, and sleeping 16 hours daily. Three days before the overdose, she had all remaining teeth pulled under Valium sedation. While self-medicating at home, on October 23rd at 8:30 AM, she heard God's voice command "Call 911 NOW" despite feeling fine. She has no memory of making the call or subsequent events until awakening in intensive care. She awoke intubated with bilateral inhalation pneumonia, unable to speak or write initially. Remarkably, she felt no pain anywhere despite 20 years of chronic back pain and recent dental surgery with sutures. She felt "healed" and experienced being "hit with Holy Spirit lightning." She readily agreed to be weaned from all medications. During three months of severe withdrawal while bedridden, she was filled with joy, happiness, and peace, feeling God's presence constantly. She heard God's voice giving instructions for living and felt His encouragement, teaching, and love throughout recovery. Within six months, she no longer needed supplemental oxygen. All Sjogren's symptoms disappeared completely - her mouth and eyes became moist after 15 years of dryness. One year after the overdose, physicians found no lung disease; the incurable condition had vanished without residual damage. Both her physician and pulmonologist were astounded, stating "this sort of thing never happens" with no medical explanation. She experienced numerous lasting changes including increased hearing, healed bipolar disorder, prophetic dreams, knowing animal thoughts, and stronger marriage. She now lives her faith actively, speaking about her experience whenever given opportunity. Her husband, who never believed in a personal God, now believes due to witnessing her miraculous healing. Her message emphasizes that God loves us beyond measure and wants us to trust Him with our lives. |
5 | Hospital | 7 | 8 | 25 | Strong Evidence | 10 | Valium overdose leading to ICU admission with bilateral pneumonia, intubation | Complete healing of incurable lung disease, Sjogren's syndrome disappeared, verified by doctors | written_account | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 7/20/2025 | 1 | 1 | Heard God's voice commanding to call 911 | 0.00 | Primary physician and pulmonologist | Highly Compatible | 5 | ||||||||
| 4439 | quantitative | webpage | IANDS 773-a-grandfathers-greeting.html 2011 | https://iands.org/research0/2024-11-23-16-15-26/nde-research/nde-archives31/newest-accounts/773-a-grandfathers-greeting.html | 2011 | M |
Jeffrey was riding his motorcycle when a drunk driver pulled into his lane and hit him head-on. He flatlined for approximately one minute before paramedics successfully revived him. Following the accident, he remained in a coma for two months and was not expected to survive through the night. His injuries were severe enough that medical staff held little hope for his recovery. During his comatose state, Jeffrey experienced a profound encounter with his grandfather who had died one year prior to the accident. His grandfather approached him and provided reassurance, saying "Jeffrey, you are going to be fine, don't worry about anything." After delivering this comforting message, his grandfather embraced him with a hug and began walking away. After taking about three steps, the grandfather stopped, turned around, looked down at Jeffrey and made a remarkable statement: "I'm going to go talk to our Lord about this right now." A striking aspect of this encounter was the grandfather's appearance. Although he had passed away at age 88, when Jeffrey saw him during the NDE, he appeared to be approximately 35 years old - in the prime of life rather than elderly. This age reversal or restoration of youth is a commonly reported feature in NDEs involving deceased relatives. The experience left Jeffrey with absolute certainty about the existence of God and heaven. He describes the encounter as "unreal" in its vividness and impact, yet states he has "no doubt that God and heaven exist" as a result of this experience. Despite the medical prognosis, Jeffrey survived his injuries and recovered from the coma. |
2 | Other | 10 | 7 | 17 | Moderate Evidence | 0 | Flatlined for approximately one minute, coma for two months | Saw deceased grandfather who appeared younger (35 vs 88), specific dialogue about talking to Lord | written_account | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 7/20/2025 | 1 | 0 | Saw deceased grandfather appearing younger | 0.00 | Highly Compatible | 4 | |||||||||||
| 4440 | quantitative | webpage | IANDS 780-lost-all-fear.html 2011 | https://iands.org/research0/2024-11-23-16-15-26/nde-research/nde-archives31/newest-accounts/780-lost-all-fear.html | 2011 | Unknown |
The experiencer was struck by a car traveling 45 miles per hour, resulting in multiple broken bones and a life-threatening concussion. Fortunately, both feet were off the ground at the moment of impact as they were running, which resulted in being thrown through the air for approximately 20 feet rather than being mangled under the vehicle. This circumstance likely saved their life despite the severe injuries sustained. During the period of unconsciousness, the experiencer recalls only experiencing patterns of light and darkness accompanied by strong feelings. While the specific details of the experience remain limited to these sensory and emotional impressions, the impact on their life was profound and immediate. No elaborate visions or encounters were reported, just the fundamental experience of light, darkness, and intense emotions during the unconscious state. The most significant aspect of this NDE was not the experience itself but the dramatic personality transformation that occurred immediately afterward. The experiencer became markedly changed, developing a profound concern for other people and humanity as a whole. This compassionate orientation toward others became the directing force for their entire life going forward. Additionally, they lost all fear of death and report losing "pretty much all fear whatsoever." This case demonstrates that even NDEs with minimal reported content during the experience itself can produce powerful and lasting transformative effects. The shift from self-focus to profound concern for others, combined with the complete elimination of death anxiety and fear in general, represents a fundamental change in personality and worldview that has persisted throughout their life. |
5 | Other | 5 | 2 | 7 | Weak Evidence | 0 | Hit by car at 45 mph, life-threatening concussion, multiple broken bones | Only remembers light, darkness and strong feelings during unconsciousness | written_account | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 7/21/2025 | 0 | 0 | Highly Compatible | 3 | |||||||||||||
| 4441 | quantitative | webpage | IANDS 782-no-words-for-the-presence.html 2011 | https://iands.org/research0/2024-11-23-16-15-26/nde-research/nde-archives31/newest-accounts/782-no-words-for-the-presence.html | 2011 | 18 | Unknown |
At age 18, the experiencer was in a motorcycle accident resulting in severe head injuries and a coma lasting approximately 10 days. They were given a million-to-one chance of survival, though they did not actually die or stop breathing. The experience occurred at some point before regaining consciousness. The experiencer has no memory of the accident itself or many days following it. During the coma, they became aware of the presence of a friend who had died approximately 10 months previously. This deceased friend communicated that there was nothing to be afraid of. Following this reassurance, the experiencer became aware of a "presence" that defied description in words. The best available word they could use was "light." This presence communicated with them, asking what they wanted - did they want to stay in life or come. The destination of "coming" remained undefined and mysterious. Communication occurred without actual words in a form of direct knowing. The experiencer expressed willingness to return to life but indicated they would also be okay with leaving. After a pause, they received an answer that they would return to life. They were made aware that staying in life meant being caught up in all the emotions, worries, and challenges of earthly existence, while in the other place, these worries did not exist. They also knew this knowledge would fade over time. After awakening from the coma, they sometimes thought they might have made the wrong decision. During early recovery, they considered that if unable to handle life, they could "just kill myself." They told their mother about the experience but shared it with no one else until reading Moody's book years later, which astounded them with its similarities to their own experience. |
4 | Hospital | 5 | 7 | 12 | Suggestive Evidence | 0 | Motorcycle accident with head injuries, 10-day coma, million-to-one survival chance | Awareness of deceased friend's presence, communication with light/presence about life choice | written_account | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 7/21/2025 | 1 | 0 | Communication with deceased friend and presence | 0.00 | Highly Compatible | 6 | ||||||||||
| 4442 | quantitative | webpage | IANDS 786-not-today.html 2011 | https://iands.org/research0/2024-11-23-16-15-26/nde-research/nde-archives31/newest-accounts/786-not-today.html | 2011 | 10 | F |
A 10-year-old girl was having her hair curled by her 17-year-old sister before school at 7 AM when she suddenly felt sick to her stomach. She told her sister she needed to lie down, but with the curling iron still in her hair, her sister asked her to wait a second. Unable to wait, she passed out and when she fell, hit her head on a hammer that was on the floor. This head injury appears to have triggered the near-death experience. Everything went black initially, then transitioned to white - not a specific light, but rather a hazy white fog. As she began to see through the fog, she found herself in what appeared to be a waiting room with people she had never seen before. A female receptionist was present at a desk. When the girl approached and asked where she was, the receptionist requested her name. Upon providing it, the receptionist turned to a massive wall of files that seemed to extend forever, pulled out a file, and began to review it. The receptionist's demeanor changed dramatically upon reviewing the file. She sounded annoyed and possibly angry, stating firmly: "You're not supposed to be here today." She threw the file on the counter with such force that the sound echoed. As this echo reverberated, everything went black again and then white. The experience ended as she regained consciousness in the ambulance. The medical cause of her collapse remains unknown - doctors could not determine what caused her to pass out. She had never passed out before this incident and has never passed out since. The experience suggests she accessed some form of celestial records room where her life file indicated she had arrived prematurely, resulting in her being sent back to continue her earthly life. |
6 | Home | 1 | 7 | 8 | Weak Evidence | 0 | Passed out for unknown reason, hit head on hammer, taken by ambulance | Detailed waiting room with receptionist, wall of files, told not supposed to be there today | written_account | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 7/21/2025 | 1 | 0 | Saw waiting room with receptionist and files | 0.00 | Highly Compatible | 5 | ||||||||||
| 4443 | quantitative | webpage | IANDS 797-understand-the-gift-to-enjoy-the-treasure.html 2011 | https://iands.org/research0/2024-11-23-16-15-26/nde-research/nde-archives31/newest-accounts/797-understand-the-gift-to-enjoy-the-treasure.html | 2011 | M |
During an Oregon Coast visit, the experiencer became wedged between a motel wall and soft mattress, triggering an apnea attack with inability to move or breathe, leading to cardiac failure. He was blasted through an amazing tunnel of brightness toward an unbelievable bright light. Arriving in an overwhelmingly bright place with fluid colors, he initially didn't realize he was without his physical body. Upon recognizing what was happening, he reacted with profane anger, screaming he wasn't finished with life and had young children. A voice responded "Okay. Relax. It's not your time." He saw a much brighter portal 30-50 feet away that pulled at his heart, knowing that entering would mean no return to earthly life. The portal induced complete feelings of peace, calm, and contentment. A conversation ensued with a voice he understood to be God - "all that is, all that was, all that ever shall be." God told him "You must understand the gift to be able to enjoy and treasure the gift you have been given." He then experienced a comprehensive life review showing all moments when love was present, followed by times he had hurt others enough to make them doubt their self-worth through cutting sarcasm, callous remarks, and unkind actions. When he insisted on knowing "Why? What does it all mean?" he was "blasted with a force of knowledge" containing all answers to life, death, science, and theology. This overwhelming download of cosmic knowledge left him terrified and feeling inadequate. He awoke with fragments of this knowledge pounding in his brain. For two years, he obsessively studied physics, quantum mechanics, theology, trying to connect all the dots of existence. This quest consumed him until his daughters asked him to play, their simple love breaking through his obsession and revealing that the answer to life was "with the faith of a child." The experience gave him understanding that God is an entity of energy comprising all energy in the universe, that we are life force energy one with God, that prayer works by tapping into ultimate power to change physical manifestation, and that everything exists in balance between light/dark, positive/negative. After setting aside his quest for 13 years to raise family, recent deaths of friends have reactivated his compulsion to bring religion and science together. |
5 | Other | 5 | 10 | 15 | Moderate Evidence | 0 | Apnea attack with cardiac failure from being wedged between wall and mattress | Detailed tunnel, portal, life review, received overwhelming cosmic knowledge, conversation with God | written_account | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 7/21/2025 | 2 | 0 | Saw portal of light with pulling sensation | 0.00 | Mixed Compatibility | 9 | |||||||||||
| 4444 | quantitative | webpage | IANDS 760-quasars.html 2011 | https://iands.org/research0/2024-11-23-16-15-26/nde-research/nde-archives31/newest-accounts/760-quasars.html | 2011 | Unknown |
The experiencer had a near-death experience that involved traveling through a tunnel into a light. Upon entering the light, they found themselves standing in an environment described as solid-state plasma form nuclear energy with pure consciousness and fluid integrity. The environment appeared in varying shades of green. The most remarkable observation was witnessing that our universe is encompassed within what appeared to be a physical body, resembling a human torso without arms, legs, or head. Upon perceiving this cosmic body, the experiencer was absorbed back into it. The experience revealed that the solid-state plasma energy is transmuted through the flesh of this cosmic body and injected into our universe through quasars, explaining why quasars have no core. The experiencer traveled through galaxies to reach the light, experiencing what they describe as universal, sublime, and unconditional love for all creation that was impossible to describe with human words. Following the NDE, many strange phenomena occurred, including a newfound understanding of the English language as containing multiple integrated codes. They discovered that words like "Acronym" reveal "A Code Revealing Our Natural Yearning Mind" and "Alphabet" means "A Learning Principle Helping Anyone Better Employ Thought." They believe they now have a direct interface with the light that communicates through sensations and compelling notions. The experiencer was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Metaphysical Science for the information obtained through their NDE and subsequent out-of-body experiences. They report that the experience seemed to unite aspects of different belief systems in a harmonious sequence, presenting important beliefs before them. |
6 | Unknown | 1 | 8 | 9 | Weak Evidence | 0 | Medical crisis implied but not detailed, no specific medical information provided | Unique cosmic observations about universe structure and quasars, but no verifiable earthly observations | written_account | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 7/21/2025 | 4 | 0 | Traveled through tunnel into light | 0.00 | Low Compatibility | 7 | |||||||||||
| 4445 | quantitative | webpage | IANDS 766-peaceful-blue-light-shining-from-heaven.html 2011 | https://iands.org/research0/2024-11-23-16-15-26/nde-research/nde-archives31/newest-accounts/766-peaceful-blue-light-shining-from-heaven.html | 2011 | 16 | Unknown |
The experiencer was struck in the face by a pickup truck driven by a drunk driver traveling at 78 miles per hour in a 25 mph zone. As the truck began breaking their ribs, they knew they would be crushed in two. At that moment, their body and soul separated. The initial separation felt like being tumbled in the ocean, head over feet, for a few seconds. Then they found themselves walking in the street, unaware that their physical body was elsewhere. They experienced profound bliss and peace in a velvety black night with soft blue illumination. After taking four steps (two left, two right), their friend's screams shattered the peace. They had been walking toward a tunnel where their deceased skating coach stood near the entrance. Turning around annoyed, they saw their body crumpled halfway under their crushed car. The realization struck them: "How can I be over there and over here at the same time?" They walked back to examine their body more closely and thought, "That body is still viable. How strange is this? I get to decide to stay or go back." They considered their desires to meet someone, get married, have children, and not destroy their loving parents. Though wanting to stay, they decided to ask God, who seemed to be looking over their left shoulder. God said "Go back" and they agreed. After being shown things (most not remembered), they turned into mist and re-entered their body through the top of their head. Remarkably, while observing from outside their body, they noticed a small eighth-inch trickle of blood from their left ear. The next morning, they confirmed this detail in the mirror, validating their out-of-body observations. An EMT who helped them reported seeing a peaceful blue light shining down from heaven specifically on them, describing it as the presence of God. This EMT had never before returned to an accident scene in 10 years but came back after his shift to see if the light remained. Four years later, when telling their friend about the experience, the friend confirmed they had died that night, saying the experiencer's eyes were open but "no one was home." The experience left lasting impacts, with the experiencer fighting not to float out of their body again during the ambulance ride. |
5 | Other | 5 | 18 | 43 | Exceptional Evidence | 20 | Severe life-threatening trauma from high-speed vehicle impact, ribs breaking, expected to be crushed | Multiple specific observations including blood trickle verified next day, body position, deceased coach, EMT witnessed blue light phenomenon | written_account | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 7/21/2025 | 5 | 2 | Body and soul separation experience | 1.00 | EMT (10 years experience) | Highly Compatible | 7 | |||||||||
| 4446 | quantitative | webpage | IANDS 798-impossible-to-describe-with-human-words.html 2011 | https://iands.org/research0/2024-11-23-16-15-26/nde-research/nde-archives31/newest-accounts/798-impossible-to-describe-with-human-words.html | 2011 | Unknown |
The experiencer reports that their spirit left their body and traveled toward the light through the galaxies. Upon entering the light, they entered what they describe as a universal, sublime, and unconditional love for all of creation that was impossible to describe with human words. This profound experience of divine love encompassed everything in existence. The near-death experience presented a remarkable religious vision that seemed to unite Judaism and Christianity in what the experiencer calls a "perfect harmonious sequence." All beliefs important to both Judaism and Christianity were presented before them in this unified vision. The most striking element was witnessing both the Father sitting on His throne and the Son sitting on His throne judging the nations, a scene reminiscent of biblical prophecy and revelation. The experiencer emphasizes there was "much, much more" to the experience beyond what they could convey. The journey through galaxies to reach the light suggests a cosmic spiritual journey that transcended normal physical boundaries. The impossible-to-describe quality of the love experienced aligns with many mystical accounts of divine encounters where human language proves inadequate. While no medical details or corroboration are provided, the account focuses on the profound spiritual and theological content of the experience. The vision of unified Judeo-Christian beliefs and the throne room scene with both Father and Son present suggests a deeply religious interpretation of the near-death state. The experiencer's inability to fully describe the unconditional love encountered is a common feature in profound NDEs. |
6 | Unknown | 1 | 4 | 5 | Weak Evidence | 0 | No medical details provided, only states spirit left body | Only general spiritual observations, no specific verifiable details, though profound religious visions described | written_account | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 7/21/2025 | 3 | 0 | Journey through galaxies to light | 0.00 | Highly Compatible | 6 | |||||||||||
| 4447 | qualitative | journal | Morse M, A Near-Death Experience in a 7-Year-Old Child, American Journal of Diseases of Children, Vol 137, Pages 959-961, 1983 | Am J Dis Child 1983 | 1983 | 1983 | 7 | F |
A 7-year-old girl experienced an unwitnessed warm freshwater near-drowning in a community swimming pool. A physician at the scene found her comatose with fixed dilated pupils and immediately initiated CPR and intubation. She was transported to the emergency room with a Glasgow coma score of 5, requiring mechanical ventilation for three days due to massive pulmonary edema and adult respiratory distress syndrome. Her arterial pH was 6.9 and PO2 never exceeded 40 mm Hg for the first four hours. During her near-death state, the child reported traveling through a dark tunnel where she felt scared and could not walk. She was met by a tall woman named Elizabeth with bright yellow hair who guided her to heaven. The child described heaven as bright and fun with many flowers, surrounded by a border she could not see past. There she encountered deceased relatives including her grandparents and maternal aunt, as well as two adults named Heather and Melissa who were waiting to be reborn. The experience culminated in meeting "the heavenly Father and Jesus" who asked if she wanted to return to earth. When she initially declined, Elizabeth asked if she wanted to see her mother. Upon saying yes, she awoke in the hospital. The child could not recall any details of the three-day comatose period but remembered seeing the physician in the emergency room. She regained consciousness on day three, was extubated, and discharged after one week with only mild short-term memory deficits that resolved within four weeks. The experience contained classic NDE elements including the dark tunnel, border around heaven, and choice to return, which were not explainable by her Mormon religious background alone. |
1 | Hospital | 35 | 20 | 70 | Exceptional Evidence | 15 | Documented cardiac arrest with fixed dilated pupils, CPR initiated by physician at scene, mechanical ventilation for 3 days, Glasgow coma score 5, severe acidosis pH 6.9 | Child remembered seeing physician in emergency room, specific details about experience not typical for age, multiple specific elements beyond religious training | medical_record | 0.00 | 1.00 | 1.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 1.00 | Intubated at scene | Dr. Melvin Morse | 1,983.00 | 7/21/2025 | 2 | 1 | Saw physician in emergency room | 1.00 | Dr. Melvin Morse | Mixed Compatibility | 7 | |||||
| 4448 | qualitative | journal | Kreps, Joel Ibrahim, The Search for Muslim Near-Death Experiences, Fehmida Hassan, Journal of Near-Death Studies 28(2), Pages 79, 2009 | Journal of Near-Death Studies Vol 28 2009 | 1999 | 2009 | F | Fehmida Hassan, an elderly woman from Karachi, experienced clinical death following what appeared to be a stroke affecting her right side. She was pronounced dead at the hospital but successfully resuscitated through CPR. During her unconscious state, she attempted to write with her non-functional right hand, then wrote "Ask people to forgive me" with her left hand, with no later recollection of this action. During her NDE, she experienced herself flying without wings, feeling wonderful but puzzled at the mechanics. A voice directed her to approach a bright light ahead. She flew toward it but was stopped midway and turned around. During her out-of-body experience, she engaged in conversation with her next-door neighbor about making funeral arrangements for a young boy in the adjacent ICU bed. This proved veridical as a young boy did die of cardiac arrest in that exact location while she was unconscious. Upon awakening, she was reciting the Islamic kalima prayer, feeling happy and smiling with no pain except vocal cord discomfort from intubation. | 2 | Hospital | 10 | 15 | 35 | Moderate Evidence | 10 | Pronounced dead at hospital, successful CPR performed indicating cardiac arrest | Accurate knowledge of young boy dying in adjacent ICU bed while unconscious - verified unknown death | written_account | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | Endotracheal tube mentioned | 7/21/2025 | 2 | 1 | Knowledge of young boy dying in adjacent ICU bed | 1.00 | Next-door neighbor | Highly Compatible | 8 | ||||||||
| 4449 | qualitative | journal | Kreps, Joel Ibrahim, The Search for Muslim Near-Death Experiences, Masuma, Journal of Near-Death Studies 28(2), Pages 79-80, 2009 | Journal of Near-Death Studies Vol 28 2009 | 2009 | F | Masuma underwent major surgery with splenectomy in London, developing massive post-operative infection and hemorrhage, remaining unconscious for 10 days. During this extended unconscious period, she experienced an intense sparkling white light ahead of her, appearing kaleidoscopic in nature. She experienced herself flying through space on a long journey where she encountered various people, including men dressed in white robes who initially restrained her, imploring her to help certain people on Earth, but then released her saying they would handle the matter themselves. During her experience, she had a vision of a friend's unmarried daughter's wedding, seeing clearly the face of the future bridegroom in what she believed was a precognitive experience. She also observed a particular relative visiting her while she was in her coma, which was later confirmed to have actually occurred. Upon regaining consciousness, it took considerable time for her to realize her visions were not material reality. She felt her real life was in the journey to the light where she had been very happy without worries. | 4 | Hospital | 7 | 8 | 21 | Suggestive Evidence | 6 | Post-operative complications with 10-day coma, massive infection and hemorrhage | Accurate knowledge of relative visiting during coma, potential precognitive wedding vision | written_account | 0.00 | 0.00 | 1.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 1.00 | 7/21/2025 | 2 | 1 | Saw relative visiting during coma | 1.00 | Visiting relative | Highly Compatible | 8 | ||||||||||
| 4450 | qualitative | journal | Kreps, Joel Ibrahim, The Search for Muslim Near-Death Experiences, Aisha Mohsin, Journal of Near-Death Studies 28(2), Page 80, 2009 | Journal of Near-Death Studies Vol 28 2009 | 1979 | 2009 | F | Aisha Mohsin experienced a severe allergic reaction to an antimalarial injection 30 years ago and was taken to the hospital unconscious. During her NDE, she found herself levitating above her inert body in the treatment room, able to see and hear all the doctors and staff talking to each other. She felt very peaceful throughout the experience. She clearly heard the doctors asking her to move her finger but was unable to comply. Observing the worried expressions on their faces and realizing she could be dying, she began reciting the kalima, the Islamic testimony of faith. Throughout the entire experience, she felt happy and positive, losing all sense of time. The out-of-body observations of medical staff conversations and their worried expressions provided veridical elements, though specific details that could be independently verified were not documented. | 5 | Hospital | 5 | 5 | 13 | Weak Evidence | 3 | Severe allergic reaction requiring hospitalization, unconscious state | General observations of medical staff behavior and conversations from OBE perspective | written_account | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | Allergic reaction | 7/21/2025 | 2 | 0 | Levitating view of treatment room | 0.00 | Highly Compatible | 4 | |||||||||
| 4451 | qualitative | journal | Jaffri, Amjad Ali, Al Balagh Magazine, Dr. Jaffri Landslide Case, Pages 71-72, June 2001 | Al Balagh Magazine June 2001 | 1955 | 2001 | M | Dr. Amjad Ali Jaffri was participating in an Alpine club expedition at Dara Ratti Galli at 17,000 feet altitude in August 1955 when a landslide buried him under tons of earth. He felt his being escaping from his body from everywhere, surrounded by several beings of light whom he did not recognize but believed might be Prophet Muhammad, Ali ibn Talib, or similar figures. These beings communicated telepathically, telling him not to worry and be calm, providing other messages. He entered a state of total peace. His spiritual existence witnessed the rescue chaos from the other side of the mountain. He observed the rescue team names and conversations, including an Azad Kashmir officer convincing others to dig at a different location where his body was ultimately recovered. When recounting these specific details to the rescue team, including who said "forget about him," they were astonished but skeptical. The verified observations of rescue efforts from an external vantage point while buried provides strong veridical evidence. | 5 | Other | 5 | 15 | 35 | Moderate Evidence | 15 | Buried under tons of earth in landslide at high altitude | Accurate detailed observations of rescue team conversations and digging location change | written_account | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | Buried under landslide | 7/21/2025 | 2 | 1 | Witnessed rescue operations from distance | 1.00 | Azad Kashmir officer and rescue team | Highly Compatible | 6 | ||||||||
| 4452 | qualitative | journal | Jaffri, Amjad Ali, Al Balagh Magazine, Dr. Jaffri Heart Attack, Pages 72-74, June 2001 | Al Balagh Magazine June 2001 | 1984 | 2001 | M | In March 1984, Dr. Jaffri suffered a serious heart attack in the hospital. His nails and lips turned blue, blood circulation stopped, and his head fell to one side. His wife screamed and doctors rushed to provide emergency treatment including chest injections, CPR compressions, and defibrillation. After over 20 minutes without heartbeat, doctors gave up and covered his face. As a senior doctor approached his wife to announce his death, a younger doctor noticed movement and found life returning. During this time, Jaffri saw a person of light approaching before leaving his body, starting from feet moving to head, becoming a small being of light himself. In the company of this being, he witnessed a tunnel of light form on his right side with beautiful scenes. He saw waves of energy leaving the hospital, told by the being these were prayers for him rising up. Despite being told telepathically to return and being pushed from behind, he initially resisted before re-entering his body, feeling the familiar weight return. | 1 | Hospital | 15 | 8 | 33 | Moderate Evidence | 10 | Documented cardiac arrest over 20 minutes, CPR and defibrillation, pronounced dead | Observed prayers as energy waves rising from hospital during cardiac arrest | written_account | 0.00 | 1.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 7/21/2025 | 1 | 1 | Saw prayers as energy waves | 0.00 | Hospital doctors and staff | Highly Compatible | 8 | |||||||||
| 4453 | qualitative | journal | Kreps, Joel Ibrahim, The Search for Muslim Near-Death Experiences, North African Woman, Journal of Near-Death Studies 28(2), Pages 83-84, 2009 | Journal of Near-Death Studies Vol 28 2009 | 2009 | 21 | F | A 21-year-old North African woman was falling asleep when her feet suddenly became paralyzed and cold as if death were approaching. She transformed into a pure, white, transparent spirit ascending toward heaven, surrounded by other intense white lights serving as a barrier between her and God. A luminous angel accompanied her at her side with strong light everywhere and light coming from behind God. God spoke directly to her saying "It's time for your death. Give me one good reason why you should remain alive." She answered "I will do good in the world," and God responded "I will give you another chance," after which she suddenly returned to her body. During the experience she could see all of history as it occurred and was about to occur, including events of World War III unfolding. Years later when she had children, she realized her good work took the form of raising them. Light appeared as a veil blocking direct vision of the ineffable and formless God, a concept familiar to Islamic mystics. | 6 | Home | 2 | 10 | 12 | Weak Evidence | 0 | Paralysis and cold sensation while falling asleep, no clear medical emergency | Vision of historical events and future World War III, purpose revealed through later having children | written_account | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | Sleep paralysis symptoms | 7/21/2025 | 1 | 0 | Vision of all history and future events | 0.00 | Highly Compatible | 8 | |||||||||
| 4454 | qualitative | journal | Morse, Melvin, US Catholic, Vol 70, I Will Raise You Up, 7-year-old boy, Pages 40-42, 2005 | US Catholic Vol 70 2005 | 2005 | 7 | M |
A 7-year-old boy in Little Rock, Arkansas was undergoing chemotherapy when he went into anaphylactic shock with cardiac arrest after treatment began. Dr. Sessions, the chief resident, initiated resuscitation efforts and successfully revived the child. The boy awoke briefly showing anger but said nothing initially. A week later during night rounds, the boy urgently called Dr. Sessions to his bedside with remarkable revelations. The child demanded to know what the doctor had done with Jesus and where he was. The boy described a profound veridical experience during his cardiac arrest. He reported that he and Jesus were watching together as Dr. Sessions inserted a breathing tube into his throat. The child observed the specific medical procedures being performed on his body from an outside perspective. He then witnessed the doctor using the defibrillator machine to shock him, which he said made Jesus go away. The boy expressed distress about this separation, stating he had been all right with Jesus and did not want to return. The most striking veridical observation was the boy's accurate description of the intubation procedure and the use of the defibrillator while he was clinically unconscious. Despite being in cardiac arrest, he correctly identified the sequence of resuscitation efforts. Dr. Sessions confirmed these specific medical interventions had indeed occurred exactly as the child described. The boy maintained that Jesus had been taking care of him during the experience and that he had not wanted to be brought back. Tragically, the boy died a year later from his cancer without his parents ever learning of this experience. Dr. Sessions, who had initially dismissed the account as drug-induced confusion, later recognized its significance when he learned about near-death experience research and contacted Dr. Melvin Morse with deep regret that he had not shared this profound experience with the grieving parents. |
1 | Hospital | 8 | 12 | 30 | Moderate Evidence | 10 | Documented cardiac arrest requiring resuscitation in hospital setting | Accurate observation of intubation and defibrillation while unconscious | written_account | 0.00 | 1.00 | 1.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 7/21/2025 | 2 | 1 | Saw intubation procedure | 1.00 | Dr. Sessions | Highly Compatible | 5 | |||||||||
| 4455 | qualitative | journal | Liester, Mitchell B., Journal of Near-Death Studies, Vol 16, Inner Communications Following NDEs, Ms. A, Pages 236-237, 1998 | Journal of Near-Death Studies Vol 16 1998 | 1977 | 1998 | 21 | F |
Ms. A, a 21-year-old college student, was awakened early one morning with severe nausea, vomiting, and chest pain. She developed stiffness in her arms and a grabbing pain in her chest, recognizing she was having a heart attack. Despite calling out to her boyfriend for help, he believed she was having a bad dream and ignored her plea. She then experienced a profound out-of-body experience, floating one to two feet above her body, which was completely unfamiliar and disconcerting to her as she had never heard of such phenomena. During her out-of-body state, Ms. A was met by an invisible presence that she felt knew her intimately and with which she felt comfortable. This presence had an authoritative quality and communicated through what she described as sentient energy transmission rather than words. She then experienced a rapid life review, likened to scrolling through a computer screen or flipping through a Rolodex, lasting about seven seconds. This review revealed that she had been excessively self-critical and blamed herself for everything in her life, bringing immediate resolution and relief about her past. Subsequently, Ms. A became aware of a small group of presences with distinguishing characteristics including gender and color tones. These beings created a comfort zone as she began feeling increasingly light and ecstatic. She was drawn toward a tunnel with a magnetic sensation between her heart and the tunnel, experiencing ecstasy beyond anything she had previously felt. The presences informed her she had three things to accomplish and gave her a choice to stay or return, warning she had three seconds to decide before the option to return would expire. After deciding to return, Ms. A found herself back in her painful body with paramedics attending to her. Her boyfriend had eventually awakened to find her without a pulse and called for help. Remarkably, she had been without detectable vital signs for 36 minutes. Despite initial EKG readings resembling those of a 55-year-old woman with a massive coronary, her EKG returned to normal within one year. |
2 | Home | 7 | 5 | 17 | Suggestive Evidence | 5 | Cardiac arrest at home lasting 36 minutes before paramedics arrived | Life review and presence encounters, but no specific veridical observations of physical events | written_account | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 7/21/2025 | 1 | 0 | Out-of-body perspective | 0.00 | Mixed Compatibility | 9 | |||||||||
| 4456 | qualitative | journal | Liester, Mitchell B., Journal of Near-Death Studies, Vol 16, Inner Communications Following NDEs, Ms. B, Pages 238-239, 1998 | Journal of Near-Death Studies Vol 16 1998 | 1980 | 1998 | 30 | F |
Ms. B, a 30-year-old woman, underwent oral surgery on her mandible, after which her mouth was wired shut for six weeks. When the oral surgeon began cutting the wires, she experienced excruciating pain described as the worst she had ever experienced, including labor. Despite being given nitrous oxide, the pain intensified until she realized she would either scream involuntarily or have to stop the procedure. At that critical moment, the entire room filled with golden light, the pain completely stopped, and she found herself out of her body in the left corner of the room, observing the medical team removing the wires. The golden light was experienced not merely as illumination but as the presence of another entity or being with another form. Communication from this light presence came into her mind like her own thoughts, though she knew they were not her own but from another presence. She then traveled through a tunnel to a place containing several stations, described as learning centers or hospitals where people were receiving information. During this journey, she encountered several deceased individuals she had known in life. The primary message Ms. B received was about the purpose of her experience: she was to take less care of others and focus more on herself. She was told that Earth is working exactly as it should, even when it makes no sense to humans. She was given a clear choice to stay or return to her physical body and was shown how her decision would affect others. The communication was described as instant thought transfer, as if two minds became one with thoughts communicating in alternating order. Upon realizing she had much still to accomplish, Ms. B chose to return. She awakened feeling overwhelming disappointment at being back in the physical world, expressing chagrin at having to "walk on two legs to get someplace" again. The communications she received were the most important aspect of her experience, which she referred to as life lessons that fundamentally changed her perspective. |
3 | Hospital | 7 | 8 | 22 | Suggestive Evidence | 7 | Oral surgery under nitrous oxide anesthesia with severe pain | Observed wire removal from corner of room while out of body | written_account | 0.00 | 0.00 | 1.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 1.00 | 7/21/2025 | 1 | 0 | Observed wire removal procedure | 0.00 | Highly Compatible | 8 | |||||||||
| 4457 | qualitative | journal | Liester, Mitchell B., Journal of Near-Death Studies, Vol 16, Inner Communications Following NDEs, Ms. C first NDE, Pages 240-241, 1998 | Journal of Near-Death Studies Vol 16 1998 | 1973 | 1998 | 6 | F |
Ms. C, a 6-year-old girl, was admitted for exploratory surgery to investigate a 60 percent hearing loss in her right ear. A critical medical error occurred when a nurse administered preoperative injections of Demerol and Valium but failed to document this in the chart. Upon arrival in the operating room, a second dose of the same medications was administered. Despite the child's attempt to alert the doctor about the double dosing, she was already too sedated to speak coherently. As the anesthesia mask was placed for general anesthesia, she went into cardiac arrest from the medication overdose. During the cardiac arrest, Ms. C experienced leaving her body and observed her EKG flatline. She watched from above as the operating room staff began resuscitation efforts on her physical body. Her first thought was concern that her mother would be angry with the medical staff. Immediately upon having this thought, she found herself in the hospital waiting room with her mother. There she witnessed a man enter and inform her mother: "We've got a problem. She had a cardiac arrest." This observation of events in a distant location while clinically dead represents significant veridical perception. The child observed the entire resuscitation process from outside her body, maintaining clear consciousness and awareness throughout. She was able to see the medical team's efforts, the flat EKG line indicating cardiac arrest, and retained detailed memories of the experience. The ability to accurately observe and later report events occurring in both the operating room and the waiting room while in cardiac arrest provides strong evidence of consciousness existing independently of brain function. Following successful resuscitation, Ms. C awoke with immediate access to an inner voice or presence she could communicate with. This voice felt completely natural to her and provided a teaching, parental, and authoritative quality. For years she did not realize this inner communication was unusual, as it felt so normal to her experience. The medical error that precipitated this NDE resulted in a profound spiritual opening that would shape the rest of her life. |
1 | Hospital | 10 | 15 | 37 | Moderate Evidence | 12 | Documented cardiac arrest with EKG flatline in operating room | Verified distant observation of mother being informed in waiting room | written_account | 1.00 | 1.00 | 1.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 1.00 | 7/21/2025 | 2 | 1 | Saw EKG flatline | 1.00 | Mother | Highly Compatible | 6 | ||||||||
| 4458 | qualitative | journal | Liester, Mitchell B., Journal of Near-Death Studies, Vol 16, Inner Communications Following NDEs, Ms. C second NDE, Pages 240-242, 1998 | Journal of Near-Death Studies Vol 16 1998 | 1975 | 1998 | 8 | F |
Ms. C, at age 8, was hospitalized for blood in her urine and underwent a kidney biopsy. During the procedure, her portal vein was inadvertently punctured. Despite strict warnings to limit activity after discharge, she went tree climbing at home. Two days later, she awoke in a pool of blood from internal hemorrhaging. Following readmission, she received multiple blood transfusions which transmitted hepatitis virus, causing rapid deterioration with severe liver distension and jaundice. Her condition became so critical that she was designated "no code" for resuscitation. One night, after telling her mother "I'm gonna go," Ms. C left her body again. She saw and knew to head for a tunnel, feeling unexpectedly comforted in its darkness despite her normal fear of the dark. At the tunnel's end she encountered a brilliant light she now describes as the "god force." Beyond the tunnel, she met a being in a burlap robe who, when asked if he was Jesus, said he was not but was there to assist her. They discussed how death is a choice and she could decide whether to stay or return to her body. During this conversation, Ms. C could look back through the tunnel and see her mother in the hospital, experiencing her mother's emotions directly. The being explained her liver could be "fixed" but her kidneys would not be repaired as they were a "karmic carryover" destined to remain. She discussed her life path with this being, promising to become a nurse and later gather and share information with others. In return, she was assured continuous communication with "the other side" and that all beings, regardless of their earthly actions, return to this same place at death. Upon awakening, Ms. C immediately noticed her distended abdomen had returned to normal - her liver had been healed. Medical staff were amazed by her unexpected recovery and could not explain it. Her mother was questioned if someone had "given her something." Laboratory tests the next day found no hepatitis antibodies, and years later tests still showed no antibodies despite the documented infection. The experience left her with enhanced spiritual communication abilities described as even clearer and more believable than after her first NDE. |
5 | Hospital | 9 | 10 | 29 | Suggestive Evidence | 10 | Critical hemorrhage and hepatitis-induced liver failure, designated no code | Instantaneous liver healing verified by medical tests showing no antibodies | written_account | 0.00 | 1.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 7/21/2025 | 1 | 0 | Liver instantly healed | 1.00 | Low Compatibility | 8 | |||||||||
| 4459 | qualitative | journal | Liester, Mitchell B., Journal of Near-Death Studies, Vol 16, Inner Communications Following NDEs, Ms. C third NDE, Page 242, 1998 | Journal of Near-Death Studies Vol 16 1998 | 1985 | 1985-12-24 | 1998 | 20 | F |
On Christmas Eve 1985, Ms. C, age 20, developed severe abdominal pain and went to the emergency room. While lying in pain, she recognized she was dying and told her mother so. An ultrasound revealed blood in her abdomen from a ruptured ectopic pregnancy, requiring immediate surgery. Even before anesthesia was administered, Ms. C was out of her body, hovering below the ceiling of the operating room. During this third near-death experience, she was met by a guide with a distinctly female presence, described as being "like an angel." This guide initiated a profound conversation by referencing her previous NDE at age 8, reminding her of what she had said while dying then: "I want to grow up, get married, be a nurse, and be a mommy." The guide asked if she wanted anything else now. Ms. C replied that she wanted to stay a nurse and raise her 11-month-old son. The guide then delivered an important spiritual message, stating: "We want you to teach people when they come into your path that they need to be very aware of what they pray for, and they need to keep the big picture in mind." This message emphasized the power and responsibility involved in prayer and spiritual requests, suggesting that people's prayers are heard and answered but may have unforeseen consequences if not carefully considered within a larger spiritual context. Following this exchange, Ms. C returned to her body and recovered from surgery. This third NDE further enhanced her spiritual communication abilities, which now occur constantly rather than periodically. She continues to receive inner guidance through various means including inner voice, automatic writing, and what she calls "charades" - contextually unusual emotions that convey specific messages. The cumulative effect of three NDEs has given her exceptional spiritual sensitivity and a specific teaching mission about the nature of prayer and spiritual intention. |
5 | Hospital | 8 | 7 | 23 | Suggestive Evidence | 8 | Ruptured ectopic pregnancy with internal bleeding requiring emergency surgery | Received specific spiritual teaching about prayer awareness | written_account | 0.00 | 0.00 | 1.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 1.00 | 7/21/2025 | 1 | 0 | Guide knew her past NDE wishes | 0.00 | Mixed Compatibility | 7 | ||||||||
| 4460 | qualitative | journal | Morse, Mind Without Brain, Chris A., International Journal of Consciousness Vol 11 no 41, Pages 183-208, 2008 | International Journal of Consciousness 2008 | 2008 | M |
Chris A. survived a catastrophic car accident when his family vehicle plunged 40 feet off an icy bridge into a river. His father died on impact while his mother escaped by breaking the windshield. Chris remained seat-belted underwater until rescued by witnesses, then was airlifted to Harborview Hospital in Seattle where he remained in profound coma for three days before making a full recovery. During his coma, Chris reported never losing consciousness from his subjective perspective. He stated "I floated out of my body and entered into a huge noodle" which he clarified could not have been a noodle "because it had a rainbow in it." He encountered his deceased grandmother who directed him from an animal heaven to a human heaven, where he resided in a castle until returning to his body. The experience was fragmentary and chaotic in description, with primary sensory perceptions rather than fully formed visual experiences. Remarkably, Chris's mother independently experienced seeing her deceased husband (Chris's father) standing beside her at the riverbank during the rescue. She perceived him as completely real and asked why he was not helping, to which he smiled and replied "there is no need, Chris will be all right." This shared death experience provides potential corroboration of consciousness existing beyond physical death. Upon recovery, Chris asked Dr. Morse if the experience was real, stating that if it was, "then you have to tell all the old people about it." The child recognized the profound implications for those facing death. Despite the severe trauma and prolonged unconsciousness, Chris maintained detailed memories of events occurring during apparent brain dysfunction. |
5 | Hospital | 5 | 10 | 23 | Suggestive Evidence | 8 | Severe trauma with drowning, 3-day coma documented | Multiple observations including OBE, deceased grandmother encounter | written_account | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | Underwater submersion | 7/21/2025 | 5 | 1 | Floated out of body | 0.00 | Mother | Highly Compatible | 6 | |||||||||
| 4461 | qualitative | journal | Parnia et al., Resuscitation, Patient 1 Male, Resuscitation 48, Pages 149-156, 2001 | Resuscitation Journal 2001 | 2000 | 2001 | M |
A male cardiac arrest survivor experienced a profound near-death experience during resuscitation at Southampton General Hospital, achieving a Greyson score of 13/32. The patient identified as both a non-practicing Catholic and Pagan, though the experience did not contain explicitly Christian imagery despite these religious backgrounds. During cardiac arrest with documented monitoring, the patient experienced intense feelings of peace and pleasantness (scored 2), accompanied by profound joy (2) and a sense of universal harmony (1). A brilliant bright light appeared (2), and the patient reported dramatically heightened sensory awareness (2). He encountered an unrecognized mystical being (2) and came to a definitive barrier or point of no return (2), accumulating the highest total score among the study participants. The experience maintained narrative coherence despite occurring during a period of clinical death when brain function should have been absent or severely compromised. The structured nature of these memories, their vivid quality, and successful retention post-resuscitation challenge conventional understanding of consciousness as purely brain-dependent. All experiences were described as profoundly real and meaningful, producing lasting positive effects without any traumatic elements. The patient's dual religious identification (Catholic/Pagan) adds complexity to the theological interpretation, though the experience itself contained universal spiritual themes rather than specific doctrinal content. |
1 | Hospital | 15 | 8 | 23 | Suggestive Evidence | 13 | 0 | Documented cardiac arrest in hospital with monitoring equipment | Multiple veridical features: bright light, mystical being, barrier | written_account | 0.00 | 1.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | Parnia et al. | 2,001.00 | 7/21/2025 | 4 | 0 | Saw bright light | 0.00 | Mixed Compatibility | 5 | |||||||
| 4462 | qualitative | journal | Parnia et al., Resuscitation, Patient 2 Female, Resuscitation 48, Pages 149-156, 2001 | Resuscitation Journal 2001 | 2000 | 2001 | F |
A female cardiac arrest survivor at Southampton General Hospital experienced a complex near-death experience scoring 10/32 on the Greyson scale. As a non-practicing Church of England member, she encountered profound spiritual phenomena during clinical death without specific religious imagery. The patient gained heightened understanding about herself and others (1), accompanied by feelings of peace and pleasantness (1), joy (1), and harmony (1). She developed awareness through apparent extrasensory perception (1) and experienced complete loss of body awareness (1), suggesting consciousness existing independent of physical form. She entered what she described as "some other world" (1) and encountered a deceased relative (2), providing potential evidence of consciousness surviving bodily death. She came to a definitive point of no return (1). These structured experiences occurred during documented cardiac arrest when cortical and brainstem function would be severely compromised. The patient maintained clear memories of these events despite being clinically unconscious during resuscitation. The coherent narrative and specific details distinguish this from confusion or hallucination. The experience produced lasting positive effects without trauma. The encounter with the deceased relative and journey to another realm, combined with the loss of body awareness while maintaining consciousness, challenges materialist explanations of consciousness as purely brain-dependent. |
1 | Hospital | 15 | 10 | 25 | Suggestive Evidence | 10 | 0 | Documented cardiac arrest with hospital monitoring | Deceased relative, ESP, otherworldly realm, out-of-body awareness | written_account | 0.00 | 1.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | Parnia et al. | 2,001.00 | 7/21/2025 | 5 | 0 | Heightened understanding | 0.00 | Highly Compatible | 8 | |||||||
| 4463 | qualitative | journal | Parnia et al., Resuscitation, Patient 3 Male, Resuscitation 48, Pages 149-156, 2001 | Resuscitation Journal 2001 | 2000 | 2001 | M |
A male cardiac arrest survivor experienced a significant near-death experience during resuscitation at Southampton General Hospital, achieving a Greyson score of 10/32. As a non-practicing Church of England member, his experience contained universal spiritual elements without specific religious doctrine. During cardiac arrest, the patient experienced dramatic temporal distortion with time speeding up (2), accompanied by feelings of peace and pleasantness (1) and joy (1). He perceived a brilliant bright light (2) and reported heightened sensory awareness (1). The patient entered what he described as another world (2) and came to a definitive border or point of no return (1), consciously experiencing the boundary between life and death. These vivid experiences occurred during documented clinical death when brain function should have been absent or severely compromised. The patient maintained clear, structured memories of these events despite being unconscious during resuscitation. The coherent narrative distinguishes this from typical confusion or hallucination associated with brain dysfunction. The experience produced lasting positive effects without trauma. The temporal distortion, bright light, and journey to another realm during a period of cardiac arrest challenge conventional understanding of consciousness as entirely brain-dependent. The structured nature and successful retention of these memories post-resuscitation suggest consciousness may persist independent of normal brain function. |
1 | Hospital | 15 | 10 | 25 | Suggestive Evidence | 10 | 0 | Documented cardiac arrest in hospital with monitoring | Time distortion, bright light, otherworldly realm, heightened senses | written_account | 0.00 | 1.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | Parnia et al. | 2,001.00 | 7/21/2025 | 5 | 0 | Time speeded up | 0.00 | Highly Compatible | 5 | |||||||
| 4464 | qualitative | journal | Parnia et al., Resuscitation, Patient 4 Female, Resuscitation 48, Pages 149-156, 2001 | Resuscitation Journal 2001 | 2000 | 2001 | F |
A female cardiac arrest survivor at Southampton General Hospital experienced a profound near-death experience scoring 10/32 on the Greyson scale. As a non-practicing Church of England member, she encountered significant spiritual phenomena during clinical death, including a deeply meaningful reunion with her deceased father. During cardiac arrest, the patient experienced marked temporal distortion with time speeding up (2) and perceived a brilliant bright light (2). She developed awareness through apparent extrasensory perception (1) and experienced complete loss of body awareness (1), suggesting consciousness existing independent of physical form. Most significantly, she felt she encountered her deceased father (2), providing emotional comfort and potential evidence of consciousness surviving bodily death. She came to a definitive border or point of no return (2). These structured experiences occurred during documented cardiac arrest when brain function should have been severely compromised or absent. The patient maintained vivid memories of events occurring during clinical unconsciousness, with the encounter with her father being particularly meaningful and comforting. The experience produced lasting positive effects without trauma. The reunion with her deceased father, combined with the bright light, ESP awareness, and clear boundary between life and death, challenges materialist explanations of consciousness. The coherent narrative and emotional significance distinguish this from confusion or hallucination. |
1 | Hospital | 15 | 12 | 27 | Suggestive Evidence | 10 | 0 | Documented cardiac arrest with hospital monitoring | Deceased father encounter, bright light, ESP, time distortion | written_account | 0.00 | 1.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | Parnia et al. | 2,001.00 | 7/21/2025 | 6 | 0 | Time speeded up | 0.00 | Highly Compatible | 7 | |||||||
| 4465 | qualitative | journal | Mandalise, Judith, M.Ed., RN, CEN, LPC. "The Nursing Profession and Near-Death Experiences: A Personal and Professional Update." Journal of Near-Death Studies, Judith Mandalise, Case 1 | Journal of Near-Death Studies, Volume 32, Number 2, Pages 59-79, Winter 2013 | 1997 | 1997-11-07 | 2013 | F | On November 7, 1997, at approximately 4:30 a.m., alone and asleep in her apartment, Judith Mandalise was awakened by someone shoving her face into her pillow. She saw a black silhouette of a raised arm above her head before everything went black. She experienced floating above her bed, then standing and looking down at the rumpled blankets on the bed, feeling detached and calm. Though she knew she had corporeality, she felt light, almost transparent. The room was lit with a soft, gentle white light despite dawn being hours away. She was then enveloped by a rich and vibrant blackness that felt alive and welcoming. Drawing her attention upward was light in the shape of an oval, as though someone had spilled thousands of brilliant diamonds across the velvety darkness. She began moving toward the illumination-filled opening but could not enter. She found herself back in the soft gentle glow and was not alone. She was listening intently to two or three familiar entities speaking to her. Although she has no memory of the details of the information, the sense of importance continues with her. When she asked "What do I do now?" they clearly replied "Scream!" which she did forcefully. As she began to scream, she felt a thud and no longer felt light and airy but solid and heavy as she once again associated with her physical body. Her injuries included a broken finger, an open head wound, a concussion, and an externally dislocated left clavicle. | 5 | Home | 8 | 15 | 28 | Suggestive Evidence | 5 | Life-threatening assault with severe injuries including head wound and concussion | Multiple specific observations including floating above body, seeing room details, encountering familiar entities | written_account | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 7/21/2025 | 3 | 0 | Saw self from above body | 0.00 | Highly Compatible | 8 | |||||||||
| 4466 | qualitative | journal | Mandalise, Judith, M.Ed., RN, CEN, LPC. "The Nursing Profession and Near-Death Experiences: A Personal and Professional Update." Journal of Near-Death Studies, Judith Mandalise, Case 2 | Journal of Near-Death Studies, Volume 32, Number 2, Pages 59-79, Winter 2013 | 2001 | 2013 | F | In 2001, Judith Mandalise underwent a dental procedure requiring nitrous oxide after experiencing severe tooth pain. Before the dentist placed the mask, she clearly heard a voice say "You are going to leave your body." She felt physical lightness, awareness of standing on the edge of a space, and conversed with familiar beings who offered her a choice. After they conveyed that her children would be okay without her, she began moving into and merging with the brightest yet softest white light. At the center was a warm orange light emanating pure unconditional love. She perceived her human form falling away and felt her remaining self merging with this incredible source of love and unconditional acceptance, knowing she was home with inexplicable joy. A living person she knew urged her to return, but she chose to remain. Then a smaller, glowing female stranger appeared asking "But what about me?" Finally, a living woman she knew appeared with a strong edict: "You must complete this lifetime." After discussion about the reasons (which she cannot recall), she returned. Upon regaining heaviness of body, she realized she could barely move her head and could not lift her arms. She heard someone say "Oh, you're awake" and realized she was nauseated. She vomited her lunch and was assisted by the dental assistant who held her head up so she did not choke. | 5 | Other | 10 | 20 | 35 | Moderate Evidence | 5 | Medical emergency during dental procedure with nitrous oxide, loss of consciousness, vomiting risk | Precognitive voice, multiple specific beings encountered, detailed description of light and love experience | written_account | 0.00 | 0.00 | 1.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | Nitrous oxide administration | 7/21/2025 | 4 | 0 | Precognitive voice before procedure | 0.00 | Highly Compatible | 8 | |||||||||
| 4467 | qualitative | journal | Agai, Jock. "Reading the Near-Death Experience from an African Perspective." HTS Teologiese Studies/Theological Studies 71, no. 1 (2015): Art. #2898. Daniel Ekechukwu - Case 1 | HTS Teologiese Studies/Theological Studies Vol. 71 No. 1 Pages 1-7 2015 | 2001 | 2001-11-30 | 2015 | M |
Daniel Ekechukwu died through injuries he sustained in a fatal car accident on 30 November 2001 in Owerri in southeast Nigeria. Two different medical practitioners confirmed him dead, and his corpse was taken to the mortuary where a mortician applied the necessary chemicals to be embalmed. Daniel's wife insisted that her husband's dead body be taken out of the mortuary to a Christian crusade ground where the popular German Evangelist Reinhardt Bonnke was preaching with thousands of his followers listening. The deceased body was kept in another room in the crusade venue so as not to distract the attention of the huge audience on the crusade ground. During his 48 hours of near-death experience, Daniel claimed that he came across hell, experiencing its terrifying reality firsthand. He then encountered heaven, observing beautiful edifices of indescribable splendor. Throughout his journey, he met people he knew who had previously died, and encountered angels who communicated with him about spiritual matters. Whilst the evangelist was praying for the entire audience, to the surprise of many, Daniel's corpse shivered and was raised to life whilst the injuries on his body disappeared immediately. This miraculous resurrection occurred after medical death had been certified by multiple doctors and after embalming procedures had begun at the mortuary. Daniel's return to life after 48 hours of confirmed death represents one of the most remarkable NDE cases documented in Africa. His experience aligns with African beliefs that death is not final but rather a transition, and that the deceased can return to life through divine intervention. |
5 | Other | 15 | 20 | 50 | Strong Evidence | 15 | Two medical practitioners confirmed death; body embalmed at mortuary | Specific observations of hell, heaven, deceased people, angels, and immediate healing | written_account | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | Embalming chemicals applied | 7/21/2025 | 4 | 2 | Encountered hell | 0.00 | Two medical practitioners | Highly Compatible | 7 | |||||||
| 4468 | qualitative | journal | Agai, Jock. "Reading the Near-Death Experience from an African Perspective." HTS Teologiese Studies/Theological Studies 71, no. 1 (2015): Art. #2898. Augustine Chidozie - Case 2 | HTS Teologiese Studies/Theological Studies Vol. 71 No. 1 Pages 1-7 2015 | 2003 | 2015 | M |
Augustine Chidozie, a renowned evangelist in Nigeria, also believes that he had once died but returned to life. In 2003, he spoke about his death experience in a Pentecostal Church in Bukuru in north-central Nigeria. Chidozie believes that he had truly died because the medical doctors who attended to him certified him dead, but he came back to life after three days. This extended period of death far exceeds typical resuscitation windows, making his case particularly remarkable. During his three-day death experience, Chidozie claims that he was taken up to heaven where he met with Jesus and other saints. The encounter with Jesus was direct and personal, involving communication about his life purpose and mission. He also met with other saints in heaven, experiencing the community of believers in the afterlife. The heavenly realm he witnessed was described as a place of perfect peace and divine presence. He was told that it was not yet his time, hence he had to return to the world to preach the Gospel of Christ to people. This divine commissioning gave his experience a specific purpose and transformed it from a personal encounter into a ministry calling. The message emphasized the urgency of evangelistic work and the importance of sharing the Gospel. Following his return to life after three days, Chidozie has dedicated himself to preaching and sharing his testimony. The author personally met with Augustine Chidozie and confirmed his ongoing ministry work. His case exemplifies the African understanding that death can be reversible through divine intervention and that such experiences often come with a divine mandate. |
6 | Unknown | 10 | 15 | 35 | Moderate Evidence | 10 | Medical doctors certified death; three-day duration exceeds resuscitation window | Direct encounter with Jesus and saints; received divine commission | written_account | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 7/21/2025 | 3 | 1 | Taken to heaven | 0.00 | Medical doctors | Highly Compatible | 6 | |||||||||
| 4469 | qualitative | journal | Alvarado, Carlos S. "The Dying Mother: Historical Citations of Mary Goffe's Seventeenth-Century Near-Death Apparition." Journal of Near-Death Studies 29.1 (2010): 241-253. Mary Goffe Case 1 | Journal of Near-Death Studies Vol. 29 No. 1 Fall 2010 | 1691 | 1691-06-04 | 2010 | F | Mary Goffe of Rochester, suffering from a long illness, was taken to her father's house at West-Mulling, nine miles from her home. On June 3, 1691, the day before her death, she desperately wanted to see her two children left at home with a nurse. Despite being told she was too ill to travel, she insisted she must see them. Between one and two o'clock in the morning of June 4th, she fell into a trance-like state. Witness widow Turner observed her eyes were open and fixed, her jaw fallen, with no perceivable breath. The next day, Mary told her mother she had been home with her children during the night while asleep. Remarkably, the nurse at Rochester, widow Alexander, swore she saw Mary's likeness emerge from the children's chamber around 2 AM, standing by her bedside for about fifteen minutes. The apparition's eyes moved and mouth opened but said nothing. When the nurse invoked the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, the appearance vanished. Mary died later that same day, June 4th, 1691. | 5 | Home | 5 | 20 | 40 | Moderate Evidence | 15 | Long illness documented as life-threatening, death occurred day after experience | Out-of-body experience with specific details of visiting children 9 miles away, confirmed by independent witness seeing apparition | written_account | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | Trance state with fixed eyes, fallen jaw, no breath detected | 7/21/2025 | 2 | 2 | Visited children at home during trance | 1.00 | Widow Alexander (nurse) | Highly Compatible | 3 | |||||||
| 4470 | qualitative | journal | Bockie, Simon. Death and the Invisible Powers: The World of Kongo Belief. Bloomington: Indiana University Press, 1993. Kongo Christian, Case 1 | Death and the Invisible Powers Pages 88 1993 | 1993 | Unknown | The experiencer stopped breathing for approximately 7-8 hours according to mourners, from around 9:00 AM to 4:00-5:00 PM. During this time, they experienced walking very fast on a journey to an unknown destination. They observed mountains, trees, grass, palm trees, and many people all traveling in the same direction with no one returning. Some people were sitting by the roadside not knowing what to do, others moving slowly and tired. The experiencer kept speeding up due to physical strength and eventually reached a summitless mountain that reached beyond human sight. Hundreds of people were lying there, unable to proceed. When depressed, the experiencer called out "Jesus, help me!" and with divine assistance jumped over the mountain. They found themselves before individuals holding the "nkanda wamoyo" (book of life). To be admitted to that realm, one's name must be found in the book and it must be their time. The beings spoke to the experiencer in Kikongo with a Kingoyi accent, asking "Nki Wizidi?" (Why are you here?). After checking the book, they found the name but said it was not yet time to enter. When the experiencer was reluctant to return due to exhaustion, they were shown their one-year-old daughter Mary standing alone looking for them. Upon turning to see the daughter, the experiencer suddenly found themselves back among a weeping crowd. The experience transformed their understanding of death and the afterlife, confirming their Christian beliefs while maintaining traditional Kongo concepts. | 5 | Unknown | 7 | 8 | 25 | Suggestive Evidence | 10 | Stopped breathing for several hours, witnessed by mourners | Specific observations of otherworldly realm, book of life, seeing daughter | written_account | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 7/21/2025 | 2 | 1 | Saw otherworldly landscape and travelers | 0.00 | Mourners | Highly Compatible | 7 | ||||||||||
| 4471 | qualitative | journal | Bockie, Simon. Death and the Invisible Powers: The World of Kongo Belief. Bloomington: Indiana University Press, 1993. Church Offering Case | Death and the Invisible Powers Pages 92-93 1993 | 1993 | M | A man from a strict Christian sect stopped breathing and his body became cold while his wife wept beside him at the hospital. His wife spent most of the night weeping with red and swollen eyes. When he awoke, he asked why she was crying and explained he had been in a strange but peaceful world. He had been walking very fast without knowing his destination on a very wide road that was difficult to walk because of the many people going in the same direction. He did not speak to any of them. After walking for a long time, he found himself in front of a huge door with Jesus standing in the middle. Jesus greeted him and said he was expecting him that night, but unfortunately could not let him in because his record of monthly church offerings (kalati kia minkayilu) was not up to date. Jesus ordered him to return and pay his dues to the church before being admitted to this new world. The religious sect to which he belonged was very strict regarding church offerings. He was disappointed to leave the paradisal atmosphere but had no power to argue with Jesus. Looking back, he saw his wife weeping. While it had taken hours to reach the door, it took less than a minute to return to the hospital room. He urgently requested his wife to get his monthly offering record. A prophet named tata Aaron Wanimbu from the same sect, who lived near the hospital, accompanied the wife to get the record and paid the outstanding dues with his own money. After receiving the updated record showing payment, the man died within minutes, to everyone's amazement. | 5 | Hospital | 8 | 10 | 28 | Suggestive Evidence | 10 | Stopped breathing, body cold, hospital setting | Specific encounter with Jesus, church offering requirement verified | written_account | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 7/21/2025 | 1 | 1 | Jesus at door requiring church payment | 1.00 | Wife and Tata Aaron Wanimbu | Low Compatibility | 6 | ||||||||||
| 4472 | qualitative | journal | Bockie, Simon. Death and the Invisible Powers: The World of Kongo Belief. Bloomington: Indiana University Press, 1993. Devoted Christian Woman | Death and the Invisible Powers Page 94 1993 | 1993 | F | A devoted Christian woman became briefly sick and died unexpectedly. She rejected using the term "die" because her existence was never interrupted - she moved from one world to another automatically without any break in consciousness. On her journey, she saw countless people heading in the same direction with hardly anyone resting. The scenes were similar to what she had known in her lifetime, which made her think the spiritual world was not in the sky as Christianity teaches. Walking as fast as she could, she arrived at the end of the road where she could move no further. People there were holding nkanda wa moyo, the book of life. With her name found in the book, she was allowed to pass. She found herself in the most beautiful, very clean city with small but beautiful houses. To get her room key, she was referred to Abraham and then to Peter. Peter told her the room supposed to be hers was already reserved for another newcomer and asked how she had gotten there since it was not yet her time. She could not explain as she had no part in arriving there. Peter urged her to return despite her begging to stay, captivated by the city's beauty. When Peter invited her to look back, suddenly she could only see the coffin in which she was being laid. She called out "Why have you put me in this coffin? I am not dead." The mourners were astonished and speechless. The experience challenged her expectations as she found no demarcation between life and death, contrary to what she had anticipated. | 5 | Unknown | 7 | 12 | 29 | Suggestive Evidence | 10 | Brief illness leading to death, mourners present with coffin | Detailed heavenly city description, named biblical figures, consciousness in coffin | written_account | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 7/21/2025 | 2 | 0 | Beautiful heavenly city | 0.00 | Highly Compatible | 8 | |||||||||||
| 4473 | qualitative | journal | Keable, Robert. A People of Dreams. Hibbert Journal 19 (1921): 522-531. Basuto Catechumen | Hibbert Journal Vol. 19 Pages 527 1921 | 1920 | 1921 | M | A man who had been ill died and found himself on an unknown road which he traversed for some time. The road divided and he hesitated which branch to take. While hesitating, a native approached, took him by the arm, and led him along one branch. The man became increasingly disturbed by his guide's villainous countenance. When he demanded to know where they were going, the guide sinisterly replied "Never you mind, come on." Terrified, the man cried for help. A third person came running across the lands with a cross marked on his brow. At the sight of him, the evil guide fled. The newcomer, out of breath, explained that the road led to hell and urged the man to turn back and send for a teacher. He did so, returned to life, and sent for the catechist. The catechist marked a cross on his brow, designating him a catechumen. The man lay down contentedly and that night died again. His friends made his coffin and dug his grave, sending for the catechist to bury him. However, he returned to life again and stated that his cross had vanished - it was only temporary. His Christian guide had told him he needed baptism. He returned to life reproachful about what he considered a trick, demanding baptism. After receiving baptism, he died again and stayed dead. This remarkable sequence of deaths and returns centered on the spiritual requirement of baptism for entering heaven. | 5 | Home | 7 | 15 | 34 | Moderate Evidence | 12 | Multiple death episodes witnessed, coffin and grave prepared | Specific spiritual requirements verified through multiple returns | written_account | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 7/21/2025 | 2 | 1 | Evil guide and Christian savior | 0.00 | Catechist | Moderately Compatible | 7 | |||||||||
| 4474 | qualitative | journal | Keable, Robert. A People of Dreams. Hibbert Journal 19 (1921): 522-531. Basuto Prophet | Hibbert Journal Vol. 19 Pages 529-531 1921 | 1920 | 1921 | M | A man in a remote village fell ill and died in winter, remaining dead for approximately three days while the grave was dug, coffin made, food prepared, and mourners gathered. He suddenly sat up while old women were discussing him. It seemed to him he had been dead many years. He came to a river that was too full and deep to cross. Many souls were gathered on the bank, and unearthly spirits periodically crossed the river easily, selected certain souls, and led them over. When the prophet asked why only some were selected and if he could cross, the people looked at his knees and told him not until they were hard from kneeling could he cross. After learning prayers and crossing, he encountered God who noted he could not speak effectively because he was unlearned. God ordered him to be taught to read. Upon awakening, he immediately demanded a book, though none existed in the village. When one was procured from the Mission, he opened it and began to read, despite never having learned. He could read the Gospels, common Epistles, and some Psalms with ease and fluency. He gained the ability to know many prayers, interpret spiritual matters, and perform healing miracles. This became his prophetic calling, using the experience to teach about prayer, repentance, and the necessity of spiritual preparation. His miraculous literacy was later investigated and found to be limited but genuine, possibly subliminal memory from hearing scriptures read aloud in villages. | 5 | Home | 8 | 18 | 40 | Moderate Evidence | 14 | Dead for three days in winter, grave and coffin prepared | Miraculous literacy verified, specific spiritual teachings, healing abilities | written_account | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 7/21/2025 | 3 | 2 | River crossing and soul selection | 0.00 | Village mourners | Moderately Compatible | 8 | |||||||||
| 4475 | qualitative | journal | Betty, L. Stafford. "Jung's Synchronistic Interpretation of the Near-Death Experience: An Unnecessary Mystification." Journal of Near-Death Studies, 22(4), Summer 2004, pp. 261-268. Patient: Jung's female patient, Case 1 | Journal of Near-Death Studies Vol. 22 No. 4 pp. 261-268 2004 | 2004 | F | A young woman experienced a near-death episode during a very difficult first birth involving forceps delivery and severe blood loss. She lost consciousness for approximately 30 minutes due to hemorrhaging. During this time, she found herself floating above her body, observing the scene from a point near the ceiling. She could see everything happening in the room below - her own pale body with closed eyes lying on the bed, the nurse standing beside her, the doctor pacing the floor in a flustered state, and her mother and husband looking on with alarm. Simultaneously, she experienced a vision of a glorious park-like landscape with brilliant colors, particularly an emerald green meadow with short grass sloping gently upward beyond a wrought-iron gate. This scene of indescribable splendor represented the world she would enter at death. Despite the gravity of her medical situation, she felt absolutely certain she would not die and found the agitation of the doctor and distress of her relatives to be unnecessary. Upon regaining consciousness, she described in full detail everything that had occurred during her coma, forcing the nurse to admit the doctor had been "hysterical." Jung confirmed she had perceived the events exactly as they happened in reality. | 5 | Hospital | 7 | 10 | 25 | Suggestive Evidence | 8 | Severe blood loss during forceps delivery causing loss of consciousness | Patient accurately observed and later described events in the room while unconscious | written_account | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 7/21/2025 | 1 | 0 | Observed medical room scene from ceiling perspective | 1.00 | Highly Compatible | 6 | |||||||||||
| 4476 | qualitative | journal | Benning, Tony and Rominger, Ryan. "Patients' Disclosures of Near-Death Experiences and Other Anomalous Death-Related Phenomena." Journal of Near-Death Studies, 34(4), Summer 2016, pp. 195-223. Patient: Alan, Case 1 | Journal of Near-Death Studies Vol. 34 No. 4 pp. 195-223 2016 | 2006 | 2016 | 51 | M | Alan, a 57-year-old Caucasian male with ADHD, experienced an NDE at age 51 during back surgery. The experience had profound transformative effects on his life and personality. Following the NDE, Alan reported gaining a new kind of positive energy that he had not possessed before. This energy manifested as an upbeat disposition that had a noticeable uplifting effect on others, including his psychiatrist. The NDE fundamentally changed Alan's approach to life and his interactions with others. He described the experience as bringing him a sense of being more balanced and together. Remarkably, after disclosing his NDE to his psychiatrist a year later, Alan experienced significant improvement in his ADHD symptoms. His focus and attention improved, his mind wandered less, and he became less impulsive in conversations. His partner noticed he was no longer a bulldozer in conversations and could step back and listen to others' perspectives. The NDE appeared to have lasting neurological and psychological benefits that enhanced his quality of life. | 3 | Hospital | 7 | 2 | 14 | Weak Evidence | 5 | Back surgery under general anesthesia | Transformative effects noted but no specific veridical observations described | written_account | 0.00 | 0.00 | 1.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 1.00 | 7/21/2025 | 0 | 0 | Highly Compatible | 3 | |||||||||||
| 4477 | qualitative | journal | Benning, Tony and Rominger, Ryan. "Patients' Disclosures of Near-Death Experiences and Other Anomalous Death-Related Phenomena." Journal of Near-Death Studies, 34(4), Summer 2016, pp. 195-223. Patient: Bob, Case 2 | Journal of Near-Death Studies Vol. 34 No. 4 pp. 195-223 2016 | 1993 | 2016 | 40 | M | Bob, a white South African man in his 60s, experienced an NDE approximately 20 years prior while in South Africa. He came out of a coma following his experience. When he regained consciousness, he was helped to make sense of his NDE by a physician who told him he had gone through an "after life" experience. The NDE had lasting spiritual significance for Bob. Following the experience, he found that traditional church services could no longer satisfy his spiritual needs - he felt he already knew what would be said and needed to find a service at his level. Bob struggled with depression and suicidal ideation throughout his life, and the memory of his NDE became particularly significant during a suicide attempt in 2013 when he felt a spiritual force that made him change his mind about taking his life. He described feeling born again and having been given another chance. The NDE continued to influence his worldview and spiritual understanding decades after it occurred. | 4 | Hospital | 5 | 2 | 11 | Weak Evidence | 4 | Patient was in coma, came out of coma following NDE | No specific veridical observations described | written_account | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 7/21/2025 | 0 | 0 | Highly Compatible | 5 | |||||||||||
| 4478 | qualitative | journal | Atherton, Henry. The Resurrection Proved: Or, the Life to Come Demonstrated. Anna Atherton. Case 1. Journal of Spirituality and Paranormal Studies, 2008 | Journal of Spirituality and Paranormal Studies Vol. 31 pp. 181-182 2008 | 1669 | 2008 | 14 | F | Anna Atherton, a 14-year-old girl, fell gravely ill in November 1669. By February 1670, she had lost significant weight and appeared to die. Her family could detect no breathing using a looking glass under her nose, and she showed no response to hot coals placed on her feet. After lying in this death-like trance for seven days, she suddenly regained consciousness and shared an extraordinary experience with her mother. During her trance state, Anna reported traveling to heaven, guided by an angel who led her through three gates. She arrived at the heaven gate where she witnessed glorious and unutterable sights including saints and angels in glorious apparel. She heard divine music, anthems, and hallelujahs that were beyond earthly description. Anna attempted to enter heaven but was stopped by the angel, who told her she could not be admitted yet and must return to take leave of her friends, after which she would be admitted in a short time. Upon returning, Anna insisted an angel in white was standing at her bedside, visible to her but not to others. To prove she was not dreaming, Anna provided veridical evidence by naming three or four people who had died during her seven-day trance. One death was unknown to the family until they sent to inquire, confirming her knowledge. She reported seeing these deceased individuals passing by while she stood at the heaven gate. One person she named, known to be vicious, came to the gate but was sent back another way. After sharing her experience, Anna lived for two more years before dying after a few months of illness, during which she consumed almost nothing except orange juice and egg yolk. | 5 | Home | 7 | 15 | 32 | Moderate Evidence | 10 | Seven-day trance state with no detectable breathing or response to stimuli, death-like condition | Knowledge of multiple deaths during trance, including one unknown to family until verified | written_account | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 7/21/2025 | 3 | 2 | Saw heaven gate and spiritual beings | 0.00 | Mother, Henry Atherton (brother/physician) | Highly Compatible | 8 | ||||||||
| 4479 | qualitative | journal | Morse, Donald R. My Near-Death Experience. Donald R. Morse. Case 1. Journal of Spirituality and Paranormal Studies, 2009 | Journal of Spirituality and Paranormal Studies Vol. 32 pp. 53-57 2009 | 1983 | 2009 | M | Dr. Donald R. Morse, a dentist and researcher on sabbatical from Temple University, experienced a profound near-death experience in June 1983 while hospitalized for giardiasis complications. After suffering severe abdominal cramps and anxiety, he was transferred to a psychiatric facility in Philadelphia. On a bright Tuesday morning, while walking the hospital grounds, he decided to jog. Within moments, he began spinning in ever-widening circles as the world's sounds slowed and became distant. His heartbeat initially raced loudly, then gradually slowed until he could no longer feel it, and he fell to the ground believing his heart had stopped. First experiencing pitch darkness, Morse was then enveloped by an incredibly bright white light that filled his entire vision. He felt no fear, only security, warmth, and serenity, with a loving presence surrounding him though no figure appeared. His entire life then flashed before him in rapid succession - childhood tantrums, winning contests, hospital stays, family visits, sports victories, his father's death from lung cancer, his wedding, children's births, vacations, receiving research awards, and finally the moment of his collapse. Following the life review, Morse experienced an out-of-body state where he left his body, flew above the clouds, and arrived at Mt. Eden Cemetery in Valhalla, New York, where his parents were buried. He had a vague sense of being buried himself. The scene shifted to another day where he was reading the Philadelphia Inquirer obituary column and saw his own name, though he couldn't discern the details. Neither the funeral vision nor reading his obituary frightened him, protected by the wonderful light and caring presence. The experience ended when he received a sharp injection that revived him. Morse notes that while his visions of funeral and obituary were unique, the darkness followed by glorious light, life review, blissful feelings, and loving presence were similar to many other NDEs. | 5 | Hospital | 5 | 8 | 18 | Suggestive Evidence | 5 | Collapse with perceived cardiac arrest, though later found not near death | Complete life review and unique OBE with funeral/obituary visions | written_account | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 7/21/2025 | 2 | 1 | Life review | 0.00 | Hospital staff | Highly Compatible | 8 | |||||||||
| 4480 | qualitative | journal | Myers, F.W.H. Human Personality and Its Survival of Bodily Death. Dr. A.S. Wiltse. Case 1. Journal of Spirituality and Paranormal Studies, 2007 | Journal of Spirituality and Paranormal Studies Vol. 30 pp. 121-123 2007 | 1889 | 2007 | M | Dr. A.S. Wiltse, a physician from Skiddy, Kansas, experienced an extraordinary near-death experience in 1889 while suffering from typhoid fever. He passed approximately four hours without pulse or perceptible heartbeat, as confirmed by Dr. S.H. Raynes, the attending physician. Several bystanders believed he was dead, and the village church bell was tolled. Dr. Raynes observed only occasional, barely perceptible gasps by bringing his eyes close to Wiltse's face. Needle pricks at various body points produced no response. During this state of apparent death lasting about half an hour, Wiltse experienced a remarkable separation of consciousness from his physical form. He described observing his soul intimately interwoven with his bodily tissues, then experiencing a lateral rocking motion that broke his connection with the body. He felt and heard the snapping of innumerable small cords, beginning at his toes and progressing to his heels. His consciousness slowly retreated from his feet toward his head, collecting entirely within his skull. Emerging from his head like a jellyfish in color and form, he floated like a soap bubble before breaking loose and falling to the floor. He then expanded into full human stature, appearing translucent with a bluish cast. Initially naked and embarrassed, he found himself clothed upon reaching the door. To his surprise, another person's arm passed through his without resistance, and no one could see him. Observing his pale corpse on the couch, he noted how he had composed the body with hands clasped at the chest. Unable to gain anyone's attention, he wandered outside, observing the street with unusual clarity, noting the red soil and rain washes. He discovered he had become larger than in earth life. A small cord like a spider's web ran from his spirit body's shoulders back to his physical body's neck base. He became aware of a vast intelligence presence entering a cloud, which communicated through black vapor tongues touching his head, conveying thoughts about the boundary between worlds. Approaching rocks marking this boundary, he was told he could cross if his earthly work was complete or return if not. As he attempted to cross, deciding to stay in the afterlife, a black cloud stopped him, draining his power to move or think. He then found himself back in his physical body, exclaiming in astonishment about having to die again. | 2 | Home | 10 | 12 | 37 | Moderate Evidence | 15 | Four hours without pulse, apparent death confirmed by physician, no response to needle pricks | Detailed observation of body, room, outdoor environment, silver cord description | written_account | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 7/22/2025 | 3 | 1 | Observed own body and room details | 0.00 | Dr. S.H. Raynes | Highly Compatible | 7 | |||||||||
| 4481 | qualitative | journal | Murchison, D. Cameron Jr. "The Shadow of Death." Journal for Preachers, Lent 2015, pp. 31-34. | Journal for Preachers, Lent 2015, pp. 31-34 | 2013 | 2015 | M | In the second half of 2013, D. Cameron Murchison Jr. experienced a serious surgical mistake during what was supposed to be a routine procedure. The error went undetected for several days, allowing infection to spread to his bloodstream and seriously compromise his life. This led to two major surgical repairs four months apart, with complicated infection control, pulmonary therapy, and various medical complications requiring extended hospitalization and nine months of convalescence. Murchison describes lingering unknowingly in the shadow of death for several days if not weeks. Though he has little memory of the most severe parts of the hospital experience, the encounter gave him profound insights about mortality, loss, and what matters most in life. He reflects on the dual nature of loss in death - both for those who die and those left behind, drawing parallels to Moses seeing the Promised Land but not entering it. The experience taught him about the preciousness of relationships, the importance of addressing regrets while still alive, and a deeper understanding of eternal connection through faith. He emerged with gratitude for his recovery, a fresh awareness of life's priorities, and recognition that the shadow of death serves as a teacher about what is most important. The experience reinforced his understanding that in God's embrace, the living and the dead are brought together, and that death, while bringing loss and frustration, is ultimately a friend that reminds us of our eternal nature and connection to all that exists. | 5 | Hospital | 5 | 0 | 5 | Weak Evidence | 0 | Life-threatening infection following surgical error, extended hospitalization documented | No specific veridical perceptions described in narrative | written_account | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 7/22/2025 | 0 | 0 | Highly Compatible | 5 | ||||||||||||
| 4482 | qualitative | journal | Blackmore, Susan J. "Near-Death Experiences in India: They Have Tunnels Too." Journal of Near-Death Studies 11, no. 4 (Summer 1993): 205-217. Case #1 | Journal of Near-Death Studies Vol. 11 No. 4 Pages 205-217 1993 | 1975 | 1993 | 32 | F | A 50-year-old woman experienced a profound altered state of consciousness when tension on her mind caused her to fall unconscious for several minutes. She heard her maidservant and husband running and calling her name as if from a great distance, their voices seeming to echo from far away. During this episode, she experienced going through complete blackness accompanied by a tingling sound of tiny bells in her ears. The darkness was described as very dark with circles appearing despite the darkness. The predominant feeling was one of complete relief, lightness, and ecstasy - not like deep slumber where nothing is felt, but a conscious experience of euphoria. After recovering from this brief unconscious state, she felt her life was transformed. She became more bold in her approach to life and learned to take life as it comes. Most significantly, she reported being no longer afraid of death. | 6 | Unknown | 2 | 0 | 2 | Weak Evidence | 0 | Unexplained loss of consciousness with no medical documentation | No veridical observations reported | written_account | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 7/22/2025 | 2 | 0 | Heard husband and maidservant calling | 0.00 | Highly Compatible | 5 | |||||||||
| 4483 | qualitative | journal | Blackmore, Susan J. "Near-Death Experiences in India: They Have Tunnels Too." Journal of Near-Death Studies 11, no. 4 (Summer 1993): 205-217. Case #3 | Journal of Near-Death Studies Vol. 11 No. 4 Pages 205-217 1993 | 1985 | 1993 | 33 | M | A 39-year-old man suffering from severe palpitations experienced cardiac arrest while playing badminton and required intensive care treatment. Before being taken to the hospital, he became unconscious and during this critical period experienced floating in a dark space. He distinctly remembered having an unusual peace of mind state for brief moments, feeling totally at peace. This peaceful floating sensation in darkness occurred while his heart had stopped and he was clinically dead. Upon regaining consciousness after resuscitation, he somewhat regretted leaving this peaceful mind state. In the hospital following this experience, he required cardioversion with a direct current electrical shock of 100 watt-seconds. Seven years later, when he attempted to play badminton again, he had the same cardiac event and near-death experience, again requiring resuscitation. The consistent nature of the experience across two separate cardiac arrests suggests a genuine phenomenon related to the dying process. | 2 | Hospital | 10 | 0 | 10 | Weak Evidence | 0 | Documented cardiac arrest requiring electrical cardioversion | No specific veridical observations reported | written_account | 0.00 | 1.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 7/22/2025 | 1 | 0 | Floating sensation in dark space | 0.00 | Highly Compatible | 4 | |||||||||
| 4484 | qualitative | journal | Blackmore, Susan J. "Near-Death Experiences in India: They Have Tunnels Too." Journal of Near-Death Studies 11, no. 4 (Summer 1993): 205-217. Case #4 | Journal of Near-Death Studies Vol. 11 No. 4 Pages 205-217 1993 | 1942 | 1993 | 13 | M | A 13-year-old boy with high fever and severe cough fell into a coma lasting six to seven hours. During this life-threatening state, he experienced being flown upward by two winged creatures described as angels or fairies, each holding one of his hands and proceeding smoothly up through the skies. The journey was extremely exhilarating for both body and soul, and he was fully enjoying the sublime experience. However, the joyous upward journey was repeatedly interrupted by earthly forces trying to pull him down by grappling at his feet. In utter disgust, he tried to kick and jerk them away to get rid of their nuisance and continue his upward journey. These downward pulling forces appeared to coincide with medical intervention attempts. He was eventually revived to consciousness by injections given by the physician who had arrived. Even at age 62, nearly 50 years later, the experience remains so clearly imprinted on his subconscious mind that he can remember it as though it happened recently. The vivid nature and lasting impact of this childhood experience during a medical crisis demonstrates the profound effect such events can have. | 4 | Home | 5 | 0 | 5 | Weak Evidence | 0 | Extended coma of 6-7 hours with high fever | No veridical observations, only subjective experience | written_account | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 7/22/2025 | 1 | 0 | Upward flight with winged beings | 0.00 | Highly Compatible | 7 | |||||||||
| 4485 | qualitative | journal | Blackmore, Susan J. "Near-Death Experiences in India: They Have Tunnels Too." Journal of Near-Death Studies 11, no. 4 (Summer 1993): 205-217. Case #5 | Journal of Near-Death Studies Vol. 11 No. 4 Pages 205-217 1993 | 1970 | 1970-12-25 | 1993 | Unknown | A pop star performing on an outdoor stage on Christmas Day 1970 was accidentally electrocuted and experienced a profound near-death event. Upon electrocution, he felt himself become light as a feather and shoot upward at an indescribable speed that could never be measured by conventional concepts of speed or time. The sensation transcended normal physical experience. During this rapid upward movement, he was surrounded on all sides by lights of all colors - shining spots that appeared stationary while he moved through them. The lights were below, above, and completely surrounding him in a spectacular display. This experience of shooting through a field of multicolored lights while feeling weightless represents a classic transcendent experience during clinical death from electrocution. Following this near-death experience, the person underwent significant life changes and took up serious study of yoga, indicating the transformative impact of the event. The experience combines elements of out-of-body travel, encounters with supernatural light, and the timeless quality often reported in NDEs. | 5 | Other | 5 | 0 | 5 | Weak Evidence | 0 | Accidental electrocution, clearly life-threatening | No veridical observations reported | written_account | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 7/22/2025 | 1 | 0 | Multicolored lights surrounding | 0.00 | Moderately Compatible | 6 | |||||||||
| 4486 | qualitative | journal | Blackmore, Susan J. "Near-Death Experiences in India: They Have Tunnels Too." Journal of Near-Death Studies 11, no. 4 (Summer 1993): 205-217. Case #6 | Journal of Near-Death Studies Vol. 11 No. 4 Pages 205-217 1993 | 1972 | 1993 | 42 | M | A 63-year-old man experienced cardiac arrest while being operated on for a liver abscess in 1972. He was critically ill with no blood pressure and failing breath when he felt energy trying to leave his body. His head began revolving at an unimaginable speed and within a split second he traveled what felt like millions of miles away from the operating theatre into an unknown space. He journeyed to a space of brilliant light where he experienced being loved with a love he had never experienced before or since. The light was described as very bright, super white with a glow. He felt he was beyond time and space, spending what seemed like hours with this loving light though it occurred during the cardiac arrest. When he opened his eyes at 4:00 p.m., his first words were "Doctor, why did you bring me back? I was very happy where I was." It took time before he could see normally again. Following this experience, he developed what he felt was extrasensory perception and began having mystical experiences. He and his wife now sing devotional songs (bhajans) which he feels helps in his search for spiritual elevation. The profound love and light encountered during clinical death in surgery created lasting spiritual transformation. | 1 | Hospital | 15 | 0 | 15 | Suggestive Evidence | 0 | Cardiac arrest during surgery with no blood pressure, failing breath | No specific veridical observations of physical events | written_account | 0.00 | 1.00 | 1.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 1.00 | 7/22/2025 | 1 | 0 | Brilliant super white light with glow | 0.00 | Mixed Compatibility | 8 | |||||||||
| 4487 | qualitative | journal | Blackmore, Susan J. "Experiences of Anoxia: Do Reflex Anoxic Seizures Resemble Near-Death Experiences?" Journal of Near-Death Studies 17, no. 2 (Winter 1998): 111-120. Alan Case | Journal of Near-Death Studies Vol. 17 No. 2 Pages 111-120 1998 | 1993 | 1998 | 9 | M | A 9-year-old boy named Alan with Reflex Anoxic Seizures experienced repeated brief cardiac arrests triggered by sudden shocks or injuries. His condition caused daily or weekly episodes where his heart would stop for seconds to over a minute. During these events, Alan frequently traveled through a dark tunnel toward a light, describing the tunnel as frightening but the white light as nice, like a Christmas light. He experienced out-of-body episodes, including one where he watched medical staff during a blood test when his heart stopped (confirmed by ECG showing no heartbeat). He observed the doctor inserting a needle and a nurse moving his teddy bear, later reporting he saw her lift his legs. During his worst attack, he had no pulse for at least 90 seconds and turned dark blue, during which he reported watching his family from above as they leaned over him. Alan also experienced body image distortions, with people appearing to go into the distance at attack onset and seeming much bigger and louder upon return. He heard whistling sounds, saw snakeskin-like patterns, and encountered people from past periods of his life who seemed to be on the other side of a wall. Following pacemaker implantation, the attacks ceased. | 2 | Hospital | 10 | 10 | 30 | Moderate Evidence | 10 | Multiple cardiac arrests, one documented on ECG during blood test | Observed specific actions: doctor inserting needle, nurse moving teddy bear during cardiac arrest | written_account | 1.00 | 1.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 7/22/2025 | 2 | 1 | Observed medical procedures during cardiac arrest | 1.00 | Doctor performing blood test | Highly Compatible | 7 | ||||||||
| 4488 | qualitative | journal | Nahm, Michael and Nicolay, Joachim. Essential Features of Eight Published Muslim Near-Death Experiences. Journal of Near-Death Studies, 29(1), Fall 2010. Case 1: Mustafa | Journal of Near-Death Studies Vol. 29(1) pp. 255-263, 2010 | 2010 | M | Mustafa was a Muslim pilgrim traveling to Mecca when he fell into the ocean near the Libyan coast and drowned. After being pulled from the water, he was successfully resuscitated by Dr. Fonzo. Upon revival, Mustafa reported a profound near-death experience. He described traveling through a tunnel toward a very bright light that was not blinding. During this journey, he experienced a detailed panoramic life review that was particularly rich regarding his beneficial and egotistical actions throughout his life. The life review showed him both the positive impacts of his kindness and generosity as well as the consequences of his more selfish behaviors. This experience occurred during a pilgrimage, which held deep religious significance for Mustafa as a devout Muslim. | 5 | Other | 5 | 2 | 10 | Weak Evidence | 3 | Drowning with successful resuscitation documented | Life review reported but no specific veridical observations | written_account | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 7/22/2025 | 0 | 0 | Highly Compatible | 5 | |||||||||||||
| 4489 | qualitative | journal | Nahm, Michael and Nicolay, Joachim. Essential Features of Eight Published Muslim Near-Death Experiences. Journal of Near-Death Studies, 29(1), Fall 2010. Case 2: Private Patient | Journal of Near-Death Studies Vol. 29(1) pp. 255-263, 2010 | 2010 | Unknown | A private patient of Dr. Fonzo suffered a cardiac arrest and required resuscitation. After the successful resuscitation and recovery from the health crisis, the patient reported a remarkable out-of-body experience. The patient claimed to have felt well during the cardiac arrest, floating above their body with full consciousness. From this elevated perspective, the patient observed the entire resuscitation process being performed by the medical team. The patient provided detailed descriptions of the resuscitation procedures that corresponded accurately to the actual events as experienced and remembered by Dr. Fonzo. The veridical nature of these observations, made while the patient was clinically dead, suggests that consciousness may persist even during cardiac arrest. The patient described feeling peaceful and detached while observing their physical body being worked on below. | 2 | Hospital | 10 | 10 | 28 | Suggestive Evidence | 8 | Documented cardiac arrest with resuscitation in hospital setting | Patient accurately described resuscitation procedures from OBE perspective | written_account | 0.00 | 1.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 7/22/2025 | 1 | 1 | Observed resuscitation procedures from above | 1.00 | Dr. Fonzo | Highly Compatible | 4 | ||||||||||
| 4490 | qualitative | journal | Nahm, Michael and Nicolay, Joachim. Essential Features of Eight Published Muslim Near-Death Experiences. Journal of Near-Death Studies, 29(1), Fall 2010. Case 3: Loftia | Journal of Near-Death Studies Vol. 29(1) pp. 255-263, 2010 | 2010 | F | Loftia, a mother of five children, experienced cardiac arrest while under anesthesia at a hospital in Yafran, Libya, where Dr. Fonzo served as director and anesthetist. After successful resuscitation, Loftia reported a remarkable near-death experience. From an elevated perspective above her body, she observed a narrow passage with pillars that were painted white and blue on their tops. Dr. Fonzo later explained these were oxygen and nitrous oxide gas bottles stored in a narrow space between walls, with white tops for oxygen and blue for nitrous oxide - details not visible to patients under normal circumstances. During her experience, Loftia encountered her deceased mother, Fatma, who told her she must return because her five children needed her, especially mentioning her two-year-old daughter Nezahet by name. The return to life was experienced negatively by Loftia, who felt reluctant to leave the peaceful state she had experienced. | 2 | Hospital | 15 | 15 | 40 | Moderate Evidence | 10 | Cardiac arrest during surgery with anesthesia monitoring | Accurately described hidden gas bottles with specific color coding not visible to patients | written_account | 0.00 | 1.00 | 1.00 | 1.00 | 0.00 | 1.00 | 7/22/2025 | 1 | 1 | Saw gas bottles with colored tops from above | 1.00 | Dr. Fonzo | Highly Compatible | 7 | ||||||||||
| 4491 | qualitative | journal | Nahm, Michael and Nicolay, Joachim. Essential Features of Eight Published Muslim Near-Death Experiences. Journal of Near-Death Studies, 29(1), Fall 2010. Case 4: Nurse | Journal of Near-Death Studies Vol. 29(1) pp. 255-263, 2010 | 2010 | M | During a pilgrimage to Mecca, Dr. Fonzo was driving to Cairo with two nurses when they had a serious car accident. One nurse remained uninjured, but the second nurse, a man, suffered a concussion and lost consciousness. After Dr. Fonzo provided medical care, the nurse regained consciousness and described his experience with remarkable precision. He accurately detailed what Fonzo and the other nurse had done during his unconsciousness, including specific aspects of the resuscitation process. The nurse reported entering a tunnel but not reaching its end because a mufti (religious teacher) dressed in a white robe gave him a sign to return. Throughout the entire experience, he described his mind or consciousness as being connected to his physical body by a luminous cord, similar to a beam of light. This silver cord connection is rarely reported in modern NDEs but has historical precedent in spiritual literature. The nurse was notably bewildered by the discrepancy between his experience and traditional Muslim afterlife expectations. | 5 | Other | 7 | 12 | 27 | Suggestive Evidence | 8 | Concussion with loss of consciousness from car accident | Accurately described resuscitation procedures performed while unconscious | written_account | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 7/22/2025 | 1 | 1 | Observed resuscitation procedures while unconscious | 1.00 | Dr. Fonzo and nurse | Highly Compatible | 6 | ||||||||||
| 4492 | qualitative | journal | Nahm, Michael and Nicolay, Joachim. Essential Features of Eight Published Muslim Near-Death Experiences. Journal of Near-Death Studies, 29(1), Fall 2010. Case 5: Muktar | Journal of Near-Death Studies Vol. 29(1) pp. 255-263, 2010 | 2010 | 12 | M | Muktar, a 12-year-old boy, fell from a palm tree and entered a coma for some time. After regaining consciousness, he shared a remarkable near-death experience that contained several surprising elements for someone from his desert oasis village background. He reported seeing vast green grasslands, which astonished him as he was only familiar with the yellow sand surrounding his village. He heard beautiful music played without the flutes and tambourines that were fundamental to his local musical tradition, suggesting otherworldly instruments. Muktar saw an apparently bright light that he could look at directly without needing to protect his eyes, unlike the harsh desert sun he knew. During his experience, he met his deceased grandfather and younger brother, with whom he communicated telepathically "without moving the mouth" - a concept that would have been unfamiliar to a young boy from his cultural background. These culture-transcending elements suggest the experience was not merely a hallucination based on his expectations. | 4 | Unknown | 5 | 3 | 13 | Weak Evidence | 5 | Coma from fall injury | No specific veridical observations, but culture-transcending elements noted | written_account | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 7/22/2025 | 0 | 0 | Highly Compatible | 6 | ||||||||||||
| 4493 | qualitative | journal | Nahm, Michael and Nicolay, Joachim. Essential Features of Eight Published Muslim Near-Death Experiences. Journal of Near-Death Studies, 29(1), Fall 2010. Case 6: Young Man in Beirut | Journal of Near-Death Studies Vol. 29(1) pp. 255-263, 2010 | 2010 | 17 | M | A 17-year-old young man fell from a high wall at the harbor in Beirut and suffered severe injuries, losing consciousness. Dr. Fonzo and a hospital nurse, who was the uncle of the injured young man, were immediately informed and rushed to provide medical care at the accident scene. During treatment, the young man briefly regained consciousness for a few minutes before dying. In those final moments, he made remarkable claims about what he had observed while unconscious. He stated he had been able to see clearly while his helpers hastened toward him and specifically noted that his uncle had been in danger of falling at one point - an observation that proved accurate. He explained that his uncle was saved from falling only through the intervention of the uncle's deceased mother, whom he claimed to see. As he related these visions, he stated he could see this woman again, who was now calling for him, after which he expired. This case represents both an NDE and a deathbed vision. | 5 | Other | 5 | 10 | 22 | Suggestive Evidence | 7 | Severe injuries from fall, unconscious then died | Accurately observed uncle nearly falling while patient was unconscious | written_account | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 7/22/2025 | 1 | 1 | Saw uncle in danger of falling during rescue | 1.00 | Uncle (nurse) and Dr. Fonzo | Highly Compatible | 5 | |||||||||
| 4494 | qualitative | journal | Nahm, Michael and Nicolay, Joachim. Essential Features of Eight Published Muslim Near-Death Experiences. Journal of Near-Death Studies, 29(1), Fall 2010. Case 7: Mohamud | Journal of Near-Death Studies Vol. 29(1) pp. 255-263, 2010 | 2010 | M | Mohamud, a Libyan bandit who had committed robbery and murder, was executed by hanging at sundown. Due to burial traditions prohibiting burials after sundown, his body was to be buried the next day. However, Dr. Fonzo discovered the man had not actually died and successfully resuscitated him. Mohamud reported a distressing near-death experience that differed markedly from positive NDEs. From above, he observed what he described as "a plough" - which Dr. Fonzo explained was actually an old closed well with a lever device between fortress walls that indeed resembled a plough when viewed from above. This veridical observation confirmed he had an out-of-body experience. However, instead of light and peace, Mohamud found himself in a state of utter loneliness and desertion at a nebulous and gloomy location without any light. This distressing experience reflected his moral state as a murderer and robber. The absence of tormenting demons differed from traditional Muslim hell expectations. | 5 | Other | 8 | 8 | 22 | Suggestive Evidence | 6 | Execution by hanging with apparent death but successful resuscitation | Accurately described well mechanism as plough from above perspective | written_account | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 7/22/2025 | 1 | 1 | Saw well mechanism from above that looked like plough | 1.00 | Dr. Fonzo | Highly Compatible | 5 | ||||||||||
| 4495 | qualitative | journal | Lerma, John. Learning from the Light, 2009. Referenced in Nahm & Nicolay, Journal of Near-Death Studies, 29(1), 2010. Case: Syriana | Learning from the Light, 2009, p. 194 | 2009 | F | Syriana, a Lebanese woman from a wealthy and religious family, experienced a remarkable shared near-death experience when a missile struck their house during mealtime. This traumatic event resulted in a rare documented case of multiple family members simultaneously experiencing NDEs. After the explosion, all five family members reported leaving their bodies and floating upward together into a tunnel of light. In this transcendent state, they encountered deceased relatives who had passed before them. The family members were able to communicate telepathically with each other during the experience, sharing thoughts and feelings without speaking. They received information that Syriana and her father were meant to return to physical life while the others would continue on. Within what seemed like a second, Syriana and her father found themselves back in their bodies underneath the table in their destroyed home. Both independently remembered and could describe the same experience, providing mutual corroboration of this extraordinary shared NDE. This represents a special category of NDE where multiple people share the same experience simultaneously. | 5 | Home | 5 | 5 | 18 | Suggestive Evidence | 8 | Missile explosion causing life-threatening injuries | Shared experience corroborated by father | written_account | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 7/22/2025 | 0 | 1 | Father (co-experiencer) | Highly Compatible | 7 | ||||||||||||
| 4496 | qualitative | journal | Bonenfant, Richard J. "A Near-Death Experience Followed by the Visitation of an 'Angel-Like' Being." Journal of Near-Death Studies 19, no. 2 (Winter 2000): 103-113. Subject: Anonymous 31-year-old woman. Case 1. | Journal of Near-Death Studies Vol. 19 No. 2 Pages 103-113 Copyright 2000 | 1981 | 2000 | 16 | F |
A 16-year-old girl was swimming underwater in her family's pool during a summer party in 1981 when a drunken partygoer jumped in and playfully grabbed her, dragging her to the bottom. Having just completed a lap underwater, she had no air reserve and quickly lost consciousness, remaining unconscious for approximately two minutes before being rescued. During her NDE, she found herself drifting upward in darkness, feeling peaceful and calm rather than fearful. She witnessed two childhood scenes in vivid color against the darkness - first her younger sister at age 3-4 playing with their cat, then their deceased dog Pepper. She became aware of a distant light that grew brighter as she moved toward it through what felt like a dark tunnel, accelerating as she progressed. Within the light, she encountered a beautiful woman with long dark-blonde hair and blue eyes, dressed in white, with outstretched hands radiating motherly love. The subject felt overwhelming peace, awe, and love in the presence of this angelic being. Her only desire was to reach the safety of those outstretched hands. However, just before she could reach the figure, the woman withdrew her hands and communicated telepathically through her eyes that it was not yet her time and she must return. She immediately found herself back in her body on the pool deck, gasping for breath after being rescued. The experience scored 26 on the NDE Scale, classified as a Transcendental Type NDE with strong paranormal and affective components. |
5 | Home | 5 | 8 | 13 | Weak Evidence | 0 | Drowning incident with approximately 2 minutes unconscious, no medical monitoring | Subject observed childhood scenes and encountered angel-like figure, but no specific verifiable details | written_account | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 7/22/2025 | 3 | 0 | Childhood scene of younger sister | 0.00 | Highly Compatible | 7 | |||||||||
| 4497 | qualitative | journal | Bloom, Alfred. "To There and Back." Buddhist Study Center Newsletter Metta (September 1982): 148-152. Alfred Bloom. Case 2. | Buddhist Study Center Newsletter Metta September 1982 Pages 148-152 Copyright 1982 | 1983 | 1982 | M |
Alfred Bloom, an intellectual and academic, experienced a severe myocardial infarction with cardiac arrest while visiting Japan in May-June 1983. He had developed angina problems and was staying at the Honganji Kokusai Center when symptoms worsened. After being admitted to Takeda Hospital's ICU near Kyoto Station, he suffered two major cardiac events requiring emergency intervention, including chest compressions for cardiac arrest. During the second severe attack, while undergoing emergency angiography, Bloom closed his eyes and began reciting "Namu Amida Butsu" constantly. He felt himself descending through clouds with increasing peace and euphoria, hearing faces and voices becoming dim. At the bottom of his descent, he saw only brightness and heard a bell with buzzing sounds. In that moment of profound aloneness, he realized "One is born alone—One dies alone" and felt immensely free with the choice to die by entering the light or to struggle to return. He observed no deceased relatives or religious figures, shouting "There is nobody here!" but wondered if they remained hidden to give him free choice. Deciding his life was not yet complete, he continued reciting the Nembutsu, feeling new strength with each repetition. Doctors observed his vital signs sinking then suddenly rising, appearing surprised at his recovery. The experience profoundly transformed his understanding of Other Power in Buddhism, recognizing it as absolute yielding when one can do nothing. He experienced the Nembutsu not as a request for rescue but as recognition of limitless compassion already received. The NDE deepened his faith while acknowledging he remained a "passion-ridden mortal," finding Shinran's teachings truer than ever. |
1 | Hospital | 15 | 5 | 30 | Moderate Evidence | 10 | Documented cardiac arrest in ICU with monitoring, required chest compressions, emergency angiography performed | Subject heard doctors commenting on vital signs, observed brightness and heard sounds, but no specific verifiable details | written_account | 0.00 | 1.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 7/22/2025 | 2 | 1 | Descent through clouds with light and sounds | 0.00 | ICU doctors and nurses | Highly Compatible | 6 | |||||||||
| 4498 | qualitative | journal | Bonenfant, Richard J. "A Child's Encounter with the Devil: An Unusual Near-Death Experience with Both Blissful and Frightening Elements." Journal of Near-Death Studies 20, no. 2 (Winter 2001): 87-100. | Journal of Near-Death Studies Vol. 20 No. 2 Pages 87-100 2001 | 1995 | 1995-06-10 | 2001 | 6 | M |
Scott, a 6-year-old boy, experienced a complex NDE following a severe car accident on June 10, 1995. He was struck by a car after darting out from behind an ice cream truck, causing him to somersault through the air and land 25 feet away with no pulse. His mother, a hospice nurse, found him appearing dead with waxy bloodless skin. Scott suffered multiple injuries including a basilar skull fracture, perforated eardrum, fractured pelvis, concussion, and extended oxygen deprivation. During his unconscious state, Scott experienced bilocation of consciousness, simultaneously being in his body and observing the accident from a nearby tree about 30 feet away. He watched his body make three aerial somersaults and land on the pavement. He felt no pain but was dismayed that family members could not see or hear him, though his brother Graham later reported hearing Scott call to him "in his head." Scott heard his father repeatedly saying "I love you" but could not make himself heard, and when he tried to hug his father, his arms passed through his body. Scott then found himself at the entrance to a tornado-like vortex in a "bad dark place." Upon entering, he encountered the devil, described as having rotting putrid flesh covered with sores and slime, who spoke in a deep raspy voice saying "You're bad" and attempted to grab him. Scott felt the devil trying to "suck" him away from God through a strong negative force. After desperately maintaining faith in God, Scott was somehow rescued and whisked through the tunnel containing faces and voices of all who had loved him. He met his recently deceased Uncle Russell who reassured him everything would be okay, encountered a brilliant light he identified as God, and was escorted by an angel to a protective "dungeon" or safe dark place where the devil could not reach him. Scott regained consciousness in the ICU eight hours later and immediately recounted his experience to his parents. The experience left him with months of anxiety, nightmares, and restlessness, though he also developed increased spirituality and interest in religious matters. |
5 | Hospital | 7 | 20 | 42 | Moderate Evidence | 15 | Life-threatening car accident with documented severe injuries including skull fracture, no initial pulse, extended oxygen deprivation, treated in ICU | Out-of-body observation of accident from tree vantage point, saw body somersaulting, heard father speaking, brother heard telepathic call | written_account | 0.00 | 1.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 7/22/2025 | 3 | 2 | Observed accident from outside body | 1.00 | Karen (mother, hospice nurse), Father | Highly Compatible | 7 | |||||||
| 4499 | qualitative | journal | van Lommel, Pim, et al. "Near-death experience in survivors of cardiac arrest: a prospective study in the Netherlands." 44-year-old Male Dentures Case. Case 1 | The Lancet Vol 358 Pages 2039-2045 2001 | 2001 | 44 | M |
A 44-year-old man was found comatose and cyanotic in a meadow approximately an hour before being brought to the coronary care unit by ambulance. Upon admission, he received artificial respiration without intubation, along with heart massage and defibrillation. During intubation preparation, dentures were discovered in his mouth and removed by the nurse, who placed them on the crash cart with bottles and a sliding drawer underneath. Extensive CPR continued for about an hour and a half before the patient achieved sufficient heart rhythm and blood pressure, though he remained comatose, ventilated, and intubated. He was transferred to the intensive care unit for continued artificial respiration. The patient regained consciousness after more than a week. Upon seeing the nurse who had removed his dentures, he immediately recognized her and accurately described where she had placed his dentures - on the crash cart with bottles and in the sliding drawer underneath. He reported having observed the entire resuscitation from above his body, witnessing himself lying in bed while nurses and doctors performed CPR. He accurately described the small resuscitation room and the appearance of all present staff, including specific details about the nurse. During his out-of-body experience, the patient perceived the entire CPR process from an elevated perspective. He saw medical staff working on his body, observed the specific placement of his dentures, and noted details of the room and equipment. He experienced intense fear that the medical team would cease resuscitation efforts due to his poor condition. He desperately but unsuccessfully attempted to communicate that he was still alive and they should continue CPR. The medical team had indeed been pessimistic about his prognosis given his critical condition upon admission. The experience profoundly impacted the patient, who stated he was no longer afraid of death. He made a complete recovery and left the hospital four weeks later as a healthy man. The veridical observations during deep coma and active CPR were independently confirmed by the nurse. |
1 | Hospital | 35 | 30 | 90 | Exceptional Evidence | 25 | Documented cardiac arrest with CPR lasting 1.5 hours, patient comatose and cyanotic upon arrival, intubated and ventilated, transferred to ICU | Multiple specific veridical observations during deep coma: exact denture placement on crash cart drawer, accurate room description, staff appearance, all confirmed by nurse witness | written_account | 0.00 | 1.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | Patient comatose throughout CPR | 7/22/2025 | 3 | 2 | Saw denture placement on crash cart | 1.00 | Coronary care unit nurse | Highly Compatible | 5 | ||||||||
| 4500 | qualitative | journal | Fox, Mark. Religion, Spirituality and the Near-Death Experience. Studies in Interreligious Dialogue. Cardiac Arrest Patient. Case 1. 2004 | Studies in Interreligious Dialogue Vol. 14 Pages 111-113 2004 | 2001 | 2004 | 44 | M |
A 44-year-old cyanotic, comatose man was brought to the coronary care unit after being found in a meadow by passers-by. During intubation, the nurse removed the patient's dentures and placed them on the crash cart. The medical team performed extensive CPR for about an hour and a half before achieving sufficient heart rhythm and blood pressure. The patient remained ventilated, intubated, and comatose, requiring transfer to the ICU for continued artificial respiration. After more than a week, when the patient had recovered and returned to the cardiac ward, he immediately recognized the nurse and said "Oh, that nurse knows where my dentures are." He then accurately described how the nurse had removed his dentures and placed them in the sliding drawer underneath the crash cart with bottles on it. Remarkably, this occurred while the patient was in deep coma during CPR. The patient reported seeing himself lying in bed from above and observing how nurses and doctors performed CPR. He correctly described the small resuscitation room and the appearance of all present, including specific details about the nurse. During his out-of-body experience, he was very afraid the medical team would stop CPR and he would die. He desperately tried to communicate that he was still alive. The experience profoundly affected him - he is no longer afraid of death. Four weeks after the incident, he left the hospital as a healthy man. |
1 | Hospital | 25 | 25 | 65 | Exceptional Evidence | 15 | Documented cardiac arrest in CCU with monitoring equipment, CPR for 1.5 hours, patient comatose and intubated | Multiple specific veridical observations: denture placement in crash cart drawer, room layout, personnel appearance, all verified by nurse | written_account | 0.00 | 1.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | Patient intubated and comatose | 7/22/2025 | 2 | 1 | Saw denture placement on crash cart | 1.00 | Male nurse | Highly Compatible | 5 | |||||||
| 4501 | qualitative | journal | Borutta, Rich. The Near-Death Experience and Biophysics. Rich Borutta. Case 1. 2007 | Journal of Spirituality and Paranormal Studies Vol. 31 Pages 124-128 2007 | 1990 | 2007 | M |
Rich Borutta, an electronics engineer specializing in lasers and fiber optics, experienced an NDE in 1990 while hospitalized for liver failure resulting from alcoholism. During a procedure to drain fluid from his abdomen under anesthesia, he overheard mention of a hemorrhage. He felt himself being pulled downward into darkness, thinking "This can't be real." He then became aware of a pinpoint of light in the distance and was attracted to it, beginning to resolve activity around it before being suddenly jerked away. His hearing returned and he heard someone say "150 jewels" (joules), recognizing these as units for measuring laser outputs. After administration of atropine and other procedures, he regained consciousness in his hospital bed. Still feeling connected to the light realm, he resolved to return. During his second journey, he encountered "feathery" figures gathering around the light and was briefly conducted into the light itself, which was teeming with exhilarating activity. He expressed desire to straighten out unfinished business from his previous life with help from these entities. The veridical element involved hearing "150 joules" during resuscitation, indicating defibrillation while he was under anesthesia. His specialized knowledge as an electronics engineer allowed him to recognize this technical medical terminology. The experience included classic NDE elements: darkness, tunnel-like passage, brilliant light, and spiritual beings. Following the NDE, his alcohol addiction disappeared completely and his liver began functioning normally. A subsequent biopsy found no evidence of permanent damage despite pre-NDE scans showing serious blockage suggesting cancer or cirrhosis. The experience led to profound life changes and loss of fear of death. |
1 | Hospital | 20 | 15 | 35 | Moderate Evidence | 0 | Liver failure patient under anesthesia, hemorrhage leading to cardiac event requiring defibrillation (150 joules) | Heard specific medical terminology "150 joules" during defibrillation while under anesthesia, recognized due to engineering background | written_account | 0.00 | 1.00 | 1.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 1.00 | 7/22/2025 | 3 | 0 | Heard defibrillation setting | 0.00 | Highly Compatible | 7 | ||||||||||
| 4502 | qualitative | journal | Morse, M., Near-Death Experience of 7-Year-Old Girl, Journal of Near-Death Studies, Case Report, 2010 | Journal of Near-Death Studies, Volume 29, Pages 310, 2010 | 2010 | 7 | F | A 7-year-old girl nearly drowned and was deeply comatose requiring resuscitation. Despite her comatose state, she later recalled extraordinary veridical details of her emergency care. She accurately described her unusual nasal intubation instead of the standard oral intubation, surprising medical staff with this specific detail. She also perceived events at her home during her hospitalization, accurately describing her parents' exact locations, clothing choices, and specific activities. Her observations included details about the medical procedures and equipment used during her resuscitation that were later verified by medical staff. The experience included an out-of-body perspective where she could see herself and the medical team working on her body. She described floating above the scene and being able to observe multiple locations simultaneously. Upon recovery, she immediately shared these observations which were confirmed by both medical staff and her parents. | 5 | Hospital | 7 | 12 | 29 | Suggestive Evidence | 10 | Deep coma following near-drowning, life-threatening condition documented | Multiple specific veridical observations including unusual nasal intubation and home events | written_account | 0.00 | 1.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | Deep coma | 7/22/2025 | 3 | 2 | Saw nasal intubation procedure | 1.00 | Medical team members | Highly Compatible | 4 | ||||||||
| 4503 | qualitative | journal | Mays, R.G. & Mays, S.B., Howard Case Report, Journal of Near-Death Studies, 2017 | Journal of Near-Death Studies, Volume 36, Pages 4, 2017 | 2017 | M | Howard suffered a cardiac arrest and was resuscitated by Dr. Laurin Bellg and her team. He was placed on a ventilator following successful resuscitation. During his cardiac arrest and subsequent coma, Howard had an extraordinary out-of-body experience with multiple veridical perceptions. He accurately recalled specific details of the resuscitation including Dr. Bellg fumbling to get her stethoscope out of her pocket, her pens falling on the bed, and her specific comments while inserting the intubation tube. Howard described rising up through the ceiling, feeling the different densities of materials as he passed through the building structure, including insulation and wiring. He found himself in a room above the ICU that looked like a hospital setting but was unusually quiet with mannequin-like figures in beds with IVs. This room had a central area with computer workstations. Upon awakening, medical staff confirmed all his observations. The room above was identified as a nurse training center with medical mannequins, exactly as Howard described. The existence of this training facility was not generally known even to non-nursing hospital staff. | 1 | Hospital | 15 | 20 | 50 | Strong Evidence | 15 | Documented cardiac arrest with resuscitation, placed on ventilator, clear loss of consciousness | Multiple specific veridical details including hidden training center, sequential observations of resuscitation procedures | written_account | 0.00 | 1.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | On ventilator | 7/22/2025 | 4 | 1 | Dr. Bellg's actions during resuscitation | 1.00 | Dr. Bellg and attending nurse | Highly Compatible | 5 | |||||||||
| 4504 | qualitative | journal | van Lommel, P., et al., Man with Dentures Case, The Lancet, 2001 | The Lancet, Volume 358, Pages 2041, 2001 | 2001 | 2001 | M | A man was brought to the hospital in cardiac arrest and remained deeply comatose for days following resuscitation. During the emergency, a male nurse removed the patient's dentures to prepare him for intubation and placed them on a sliding shelf of a cart. The patient remained unconscious and on artificial respiration for over a week. Upon recovering consciousness, the patient immediately recognized the male nurse who had removed his dentures when he saw him for the first time since the event. The patient asked for his dentures back, correctly identifying their location on the sliding shelf. He also accurately described details of the resuscitation room, the procedures performed, and the appearance of other staff members present during his cardiac arrest. This occurred despite the patient being in deep coma during the entire period. The nurse and other staff confirmed all the details the patient reported. The fact that the denture removal occurred during the comatose period and was not mentioned to the patient supports that his perception occurred during the cardiac arrest. | 2 | Hospital | 10 | 10 | 30 | Moderate Evidence | 10 | Documented cardiac arrest, deep coma for days, on artificial respiration | Specific details about denture location, room, procedures, and staff appearance | written_account | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | Deep coma | 7/22/2025 | 2 | 1 | Denture removal and placement | 1.00 | Male nurse | Highly Compatible | 4 | ||||||||
| 4505 | qualitative | journal | Cook, E.W., Greyson, B., Stevenson, I., Al Sullivan Case, Journal of Scientific Exploration, 1998 | Journal of Scientific Exploration, Volume 12, Pages 399-400, 1998 | 1998 | M | Al Sullivan underwent cardiac surgery under deep anesthesia with his eyes taped shut and his head positioned behind a surgical drape. During the surgery, he had an out-of-body experience where he left his body and observed the operating room from above. Despite the visual barriers of taped eyes and surgical draping, Sullivan accurately observed and later described an unusual behavior of his cardiac surgeon. He saw the surgeon "flapping his arms as if trying to fly" during the procedure. When questioned after recovery, the surgeon verified this description, explaining that he had developed this unusual habit to prevent contamination after scrubbing in. Rather than touching anything, he would direct his surgical staff by pointing with his elbows in a flapping motion. This peculiar mannerism was not something that could have been known or guessed by the patient. The accuracy of this observation despite multiple physical barriers to vision provides strong evidence of veridical perception during the NDE. | 3 | Hospital | 7 | 12 | 29 | Suggestive Evidence | 10 | Deep general anesthesia during cardiac surgery with monitoring | Observed unique surgeon behavior impossible to see with eyes taped and behind drape | written_account | 0.00 | 1.00 | 1.00 | 1.00 | 0.00 | 1.00 | Surgical drape blocking view | 7/22/2025 | 1 | 1 | Surgeon's arm movements | 1.00 | Cardiac surgeon | Highly Compatible | 5 | |||||||||
| 4506 | qualitative | journal | Weiss, B.L., Blind Woman Cardiac Arrest, Messages from the Masters, 2000 | Journal of Near-Death Studies, Volume 29, Pages 310-311, 2010 | 2000 | 2010 | F | An elderly woman who had been blind for many years suffered a cardiac arrest during her hospital stay. The resuscitation team worked frantically to revive her, with the doctor and nurses performing chest compressions and pumping air into her lungs. During this time, while she was unconscious and in cardiac arrest, she had an out-of-body experience. She floated out of her body and stood near the window, watching the resuscitation efforts without any pain. She observed the medical team at work and noticed when a pen fell out of her doctor's pocket and rolled near the window where her spirit was standing. The doctor walked over, picked up the pen, and put it back in his pocket before rejoining the resuscitation effort. They succeeded in reviving her. Days later, she told her doctor she had observed the resuscitation. When he suggested she was hallucinating due to lack of oxygen, she described the pen incident and other accurate details. The doctor was shocked because not only had she been comatose during the resuscitation, but she had been blind for many years. The cardiologist confirmed days later that everything she related had indeed taken place. | 1 | Hospital | 15 | 15 | 40 | Moderate Evidence | 10 | Documented cardiac arrest with resuscitation team, patient blind for years | Blind person accurately described visual details including pen incident | written_account | 0.00 | 1.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | Patient blind for many years | 7/22/2025 | 2 | 1 | Resuscitation procedures | 1.00 | Cardiologist | Highly Compatible | 5 | ||||||||
| 4507 | qualitative | journal | Cassol, Helena, et al. "Qualitative thematic analysis of the phenomenology of near-death experiences." PLoS ONE 13.2 (2018): e0193001. Male Subject, Age 43, Case 1 | PLoS ONE Vol. 13(2) e0193001 Pages 1-14 2018 | 2003 | 2018 | 28 | M | During a cardiac arrest fifteen years ago, this man experienced a profound near-death experience that began with an overwhelming attraction to a brilliant light. He described being drawn forward not by walking but by pure will, feeling himself moving toward an intensely bright white light that had never been seen before in earthly existence. The light was described as spotless white with multitude of rays emanating from it, yet remarkably it was not dazzling or painful to perceive. Within this luminous environment, beings appeared and disappeared, passing through the light like ethereal presences. The experience was accompanied by an intense feeling of peace and tranquility that transcended normal human emotion. The individual felt completely free from physical pain and earthly concerns while immersed in this radiant atmosphere. Upon return to normal consciousness, he found the transition difficult and the contrast between the blissful NDE state and physical reality was stark and challenging. | 2 | Unknown | 7 | 8 | 15 | Suggestive Evidence | 0 | Cardiac arrest reported but no monitoring equipment mentioned | Movement through will, beings in light, specific visual details | written_account | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 7/22/2025 | 2 | 0 | Saw intense white light with rays | 0.00 | Highly Compatible | 6 | |||||||||
| 4508 | qualitative | journal | Cassol, Helena, et al. "Qualitative thematic analysis of the phenomenology of near-death experiences." PLoS ONE 13.2 (2018): e0193001. Female Subject, Age 76, Case 2 | PLoS ONE Vol. 13(2) e0193001 Pages 1-14 2018 | 2012 | 2018 | 70 | F | This woman experienced a remarkable near-death episode during cardiac arrest six years ago. Initially, she found herself in a dark place with no walls or rooms, wondering what she was doing there. The darkness then gave way to an extraordinary transformation as everything became spotlessly white with a brightness she had never witnessed before. The light was described as having multitude of rays emanating from it yet was gloriously non-dazzling. Within this luminous environment, she observed beings appearing and disappearing as if passing through the light itself. The entire experience was characterized by an overwhelming sense of peace and divine presence. She felt completely removed from physical suffering and earthly concerns. The transition between the initial darkness and the brilliant light marked a profound shift in her consciousness. Upon return to physical awareness, she retained vivid memories of this transformative experience that continued to influence her perspective on life and death. | 2 | Unknown | 7 | 10 | 17 | Suggestive Evidence | 0 | Cardiac arrest documented but monitoring details not specified | Darkness to light transition, multiple beings observed, specific descriptions | written_account | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 7/22/2025 | 2 | 0 | Dark place transitioning to white light | 0.00 | Highly Compatible | 6 | |||||||||
| 4509 | qualitative | journal | Cassol, Helena, et al. "Qualitative thematic analysis of the phenomenology of near-death experiences." PLoS ONE 13.2 (2018): e0193001. Female Subject, Age 34, Case 3 | PLoS ONE Vol. 13(2) e0193001 Pages 1-14 2018 | 1999 | 2018 | 15 | F | During a cardiac arrest nineteen years ago when she was just fifteen, this woman experienced an extraordinary expansion of consciousness that defied normal human comprehension. She first heard a machine then nothing more - no sound, nothing, just absolute darkness. Then her consciousness underwent a remarkable transformation where she felt her awareness expanding until she was everywhere and everything simultaneously. She became the sky, the ground, the trees, feeling the wind blowing through what she experienced as her leaves. She was the sea and simultaneously her parents, friends, and even people she had never met but who she knew intimately because they were part of her expanded being. Everything was genuinely connected as one unified consciousness. This state of cosmic unity and interconnection represented a complete dissolution of individual boundaries. The experience of being everything at once provided her with a profound understanding of the interconnected nature of all existence. When she returned to normal consciousness, the memory of this expansive state remained vivid, fundamentally altering her understanding of reality and consciousness itself. | 2 | Unknown | 8 | 12 | 20 | Suggestive Evidence | 0 | Cardiac arrest at young age, no monitoring specified | Expansion of consciousness, unity experience, specific environmental details | written_account | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 7/22/2025 | 2 | 0 | Heard machine then silence | 0.00 | Mixed Compatibility | 7 | |||||||||
| 4510 | qualitative | journal | Cassol, Helena, et al. "Qualitative thematic analysis of the phenomenology of near-death experiences." PLoS ONE 13.2 (2018): e0193001. Male Subject, Age 70, Case 4 | PLoS ONE Vol. 13(2) e0193001 Pages 1-14 2018 | 1967 | 2018 | 19 | M | This man experienced a striking out-of-body episode during a cardiac arrest fifty-one years ago when he was nineteen. The experience occurred as he was being transported down from the second floor on a stretcher. He had the strange and vivid sensation of observing the scene from very high above the stairwell, watching the stretcher being carried by four of his comrades. From this elevated vantage point, he could see everything clearly while simultaneously hearing the voices of those below as if they were very far away. The visual perspective was remarkably clear and comprehensive, allowing him to observe the entire scene from an impossible physical position above the stairwell. The auditory component added another dimension to the experience, with sounds reaching him but seeming distant and removed despite his clear visual perception. This dissociation between his consciousness and physical body was complete and undeniable. The memory of floating above and observing his own body being transported remained vivid even after five decades. Upon returning to normal consciousness, he retained perfect recall of what he had observed from this elevated perspective, including details that would have been impossible to perceive from his physical position on the stretcher. | 2 | Hospital | 10 | 15 | 25 | Suggestive Evidence | 0 | Cardiac arrest in hospital setting, transport on stretcher documented | Specific OBE with detailed observations from above, multiple witnesses present | written_account | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 7/22/2025 | 2 | 0 | Saw stretcher from above stairwell | 1.00 | Highly Compatible | 5 | |||||||||
| 4511 | qualitative | journal | Cassol, Helena, et al. "Qualitative thematic analysis of the phenomenology of near-death experiences." PLoS ONE 13.2 (2018): e0193001. Male Subject, Age 62, Case 5 | PLoS ONE Vol. 13(2) e0193001 Pages 1-14 2018 | 2013 | 2018 | 57 | M | During cardiac arrest five years ago, this man experienced a comprehensive life review that transcended normal memory recall. He doesn't know how it began, but suddenly saw his life flashing before his eyes, essentially from age two to eighteen. Time seemed to have no meaning during this experience. He felt as though he was actually living whole scenes of his life over again, not merely remembering them. It was a genuine pleasure to relive happy moments, such as stealing cherries from trees as a child. The experience had a quality of reality that exceeded mere memory - he was feeling good and didn't want the moment to end. The life review presented both forgotten and remembered events with equal clarity. Some scenes that had been completely buried in memory suddenly emerged in vivid detail. Events he had consciously forgotten or that his memory had overshadowed appeared in clear and sharp form. He was surprised to discover scenes that seemed part of his life but that conscious memory had decided to conceal. The review included fragments deeply buried that he had completely concealed from conscious memory, yet here they were presented with startling clarity. This panoramic life review left him with profound insights about his life journey and the nature of memory itself. | 2 | Unknown | 8 | 10 | 18 | Suggestive Evidence | 0 | Cardiac arrest documented, setting not specified | Detailed life review with specific childhood memories, hidden memories revealed | written_account | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 7/22/2025 | 2 | 0 | Life review from age 2-18 | 0.00 | Highly Compatible | 6 | |||||||||
| 4512 | qualitative | journal | Cassol, Helena, et al. "Qualitative thematic analysis of the phenomenology of near-death experiences." PLoS ONE 13.2 (2018): e0193001. Male Subject, Age 56, Case 6 | PLoS ONE Vol. 13(2) e0193001 Pages 1-14 2018 | 2012 | 2018 | 50 | M | Six years ago during cardiac arrest, this man experienced a profound awareness of his own death accompanied by unexpected positive emotions. He knew with absolute certainty that he was dead, yet instead of fear or distress, he felt good and happy. This paradoxical state of being aware of death while experiencing joy represented a complete inversion of expected emotional responses. The knowledge of being dead was not intellectual or assumed but was a direct, immediate awareness that came with the cardiac arrest. Despite understanding that he had died, he experienced a state of well-being that transcended normal human emotional responses to mortality. The happiness he felt was genuine and profound, not a delusion or confusion but a clear emotional state accompanying his death awareness. This dissociation between the cognitive knowledge of death and the emotional experience of joy challenged his fundamental assumptions about death and dying. The experience left him with a transformed understanding of death as potentially peaceful and even pleasant rather than frightening. Upon return to life, he retained vivid memory of this paradoxical state where death awareness coexisted with happiness, fundamentally altering his fear of death and approach to mortality. | 2 | Unknown | 7 | 8 | 15 | Suggestive Evidence | 0 | Cardiac arrest reported, no monitoring details | Clear awareness of death with specific emotional responses documented | written_account | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 7/22/2025 | 1 | 0 | Awareness of being dead | 0.00 | Highly Compatible | 3 | |||||||||
| 4513 | qualitative | journal | Charman, Robert A. "Veridical OBEs Associated with NDEs Coincident with Cardiac Arrest." Journal of the Society for Psychical Research 84, no. 4 (2020): 253-254. Michaela, Case 2.14. | Journal of the Society for Psychical Research Vol. 84(4) Pages 253-254 2020 | 2020 | 17 | F |
Seventeen-year-old Michaela suffered severe injuries in a car accident that left her unconscious and in a coma for two weeks. During this critical period, she experienced a profound near-death experience that began with a comprehensive life review where significant moments from her past flashed before her consciousness. Following this life review, Michaela experienced an out-of-body experience where she found herself positioned in the corner of her hospital room, observing her physical body lying motionless in the bed below. From this elevated vantage point, she could see the medical equipment and the layout of the room with remarkable clarity. The experience then expanded beyond the confines of her hospital room. Michaela reported moving through the hospital environment and observing her parents along with both of her grandmothers gathered in the hospital cafeteria. During this observation, she witnessed something highly unusual and specific - she saw her father, who was described as a smoker, light a cigarette. To her surprise, her maternal grandmother, who had never smoked in her life and had never previously expressed any desire to smoke, suddenly stated that she needed a smoke as well. Even more remarkably, her paternal grandmother then said "Yeah, me too," and Michaela observed both grandmothers light cigarettes alongside her father. This specific observation of the smoking incident was particularly significant because it involved behavior that was completely out of character for the grandmothers. Neither grandmother had any history of smoking, making this a highly unusual and verifiable detail. When Michaela eventually recovered from her coma and shared her experience, her mother confirmed that this exact scenario had indeed occurred. The stress and emotional strain of Michaela's critical condition had led both grandmothers to uncharacteristically request and smoke cigarettes for relief. Upon returning to consciousness after two weeks in a coma, Michaela was able to provide detailed descriptions of events that had occurred while she was unconscious, including specific behaviors and conversations that she could not have known through normal sensory channels. |
4 | Hospital | 5 | 12 | 23 | Suggestive Evidence | 6 | Patient was in coma for two weeks following car accident with severe injuries | Multiple specific and unique observations including highly unusual smoking behavior by non-smokers that was later confirmed | written_account | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | Coma | 7/22/2025 | 3 | 1 | Saw own body from corner of hospital room | 0.00 | Mother | Highly Compatible | 5 | ||||||||
| 4514 | qualitative | book | Mays, Robert G. and Mays, Suzanne B. "Near-Death Experiences: Extended Naturalism or Promissory Physicalism? A Response to Fischer's Article." Case reported by Dr. Laurin Bellg. Case 1: Howard. | Mays Response to Fischer 2024 | 2024 | Unknown |
Howard suffered a severe cardiac arrest requiring immediate resuscitation efforts. He was successfully resuscitated and placed on a ventilator for respiratory support. During his cardiac arrest and subsequent coma, Howard experienced a profound near-death experience that began with awareness of the resuscitation efforts occurring around his physical body. During the resuscitation, Howard observed numerous specific details despite being clinically unconscious. He saw Dr. Bellg fumbling to retrieve her stethoscope from her pocket, causing her pens to fall onto the bed. He heard her specific comments while inserting the intubation tube. These observations were particularly remarkable given that cardiac arrest patients typically have no conscious awareness or memory formation capabilities during such events. Howard then experienced a unique out-of-body sensation where he felt himself rising up through the ceiling. He reported feeling the different densities as he passed through the building structure, including insulation, wiring, and pipes. This tactile sensation during the out-of-body state is noteworthy. He found himself in another room that looked like a hospital setting but was unusually quiet. He observed what appeared to be mannequins in beds with IVs connected to them. In the center of this space was an open area with a collection of workstations equipped with computers. When Howard was eventually weaned from the ventilator and able to communicate, he immediately related these experiences to Dr. Bellg and the attending nurse. His description of the room above the ICU was remarkably accurate - it was a nurse training center with simulated hospital rooms containing medical mannequins on beds, and a central area with computer workspaces. Both Dr. Bellg and the nurse were surprised by the accuracy of his description, particularly because the existence of this training center was not generally known, even among non-nursing hospital staff. The veridical nature of these perceptions, occurring while Howard was in cardiac arrest or coma, provides compelling evidence for the reality of his experience. |
1 | Hospital | 15 | 15 | 45 | Moderate Evidence | 15 | Documented cardiac arrest requiring resuscitation and ventilator support | Multiple specific veridical observations including hidden training center | written_account | 0.00 | 1.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 7/22/2025 | 2 | 2 | Observed resuscitation details | 1.00 | Dr. Laurin Bellg | Highly Compatible | 6 | ||||||||||
| 4515 | qualitative | book | Mays, Robert G. and Mays, Suzanne B. "Near-Death Experiences: Extended Naturalism or Promissory Physicalism? A Response to Fischer's Article." Referenced from Casebolt personal communication and Corcoran 1996. Case 2: Jerry Casebolt. | Mays Response to Fischer 2024; Corcoran 1996 p.83 | 2024 | 7 | M |
Jerry Casebolt experienced a near-death experience at age seven while hospitalized for a serious medical condition. During his NDE, Jerry found himself outside of his physical body with the ability to move freely throughout the hospital environment. This out-of-body state provided him with an unusual perspective and capabilities that he would not normally possess as a seven-year-old patient confined to a hospital bed. During his out-of-body experience, Jerry discovered he could interact with the physical environment in subtle ways. He moved through the hospital and came upon another patient, an elderly woman who was described as having dementia. In a playful manner characteristic of a seven-year-old child, Jerry decided to test his ability to interact with the physical world while in his out-of-body state. Jerry approached the woman with dementia and playfully tickled her nose. To his amazement, the woman responded by sneezing. Intrigued by this result, Jerry repeated the action two more times, and each time the woman sneezed in response. This interaction demonstrated that even while out of body, Jerry could produce physical effects that were observable and measurable in the material world. The woman's sneezing response was an involuntary reflex action triggered by the sensation Jerry was able to create. This case is particularly significant because it demonstrates interactive veridical perception - not only could Jerry perceive the physical world while out of body, but he could also influence it in a way that produced an observable response. The specificity of the interaction (tickling producing sneezing) and its repeatability (occurring three times) argue against coincidence or chance. The case suggests that consciousness during an NDE maintains some form of agency and ability to interact with the physical environment, even when separated from the physical body. This challenges purely materialistic explanations of consciousness and supports the view that mind or consciousness has properties that transcend purely physical brain processes. |
5 | Hospital | 7 | 10 | 25 | Suggestive Evidence | 8 | Seven-year-old hospitalized with serious condition | Interactive veridical perception with observable physical response | written_account | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 7/22/2025 | 1 | 1 | Interactive physical effect on another patient | 1.00 | Patient with dementia (unable to provide coherent confirmation) | Highly Compatible | 3 | |||||||||
| 4516 | qualitative | book | Mays, Robert G. and Mays, Suzanne B. "Near-Death Experiences: Extended Naturalism or Promissory Physicalism? A Response to Fischer's Article." Verified by Melvin Morse and Paul Perry. Case 3: Olga Gearhardt. | Mays Response to Fischer 2024; SDND Case 7.3 | 1989 | 2024 | F |
In 1989, Olga Gearhardt underwent heart transplant surgery at a major medical center. Her entire family gathered at the hospital to await the outcome of this high-risk procedure, with one exception - her son-in-law, who was unable to be present and remained at home. The initial heart transplant surgery was completed successfully, and the family was relieved that Olga had survived the complex procedure. However, at precisely 2:15 a.m., Olga's new transplanted heart suddenly stopped beating. The medical team immediately began resuscitation efforts to restart her heart. The resuscitation process was extremely difficult and prolonged, taking four full hours before her heart rhythm was restored. Following the successful resuscitation, it took even longer for Olga to regain consciousness and recover from this severe cardiac crisis. During the exact moment her heart stopped at 2:15 a.m., Olga's son-in-law was asleep at home. He suddenly awoke to find Olga standing at his bedside. Thinking that perhaps the surgery had been postponed, he asked her how she was. Olga replied clearly: "I am fine. I'm going to be all right. There's nothing for any of you to worry about." She then specifically asked him to relay this message to her daughter, his wife. After delivering this message, Olga disappeared from his bedside. The son-in-law, recognizing the unusual nature of this encounter, immediately wrote down the exact time and precisely what Olga had said before returning to sleep. When Olga finally regained consciousness in the hospital, her very first words were: "Did you get the message?" She subsequently explained that during her cardiac arrest, she had left her body and attempted to communicate with her family members who were sleeping in the hospital waiting room. Finding herself unable to make contact with them, she then traveled to her son-in-law's location and successfully delivered her reassuring message. NDE researchers Melvin Morse and Paul Perry thoroughly investigated and verified all these details, including examining the note that the son-in-law had written documenting the time and content of Olga's visit. |
1 | Hospital | 15 | 15 | 45 | Moderate Evidence | 15 | Documented cardiac arrest during heart transplant, 4-hour resuscitation | Apparitional visit with specific message at exact time of cardiac arrest | written_account | 0.00 | 1.00 | 1.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 1.00 | 7/22/2025 | 1 | 2 | Apparitional visit to son-in-law at home | 1.00 | Son-in-law | Highly Compatible | 4 | |||||||||
| 4517 | qualitative | journal | Colli, Janet E., and Thomas E. Beck. "Recovery From Bulimia Nervosa Through Near-Death Experience: A Case Study." Amy (pseudonym), Case 1. | Journal of Near-Death Studies, Vol. 22, No. 1, pp. 33-55, 2003 | 1995 | 2003 | 19 | F | Amy, a 19-year-old woman with severe bulimia nervosa stemming from childhood sexual abuse, attempted suicide by overdosing on codeine, Percodan, Tylenol with codeine, and alcohol, combined with wrist cutting. She was found unconscious in her car with her heart already stopped. During this life-threatening event, she experienced leaving her body and observing from above as an ambulance transported her to the hospital. She watched as emergency room staff cut off her bright turquoise sweatsuit and provided treatment. She described feeling like light or energy, with her physical body becoming very small and disappearing because it was "so sad." She then found herself in a pink space feeling happy, where she encountered a voice that asked "How many times are we going to have this conversation?" and "Why do you choose to create misery?" The voice emphasized that everything in her life was her choice and that she was creating her own misery. She experienced spinning through yellow and blue spaces before returning to her body, where she saw a doctor with blue eyes urging her to breathe. The NDE, though not consciously recalled until 7 years later through hypnosis, appeared to influence her recovery from bulimia. The emphasis on personal choice and responsibility became central to her healing process, as she gradually reduced purging from 25-30 times daily to eventual recovery. | 2 | Hospital | 8 | 12 | 30 | Moderate Evidence | 12 | 10 | Cardiac arrest documented by treating physician who stated "Your heart had already stopped." Multiple life-threatening factors: overdose of multiple medications plus alcohol, wrist cutting, prolonged unconsciousness. | Clear out-of-body experience with specific observations: saw ambulance from above, followed it to hospital, observed emergency room procedures including removal of bright turquoise sweatsuit, saw specific medical interventions. | written_account | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 7/22/2025 | 2 | 1 | Observed ambulance and transport from above | 1.00 | Treating physician | Mixed Compatibility | 8 | |||||||
| 4518 | qualitative | journal | Pasricha, Satwant K. "Near-Death Experiences in India: Prevalence and New Features." Journal of Near-Death Studies 26, no. 4 (2008): 267-282. Munnichinnappa, Case 1. | Journal of Near-Death Studies Vol. 26 No. 4 pp. 271-272 2008 | 1958 | 2008 | 12 | M |
Munnichinnappa, a 12-year-old boy, fell from a tree around 10:30 AM and was declared dead by his family. All relatives were informed of his death. The experience lasted approximately 4.5 hours until he revived at 3:00 PM. During his apparent death, two large black men with prominent mustaches appeared and forcibly took him when he resisted. They traveled through a dark forest with large trees. After walking some distance, they crossed a big river and reached a place where the light was extraordinarily bright - brighter than sunlight. The people there appeared very strange to him. Upon entering this bright realm, Munnichinnappa saw Yamaraja seated on a chair surrounded by many other beings. He was taken to a person sitting in a corner with a large book. This person examined him and declared: "I did not ask for this person. Send him back; I had asked for a different person." The mistaken identity was clear - he had been brought in error. Not knowing how to return, the same two messengers who had brought him escorted him back and left him outside his village. He then regained consciousness and found himself back in his body. |
5 | Home | 5 | 15 | 26 | Suggestive Evidence | 6 | Fall from tree with apparent death witnessed by family, unconscious for hours | Specific mistaken identity case with detailed otherworld observations | written_account | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | Apparent death from fall | 7/22/2025 | 4 | 1 | Saw two black messengers with mustaches | 0.00 | Wife Parvathamma | Highly Compatible | 7 | |||||||
| 4519 | qualitative | journal | Pasricha, Satwant K. "Near-Death Experiences in India: Prevalence and New Features." Journal of Near-Death Studies 26, no. 4 (2008): 267-282. Annamma, Case 2. | Journal of Near-Death Studies Vol. 26 No. 4 p. 272 2008 | 1960 | 2008 | 40 | F |
Annamma, approximately 40 years old, lost consciousness instantly after her husband struck her head with a stick during a quarrel. She remained unconscious for about 2 hours and experienced a profound journey to another realm during this time. A lady appeared and asked Annamma to follow her, which she did. They walked through a forest with large trees. After some time, they reached a big place that resembled a city with many people busily engaged in their work. The lady took her into a large house and left her at the gate. Inside, Annamma saw Yamaraja and a huge black person sitting there. Upon questioning, she told them her name, and they responded: "You don't have a seat here; you go back." Yamaraja confirmed she should return and assigned someone to escort her out. A black person then took her to a place where fire was burning and burned her right leg below the knee with burning wood. He then called the same lady who had brought her to take her back. During the return journey, Annamma encountered her father who had died six years earlier. He inquired about family members and told her to go back. They followed the same route back. Upon reaching her village, she saw her own body lying on a mat, then regained consciousness with a vivid memory of the entire experience. |
5 | Home | 5 | 18 | 26 | Suggestive Evidence | 3 | Head trauma with loss of consciousness for 2 hours | Detailed otherworld journey, meeting deceased father, physical marking (burning), seeing own body | written_account | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | Head injury induced unconsciousness | 7/22/2025 | 5 | 0 | Saw guide lady and forest path | 0.00 | Highly Compatible | 7 | ||||||||
| 4520 | qualitative | journal | Pasricha, Satwant K. "Near-Death Experiences in India: Prevalence and New Features." Journal of Near-Death Studies 26, no. 4 (2008): 267-282. Srinivasa Reddy, Case 3. | Journal of Near-Death Studies Vol. 26 No. 4 pp. 272-273 2008 | 1955 | 2008 | 35 | M |
Srinivasa Reddy, approximately 35 years old, had been suffering from fever for about a week and was taking medication. His wife Muniyamma was away at her parents' home for childbirth. When informed of his illness, she returned in the evening to find him unconscious and talking irrelevantly before completely stopping. His breathing ceased, leading everyone to believe he was dead. They sent for relatives and laid his body outside in the open as customary. Around 8:00-9:00 PM, he suddenly shook his head and legs and began breathing again. During his apparent death, two people came and asked him to accompany them. They walked on a mud road for a long time until reaching a large city-like place with big houses and many people. Inside a big house, he saw a man with a large book to the left of Yamraj. The man questioned his presence, to which Srinivasa replied that these people had brought him. The man declared: "You are not required here; I had asked for Ashwath Reddy. You go back," and instructed the escorts to bring Ashwath Reddy instead. Before leaving, Srinivasa asked if they could provide medicine for his fever. They took him to an old lady who gave him herbal juice which he drank. The same escorts brought him back and left him outside his village. Remarkably, after returning, his fever quickly came under control and he never suffered from fever again. Muniyamma confirmed that Ashwath Reddy, an 80-year-old villager who had been ill, died that same day. |
5 | Home | 7 | 20 | 37 | Moderate Evidence | 10 | Severe fever with cessation of breathing, declared dead by family | Mistaken identity case with specific name given, verified death of named person same day, miraculous healing | written_account | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | Fever-induced apparent death | 7/23/2025 | 3 | 2 | Mistaken identity - wrong person taken | 1.00 | Wife Muniyamma | Highly Compatible | 7 | |||||||
| 4521 | qualitative | journal | DenBesten, Larry. "The Dying Experience." The Reformed Journal 28, no. 11 (November 1978): 17-21. | The Reformed Journal, Volume 28, Number 11, Pages 17-21, November 1978 | 1931 | 1978 | 5 | M |
In August 1931, five-year-old Larry DenBesten faced a life-threatening challenge on his family farm in South Dakota. His brothers often dared each other to swim through a covered cattle watering tank, entering at one end and emerging at the other. Shamed into attempting this dangerous feat, young Larry entered the tank but quickly became disoriented in the dark, water-filled space. For what seemed like an eternity, he struggled frantically, banging his head and hands against the sides and top of the tank as his lungs felt ready to explode. Suddenly, the entire perception transformed. A tremendous sense of pleasant calm swept through him, replacing the terror with an unexpected peace. He clearly remembers thinking "I'm drowning" but felt no fear. What followed was an extraordinary series of experiences that seemed to span hours. Everything he had ever done, both good and bad, passed before him in leisurely but complete detail - a comprehensive life review at age five. He spent what felt like extended time contemplating what his life might have become had he lived, imagining himself as a minister or doctor. Most remarkably, Larry witnessed his own funeral in vivid, almost tedious detail. He saw himself lying in the coffin in the farmhouse, observed his parents weeping quietly, and felt deep sadness for them. He watched as the hearse backed to the door and his brothers carried the closed casket out of the house to the church. He saw the procession of ruddy farm folk passing by his casket, experiencing the entire ceremony from this unusual vantage point. The experience ended abruptly when Larry became aware he was being held by his feet, his head pounding terribly as he coughed up water. His brothers had pulled him from the tank just in time. For 47 years afterward, as a professor of surgery at UCLA, Dr. DenBesten reflected on these vivid memories, recognizing them as a classic near-death experience that provided him unique insights into the dying process. |
5 | Other | 5 | 10 | 20 | Suggestive Evidence | 5 | Drowning incident without medical monitoring or documentation, recalled from childhood memory decades later | Detailed vision of own funeral with specific sequential observations, comprehensive life review experience | written_account | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | Covered cattle watering tank created sensory isolation | 7/23/2025 | 5 | 0 | Saw himself in coffin | 0.00 | Highly Compatible | 6 | ||||||||
| 4522 | qualitative | journal | Mays, Robert G. "Eben Alexander's Near-Death Experience: How an Esquire Article Distorted the Facts." Journal of Near-Death Studies, Vol. 35, No. 2, Winter 2016, pp. 65-93. Eben Alexander, Case 1. | Journal of Near-Death Studies Vol. 35 No. 2 Pages 65-93 2016 | 2008 | 2016 | 54 | M | Eben Alexander, a 54-year-old neurosurgeon, developed severe bacterial meningitis from E. coli infection in November 2008. He was brought to the emergency room with severe headache, back pain, and neurological symptoms. His Glasgow Coma Scale score was 8, indicating severe brain injury and coma. He remained in a coma for seven days with a mortality rate over 97 percent. During his coma, Alexander experienced a profound near-death experience beginning in what he called the Earthworm Eye View, a dark murky realm with rhythmic pounding and grotesque faces. A spinning melody and golden light then transported him through a tunnel-like opening to the Gateway Realm, a beautiful verdant valley with exquisite flowering trees. He was floating on a butterfly wing accompanied by a beautiful young woman with deep blue eyes and golden-brown hair who told him telepathically that he was deeply loved forever and would learn many things but eventually would have to go back. Above them were shimmering beings singing in glorious chants. Alexander then entered the Core, an immense infinite void brimming with light from a brilliant Orb. Through the Orb, God disclosed many secrets of existence to Alexander. He made this journey from the Earthworm realm to the Gateway to the Core multiple times. Toward the end, Alexander perceived faces of people praying for him, including Susan Reintjes who was 120 miles away in Chapel Hill but reached out to him psychically. He recognized his wife Holley, friends Sylvia White and Scott Wade, and finally his son Bond whose emotional plea brought him back. Upon recovery, Alexander discovered the beautiful woman on the butterfly wing was his biological sister Betsy who had died nine years earlier and whom he had never met, confirmed through photographs four months later. His experience was assessed at 29 on the NDE Scale, placing it in the top 2 percent for depth of experience. | 4 | Hospital | 8 | 12 | 30 | Moderate Evidence | 10 | Documented severe E. coli meningitis with GCS of 8 indicating coma, extensive medical monitoring | Multiple veridical observations including people not physically present (Susan Reintjes, Page Sullivan) and meeting deceased sister never met before | written_account | 0.00 | 1.00 | 1.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 1.00 | 7/23/2025 | 3 | 2 | Perceived people praying for him including those not physically present | 1.00 | Dr. Scott Wade, Dr. Laura Potter, medical staff | Highly Compatible | 8 | ||||||||
| 4523 | qualitative | journal | Ellwood, Gracia Fay. "Distressing Near-Death Experiences as Photographic Negatives." Journal of Near-Death Studies 15, no. 2 (Winter 1996): 83-114. Case: Drythelm. | Journal of Near-Death Studies, Vol. 15, No. 2, pp. 86-87, 1996 | 1996 | M | Drythelm, a pious Anglo-Saxon householder, succumbed to a severe illness and was declared dead. He was met by a shining messenger who escorted him through otherworldly realms. First, he was taken to a huge valley where one side was aflame while the other underwent a hailstorm. Countless souls were tossed back and forth between these torments. The guide explained this was a place of temporary sufferings where souls could be released through masses and prayers from the living. Next, Drythelm was led through total darkness to hell itself - a bottomless abyss that was stinking and flaming. Damned souls were cast upward on flames only to fall back again amid sounds of jeering laughter and grief. Malignant spirits dragged three souls into the abyss and menaced Drythelm, but his guide rescued him. After this terrifying journey, he was led to realms of light and joy, including a walled paradisiacal meadow inhabited by many happy people. He approached heaven, which was even more wonderful, but despite his wish to remain, he was sent back to life. Following his return, Drythelm exchanged his lifestyle for one of monastic austerity, dedicating himself to spiritual practice. | 5 | Unknown | 5 | 8 | 19 | Suggestive Evidence | 6 | Severe illness leading to apparent death documented in historical account | Multiple specific otherworldly observations including hell, purgatory, and heavenly realms | written_account | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 7/23/2025 | 4 | 1 | Saw huge valley with fire and hail | 0.00 | Monk (recorded by Bede) | Moderately Compatible | 7 | ||||||||||
| 4524 | qualitative | book | Rawlings, Maurice. Beyond Death's Door. Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1978. Case: Thomas Welch. | Beyond Death's Door, pp. 89-90, 1978 | 1978 | M | Thomas Welch fell from a trestle high over a dam in what was clearly a life-threatening accident. Following his fall, he found himself near the shore of an awe-inspiring lake of blue fire. This hellish scene was populated by deceased persons he had known in life, who appeared bewildered and incredulous at their situation. The blue flames created an otherworldly and terrifying atmosphere unlike anything in earthly experience. In his moment of greatest fear and desperation, Welch was rescued by the figure of Jesus, who turned and looked directly at him. This divine intervention immediately ended the hellish experience. After this encounter with Jesus, Welch found himself back in his physical body. The experience was brief but intensely impactful, featuring both terrifying hellfire imagery and divine rescue. | 5 | Other | 5 | 10 | 15 | Suggestive Evidence | 0 | Life-threatening fall from trestle over dam | Saw deceased persons he knew, lake of blue fire, Jesus figure | written_account | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 7/23/2025 | 2 | 0 | Saw lake of blue fire with deceased persons | 0.00 | Highly Compatible | 5 | |||||||||||
| 4525 | qualitative | journal | Richardson, Matthew. "Revelations From Near-Death Experiences of Two Ancient Chinese Coma Patients." Journal of Near-Death Studies 37, no. 1 (Spring 2019): 5-26. Duke Mu of Qin, Case 1. | Journal of Near-Death Studies, Vol. 37, No. 1, pp. 5-26, 2019 | -620 | 2019 | M |
Duke Mu of Qin experienced a profound near-death episode around 620 B.C. when he lay unconscious for seven days. The medical event was serious enough to cause prolonged unconsciousness, concerning his government officials who awaited his recovery. Historical records indicate this was a life-threatening condition similar to deep coma. During his unconscious state, Duke Mu reported visiting the supreme being (Di), which was an exceptional testimony for pre-Buddhist China where such divine encounters were virtually unheard of. He described the experience as "very blissful," a state not typically articulated in Chinese culture of that era. The Duke emphasized that his extended time away was due to being "fortunate enough to be given knowledge" from the supreme being. The primary veridical element involved prophetic information about the state of Jin. The supreme being announced specific details about Jin's future: "The state of Jin experiences great disorder: for five generations there is no peace. Afterwards they face usurpation and none of them dies of old age. A contender's son also commands, and deals indiscriminately with the country's men and women." These predictions were documented by Gong Sun Zhi immediately upon the Duke's awakening and preserved in the Qin records. Upon awakening after seven days, Duke Mu immediately shared his experience with witnesses Gong Sun Zhi and Zi Yu. The documentation was created contemporaneously, providing historical authentication of this ancient NDE. |
4 | Unknown | 7 | 5 | 22 | Suggestive Evidence | 10 | Documented 7-day coma state with medical practitioner awareness | Prophetic information about state of Jin provided | written_account | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 7/23/2025 | 3 | 2 | Visited the supreme being | 0.00 | Gong Sun Zhi and Zi Yu | Highly Compatible | 6 | |||||||||
| 4526 | qualitative | journal | Richardson, Matthew. "Revelations From Near-Death Experiences of Two Ancient Chinese Coma Patients." Journal of Near-Death Studies 37, no. 1 (Spring 2019): 5-26. Zhao Jian Zi, Case 2. | Journal of Near-Death Studies, Vol. 37, No. 1, pp. 5-26, 2019 | -500 | 2019 | M |
Zhao Jian Zi, a senior minister in the state of Jin, experienced a profound near-death episode around 500 B.C. when he lay unconscious for multiple days. His condition caused great concern among government colleagues. Bian Que, an eminent physician specializing in near-death cases, examined him and predicted based on similar cases that Zhao would recover and have something significant to report. After being unconscious for several days total, Zhao awakened exactly as Bian Que predicted. During his NDE, Zhao reported traveling to meet the supreme being (Di), describing the experience as "very blissful." He traveled with hundreds of spirits through the turning heavens, hearing extraordinary music in nine renditions with myriad dances unlike any earthly music. He encountered bears that attacked him, which the supreme being instructed him to shoot - he successfully killed both bears. The supreme being, overjoyed, bestowed two caskets with aids and entrusted him with a Di dog. Notably, Zhao observed a child at the supreme being's side, an element with no parallel in ancient Chinese culture. The veridical elements included detailed prophecies about Jin's future. The supreme being announced that Jin's dynastic line would decline and end within seven generations, and that the Ying family would bring destruction to the Zhou people. Zhao also received personal prophecies about his children flourishing. These predictions were immediately documented by Dong An Yu in writing. Upon awakening, Zhao spoke to all high officials present, sharing his complete experience. The immediate documentation and multiple witnesses, including a medical professional who had predicted the NDE outcome, provide exceptional authentication for this ancient account. |
4 | Unknown | 7 | 8 | 27 | Suggestive Evidence | 12 | Multi-day coma examined by physician specializing in near-death cases | Detailed prophecies about state affairs and personal future | written_account | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 7/23/2025 | 5 | 2 | Traveled with spirits through heavens | 0.00 | Bian Que | Highly Compatible | 7 | |||||||||
| 4527 | qualitative | journal | Enright, Rick. Silent Journey: The Discovery of the Near-Death Experience of a Nonverbal Adolescent. David (pseudonym). Case 1. | Journal of Near-Death Studies Vol. 22 No. 3 Spring 2004 | 1987 | 2004 | 8 | M | David, an 8-year-old boy with cystic fibrosis, underwent liver transplant surgery. Twenty-two hours post-surgery, he developed massive cerebral edema and was declared virtually brain-dead, entering a prolonged coma state. During this critical period, David experienced leaving his body and floating in the air above the hospital. From this vantage point, he observed his brother and grandmother together at home, talking, though they could not see him. He then experienced moving through a dark empty space followed by passage through a long dark tunnel toward a bright light. In the light, he encountered familiar beings who communicated telepathically without speaking. A male figure accompanied him on what David described as a guided tour, showing him fragments of both his past and future life. He was eventually told or persuaded that he must return to his body, though he felt mixed emotions about this directive. David gradually regained awareness in the pediatric critical care ward after many days in coma. However, the brain damage left him quadriplegic and nonverbal, unable to communicate his experience until it was discovered serendipitously six years later through yes/no questioning when he was 14 years old. | 4 | Hospital | 7 | 12 | 29 | Suggestive Evidence | 10 | Massive cerebral edema post-liver transplant, declared virtually brain-dead, prolonged coma state | Out-of-body observation of brother and grandmother at home while patient was in hospital ICU | written_account | 0.00 | 1.00 | 1.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 1.00 | Quadriplegia, nonverbal post-recovery | Rick Enright, M.S.W. | 7/23/2025 | 1 | 1 | Saw brother and grandmother at home while in hospital | 1.00 | Mother | Highly Compatible | 9 | ||||||
| 4528 | qualitative | journal | Ring, Kenneth and Cooper, Sharon, "Near-Death and Out-of-Body Experiences in the Blind: A Study of Apparent Eyeless Vision," Journal of Near-Death Studies 16(2) (Winter 1997): 101-147, Brad Barrows, Case 1 | Journal of Near-Death Studies Vol. 16 No. 2 pp. 101-147, 1997 | 1968 | 1997 | 8 | M |
Brad Barrows was an 8-year-old student at the Boston Center for Blind Children when he contracted severe pneumonia in the winter of 1968. His condition deteriorated rapidly, leading to severe breathing difficulties that ultimately caused his heart to stop. Medical staff later informed him that his heart had been stopped for at least four minutes, requiring cardiopulmonary resuscitation to revive him. Brad had been blind from birth due to premature birth complications. During the cardiac arrest, Brad experienced himself lifting up from his bed and floating through the room toward the ceiling. From this elevated position, he could see his apparently lifeless body on the bed below. He also witnessed his blind roommate get up from his bed and leave the room to get help, an action his roommate later confirmed. Brad then found himself rapidly ascending through the ceilings of the building until he was above the roof. Outside, he noticed it was between 6:30 and 7:00 in the morning, with a cloudy, dark sky. Snow from a recent storm covered everything except the plowed but slushy streets, with visible snowbanks created by the plows. He saw a streetcar pass by and recognized the school playground and a familiar hill nearby. Brad reported being able to see clearly for the first time in his life. He found himself in a tunnel and emerged into an immense field illuminated by a tremendous, all-encompassing light. Walking on a path surrounded by tall grass, he noticed tall trees with immense leaves and heard beautiful, otherworldly music. Following the music, he climbed a hill and encountered a glittering stone structure that appeared to be praising God. Inside, he met a man emanating overwhelming love who gently nudged him backward. The experience reversed, and Brad found himself back in his bed gasping for air, attended by two nurses. Despite being blind from birth, Brad's perceptions during the experience were remarkably clear and detailed, describing things he had never seen before with his physical eyes. |
1 | Hospital | 15 | 20 | 50 | Strong Evidence | 15 | Documented cardiac arrest lasting at least 4 minutes, CPR required, hospital setting with medical monitoring | Blind from birth yet able to describe visual details of room, body, external environment including snow, streets, and playground. Roommate's actions independently confirmed | written_account | 0.00 | 1.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | Blind from birth | 7/23/2025 | 3 | 1 | Saw his body on the bed from above | 0.00 | Roommate | Highly Compatible | 6 | |||||||
| 4529 | qualitative | journal | Ring, Kenneth and Cooper, Sharon, "Near-Death and Out-of-Body Experiences in the Blind: A Study of Apparent Eyeless Vision," Journal of Near-Death Studies 16(2) (Winter 1997): 101-147, Marsha, Case 2 | Journal of Near-Death Studies Vol. 16 No. 2 pp. 101-147, 1997 | 1986 | 1986-01-16 | 1997 | 32 | F |
Marsha, a 40-year-old married woman living in Connecticut, experienced an NDE on January 16, 1986, when she was 32 years old as a result of severe complications during pregnancy. Like many premature babies of her generation, Marsha was born after only six months of pregnancy and developed retinopathy of prematurity, leaving her severely visually impaired. She has limited vision in her left eye but cannot read print and sees people as blurry shapes. She uses a guide dog for navigation. During her medical crisis, Marsha found herself out of her body and able to see with remarkable clarity. When coming back to her body, she could see herself lying asleep-like on a bed or table. Her vision during this phase was completely normal and clear, without any of the problems that characterize her physical sight. She described being able to see everything perfectly, a dramatic contrast to her everyday severely limited vision. In the otherworldly portion of her experience, Marsha found herself in a room filled with white light and gold on the walls. She could see white birds and angels, along with many people, all illuminated and reflecting divine light. Her visual perception in this realm was perfect and detailed - she emphasized that she could see everything, all the people all the way back, with no visual problems whatsoever. She could clearly perceive colors, which appeared exactly as they were supposed to be. Marsha was emphatic that her vision during the NDE was perfect, unlike anything she experiences with her physical eyes. She noted that since her eyes were back with her body, this perfect vision must have involved some kind of special sight beyond normal physical seeing. The clarity and perfection of her visual experience stood in stark contrast to her lifelong visual impairment. |
5 | Hospital | 7 | 15 | 22 | Suggestive Evidence | 0 | Life-threatening pregnancy complications requiring immediate medical intervention | Severely visually impaired person experiencing perfect, detailed vision during NDE. Could see colors clearly, all details in otherworldly realm | written_account | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | Severely visually impaired from birth | 7/23/2025 | 2 | 0 | Saw her own body when returning | 0.00 | Highly Compatible | 6 | |||||||
| 4530 | qualitative | journal | Ring, Kenneth and Cooper, Sharon, "Near-Death and Out-of-Body Experiences in the Blind: A Study of Apparent Eyeless Vision," Journal of Near-Death Studies 16(2) (Winter 1997): 101-147, Nancy, Case 3 | Journal of Near-Death Studies Vol. 16 No. 2 pp. 101-147, 1997 | 1991 | 1997 | 41 | F |
Nancy, a 41-year-old woman, underwent a biopsy in 1991 for a possible cancerous chest tumor. During the procedure, the surgeon made a catastrophic error by inadvertently cutting her superior vena cava, then compounded the mistake by sewing it closed. This caused multiple medical catastrophes including complete blindness, discovered only after surgery when Nancy awoke in the recovery room screaming "I'm blind, I'm blind!" Medical records indicated she was completely blind at the time of her subsequent experience. Shortly after discovering her blindness, Nancy was rushed on a gurney down the hospital corridor for an emergency angiogram. The attendants, in their haste to get her to the procedure, slammed her gurney into a closed elevator door. At that moment, Nancy had an out-of-body experience where she floated above the gurney and could see her body below. Despite being totally blind from the surgical complications, she could also see down the hallway where two men were standing - the father of her son and her current lover, Leon. Nancy was puzzled by the fact that both men simply stood there agape, making no movement to approach her as she was being rushed past. She could see them looking shocked approximately 100 feet away. Leon was standing right next to the father of her child as the medical team rushed her past them and into the service elevator. The scene included IVs, breathing apparatus, and the urgent movement of the medical staff trying to save her life. Both men were later interviewed and independently confirmed all essential facts of the event. Leon specifically recalled seeing Nancy being rushed out of surgery with her face severely swollen to twice its normal size, being wheeled past him at about 3-5 feet away, and the team taking her to the service elevator for an emergency angiogram. He confirmed standing there in shock with the other man, unable to move or speak. Given Nancy's complete blindness and the respirator partially occluding her face, there was no physical way she could have seen these men down the hall. |
5 | Hospital | 10 | 25 | 55 | Strong Evidence | 20 | Catastrophic surgical error cutting superior vena cava, causing blindness and life-threatening complications requiring emergency intervention | Completely blind yet able to see two specific people down hallway, their positions, and reactions. Distance and details impossible to perceive given blindness and respirator | written_account | 0.00 | 1.00 | 1.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 1.00 | Complete blindness from surgical complication, respirator obscuring face | 7/23/2025 | 1 | 2 | Saw two men down hallway while being rushed on gurney | 1.00 | Leon (lover) and father of child | Highly Compatible | 4 | |||||||
| 4531 | qualitative | journal | Ring, Kenneth and Cooper, Sharon, "Near-Death and Out-of-Body Experiences in the Blind: A Study of Apparent Eyeless Vision," Journal of Near-Death Studies 16(2) (Winter 1997): 101-147, Vicki Umipeg, Case 4 | Journal of Near-Death Studies Vol. 16 No. 2 pp. 101-147, 1997 | 1962 | 1997 | 12 | F |
Vicki Umipeg experienced her first near-death experience at age 12 as a result of appendicitis and peritonitis. Born extremely premature at only 22 weeks gestation and weighing just three pounds (dropping to one pound, 14 ounces), Vicki suffered complete blindness from retrolental fibroplasia due to excess oxygen in her incubator. She has never had any visual experience, cannot perceive light or shadows, and does not understand the concept of light. During her life-threatening illness from appendicitis and peritonitis at age 12, Vicki had a near-death experience that would profoundly impact her life. While the specific details of this first experience are noted to be less detailed and vivid than her second NDE ten years later, it shared the same overall form and structure. She experienced separation from her physical body and encountered transcendent realms despite her complete blindness from birth. The experience was significant enough that when she had her second NDE at age 22, she recognized similar elements and even encountered the same being she identified as Jesus. This first experience introduced her to a form of perception entirely foreign to her everyday life - something she would later struggle to describe as either "seeing" or a complex form of knowing that transcended her normal sensory limitations. As someone who had never experienced vision in any form, this NDE at age 12 represented her first encounter with what sighted people might call visual perception, though she would later clarify that it was both seeing and knowing simultaneously, a form of awareness that exceeded normal sensory experience. |
5 | Hospital | 7 | 10 | 17 | Suggestive Evidence | 0 | Life-threatening appendicitis and peritonitis requiring emergency medical treatment | Blind from birth experiencing unprecedented form of perception, though specific details of first NDE not fully described | written_account | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | Complete blindness from birth, no light perception | 7/23/2025 | 0 | 0 | Highly Compatible | 7 | ||||||||||
| 4532 | qualitative | journal | Ring, Kenneth and Cooper, Sharon, "Near-Death and Out-of-Body Experiences in the Blind: A Study of Apparent Eyeless Vision," Journal of Near-Death Studies 16(2) (Winter 1997): 101-147, Vicki Umipeg, Case 5 | Journal of Near-Death Studies Vol. 16 No. 2 pp. 101-147, 1997 | 1973 | 1997 | 22 | F |
In early 1973, Vicki Umipeg, then 22 and working as an occasional nightclub singer in Seattle, suffered severe injuries in an automobile accident. After being unable to get a taxi, she accepted a ride from two intoxicated patrons. The resulting crash threw her from the van, causing life-threatening injuries including skull fracture, concussion, and damage to her neck, back, and leg. Recovery took a full year before she could stand upright without fainting. At Harborview Hospital's emergency room, Vicki found herself floating at the ceiling, watching a male doctor and female medical professional working on her body below. She could overhear their conversation about fears that eardrum damage might make her deaf as well as blind. She recognized her body by her distinctive wedding ring and thin build, though initially she didn't realize it was her own body. She tried desperately but unsuccessfully to communicate that she was fine. Vicki then ascended through the hospital ceilings until above the roof, where she had a brief panoramic view of her surroundings. She felt exhilarated by her freedom of movement and began hearing sublimely beautiful music like wind chimes. She was then pulled head-first into a dark tube, moving toward light, eventually "rolling out" onto grass in a place of tremendous light that conveyed love. She encountered five deceased people she had known: two blind schoolmates Debby and Diane (who had died at ages 11 and 6, but appeared healthy, beautiful and "in their prime"), her childhood caretakers Mr. and Mrs. Zilk, and her grandmother who had died two years earlier. Vicki experienced total knowledge and understanding of everything - languages, calculus, planetary formation - despite having no education in these areas. She then encountered a figure of far greater radiance whom she recognized as Jesus (from her previous NDE). He told her telepathically that she couldn't stay, needed to return to learn and teach about loving and forgiving, and to have children. After watching a complete panoramic life review with gentle commentary from Jesus about the significance of her actions, she heard "You have to leave now" and experienced a sickening thud, finding herself back in her painful body. |
5 | Hospital | 10 | 25 | 45 | Moderate Evidence | 10 | Life-threatening injuries including skull fracture, concussion, spinal damage requiring year-long recovery | Blind from birth yet able to see medical team, recognize body by wedding ring, describe deceased friends as "in their prime", panoramic view from above hospital | written_account | 0.00 | 1.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | Complete blindness from birth, no light perception | 7/23/2025 | 5 | 0 | Observed medical team working and heard conversation | 0.00 | Highly Compatible | 9 | ||||||||
| 4533 | qualitative | journal | Rivas, Titus, M.A., M.Sc., and Rudolf H. Smit. "A Near-Death Experience with Veridical Perception Described by a Famous Heart Surgeon and Confirmed by his Assistant Surgeon." Journal of Near-Death Studies 31, no. 3 (Spring 2013): 179-186. Patient: Unknown Name. Case 1. | Journal of Near-Death Studies, Vol. 31, No. 3, Pages 179-186, 2013 | 1999 | 2013 | M |
During cardiac valve resection surgery at Deaconess Hospital in Spokane, Washington, a male patient with an infected native valve experienced complete cardiac arrest after being unable to wean from cardiopulmonary bypass. After multiple attempts failed, the surgical team pronounced him dead after 20-25 minutes with no heartbeat, blood pressure, or respiratory function. All monitoring equipment showed flatlines while the anesthesia machine was turned off. The patient spontaneously revived approximately 20-25 minutes after clinical death was declared. Multiple monitoring devices confirmed the absence of any cardiac or brain activity during this period. The trans-esophageal echocardiogram showed no heart movement, and the continuous paper readout recorded no vital signs. When electrical activity suddenly returned, it began slowly at 30-40 beats per minute before normalizing. During his death state, the patient reported floating above the operating room and observing specific details. He saw Dr. Lloyd Rudy and Dr. Roberto Cattaneo standing in the doorway with their arms folded, discussing the case in their short-sleeve shirts. Most remarkably, he observed Post-it notes with phone messages stuck to a monitor screen - details that were placed during the surgery and could not have been known beforehand. He also correctly described the anesthesiologist leaving and then returning to the room. The patient made a complete recovery with no neurological deficits. Both cardiac surgeons independently confirmed all observations as completely accurate. Dr. Cattaneo verified that the patient's eyes were taped shut during surgery and that the Post-it note observation was particularly evidential since these messages accumulated during the procedure. This case provides exceptional veridical evidence of perception during clinical death. |
1 | Hospital | 35 | 25 | 82 | Exceptional Evidence | 22 | Perfect medical context score: documented cardiac arrest with continuous monitoring showing flatline for 20-25 minutes, eyes taped, under deep anesthesia, trans-esophageal echo confirmed no heart activity | Multiple specific veridical observations including Post-it notes placed during surgery that patient could not have known, exact positions of surgeons, anesthesiologist movements | written_account | 1.00 | 1.00 | 1.00 | 1.00 | 0.00 | 1.00 | 7/23/2025 | 3 | 2 | Saw surgeons in doorway | 1.00 | Dr. Lloyd Rudy and Dr. Roberto Cattaneo | Highly Compatible | 6 | |||||||||
| 4534 | qualitative | journal | Robinson, Pegi. "The Will of a Wildflower." Journal for Spiritual and Consciousness Studies 42, no. 1 (Summer 2019): 20-28. Patient: Pegi Robinson. Case Number: 1 | Journal for Spiritual and Consciousness Studies Vol. 42 No. 1 Pages 20-28 Copyright 2019 | 2019 | 5 | F | Pegi Robinson, age five, was playing with Barbie dolls when her mother suggested swimming to escape the heat. She and her brother Jack went to the pond ahead of their mother and sister. Unable to swim properly, Pegi used a floating board as a raft to reach the deep center of the pond. When Jack took the board from her, she began drowning, experiencing terror and pain before suddenly becoming calm and peaceful. She found she could breathe underwater, which turned bright green, and fish bumped into her. Realizing she had died, she left her body and rose above the pond to treetop level. From this elevated perspective, she could see the entire area including the road, railroad tracks, and Ohio River. She observed her mother and sister still at the house, then later arriving at the pond, unaware she was missing. She experienced intense emotions and considered leaving to find other ghost children. An angel's voice told her to wait, saying she might return if found soon. Jack eventually pulled her from the water and carried her home over his shoulder, with water pouring from her mouth. The angel later appeared visually, promising Pegi would have love when she had her own family, pointing toward town. After the experience, Pegi had spiritual visions including seeing herself waiting to sit on Jesus's lap in heaven during Sunday school. | 5 | Other | 7 | 15 | 27 | Suggestive Evidence | 5 | Drowning incident with clear life-threatening circumstances. No medical monitoring or documentation at time of event. | Multiple veridical observations including seeing mother and sister at house while out of body, observing pond area from above, detailed environmental perceptions. | written_account | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | Underwater submersion | 7/23/2025 | 3 | 1 | Saw mother and sister still at house while drowning | 0.00 | Jack (brother) | Highly Compatible | 8 | ||||||||
| 4535 | qualitative | journal | Gibson, Arvin S. "Commentary on 'Frightening Near-Death Experiences.'" Journal of Near-Death Studies 15, no. 2 (Winter 1996): 141-148. Howard Storm, Case 1. | Journal of Near-Death Studies, Vol. 15, No. 2, pp. 141-148, 1996 | 1996 | M |
Howard Storm, a college professor, had an extensive near-death experience that began with terrifying encounters with evil beings who attacked him. Initially, he found himself surrounded by malevolent entities in darkness who began to assault him physically and emotionally. These beings seemed to be dragging him deeper into a hellish environment filled with like-minded creatures. Storm described deserving to be where he was, stating it was the right place for him at that time, with perfect company for his state of being. The experience transformed dramatically when Storm called out for help. He was then removed from the darkness and encountered celestial beings of light. God allowed him to experience the darkness as a way to purge him, showing him where his life path had been leading. The contrast between the evil beings and the celestial creatures was stark and meaningful. Storm gained profound insights about divine judgment and the nature of reality. He understood that God ultimately judges every individual and allows people to be drawn to environments matching their spiritual state - those of loving nature are attracted upward toward the light, while others may be pulled into darkness with similar beings. He believed he only witnessed "the tip of the iceberg" of what exists in the dark realms. The experience served as a complete life transformation for Storm. He recognized it as divine intervention meant to redirect his path and purge negative aspects of his character. The NDE encompassed both the terrifying reality of spiritual darkness and the redemptive power of divine light. |
5 | Unknown | 5 | 8 | 23 | Suggestive Evidence | 10 | Life-threatening condition implied but specific medical details not provided | Described specific experiences with evil beings and celestial beings, transformative insights | written_account | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 7/23/2025 | 2 | 0 | Encountered evil beings in darkness | 0.00 | Highly Compatible | 8 | |||||||||||
| 4536 | qualitative | journal | Gibson, Arvin S. "Commentary on 'Frightening Near-Death Experiences.'" Journal of Near-Death Studies 15, no. 2 (Winter 1996): 141-148. Dee, Case 2. | Journal of Near-Death Studies, Vol. 15, No. 2, pp. 141-148, 1996 | 1993 | 1996 | F |
Dee experienced a terrifying near-death experience that began with an overwhelming sense of an evil presence pursuing her. She described feeling something behind her that filled her with intense fear - an awful, terrifying presence that was actively chasing her. This entity wanted to destroy her completely. The presence was described as the personification of evil itself, a malevolent force with destructive intent toward her. During this frightening encounter, Dee was being chased by this evil entity that she could feel on her. The terror was overwhelming and all-consuming. In her extreme fear and desperation, she cried out a brief prayer: "Oh God, help me, help me God." This prayer became her lifeline in the midst of the terrifying experience. Immediately after uttering this prayer for help, Dee found herself back in her physical body. The return was sudden and complete, ending the terrifying pursuit. The prayer had served as an immediate intervention that removed her from the threatening spiritual situation. The experience had profound impact on Dee's life. Prior to her NDE, she had been living in what she described as a "living hell" due to a controlling and abusive husband. She had lived in constant fear and hate. Following the experience, she made dramatic life changes - she left her abusive husband and transformed her life completely. The terror of the spiritual experience catalyzed positive life changes. |
5 | Unknown | 5 | 6 | 19 | Suggestive Evidence | 8 | Life-threatening event implied but medical details not specified | Specific description of evil presence and pursuit, immediate response to prayer | written_account | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 7/23/2025 | 1 | 0 | Felt evil presence chasing her | 0.00 | Highly Compatible | 6 | ||||||||||
| 4537 | qualitative | journal | Gibson, Arvin S. "Commentary on 'Frightening Near-Death Experiences.'" Journal of Near-Death Studies 15, no. 2 (Winter 1996): 141-148. Elizabeth Marie, Case 3. | Journal of Near-Death Studies, Vol. 15, No. 2, pp. 141-148, 1996 | 1996 | 14 | F |
Elizabeth Marie, at age 14, had a near-death experience after engaging in a dangerous smoking contest with her boyfriend involving narcotics. The drug overdose triggered an out-of-body experience that would profoundly impact her understanding of personal responsibility and spiritual consequences. During the experience, she found herself transported to a spiritual realm where she gained powerful insights about her actions and their effects. In her out-of-body state, Elizabeth Marie was taken to a room filled with other spirits who had lived less-than-desirable lives during their earthly existence. She found herself clothed in a white garment that was marked with black spots, each spot representing evil deeds she had committed in her life. This visual representation of her moral state provided immediate and undeniable awareness of her spiritual condition. Through this experience, she gained clear understanding that her actions were wrong and that her spiritual progress in the next world would be completely stopped if she chose to remain there. She felt total remorse for what she had done, recognizing the full weight of her poor choices. This profound regret and understanding motivated her decision to return to earthly life for another chance. The experience completely transformed Elizabeth Marie's life trajectory. She chose to return and dedicate herself to helping others who had lost their way to find Christ. She is now married with a wonderful husband and two lovely children, devoting much of her life to bringing recalcitrant souls to spiritual understanding. The NDE served as a powerful catalyst for complete life transformation and spiritual service. |
5 | Unknown | 5 | 8 | 23 | Suggestive Evidence | 10 | Drug overdose causing life-threatening condition | Specific details about spiritual realm, white garment with black spots representing sins | written_account | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 7/23/2025 | 2 | 0 | Saw room with other spirits | 0.00 | Highly Compatible | 9 | ||||||||||
| 4538 | qualitative | journal | Gibson, Arvin S. "Commentary on 'Frightening Near-Death Experiences.'" Journal of Near-Death Studies 15, no. 2 (Winter 1996): 141-148. Mike, Case 4. | Journal of Near-Death Studies, Vol. 15, No. 2, pp. 141-148, 1996 | 1996 | 9 | M |
Mike experienced a near-death experience at age 9 when he fell from a cliff, suffering severe trauma. His NDE initially followed normal patterns commonly reported in near-death literature, but took a disturbing turn while he was traveling through the tunnel. During this tunnel experience, he encountered something that profoundly disturbed him and seemed connected to a tragic event from his earlier childhood. While in the tunnel, Mike felt the presence of an evil entity and heard a horrible, animal-like growling noise. This frightening encounter was particularly puzzling given his young age, as children typically report more positive NDEs. The evil presence and growling sounds created an atmosphere of fear and threat during what might otherwise have been a peaceful transition experience. The significance of this frightening element became clearer when Mike's earlier history was revealed. At approximately age 6, Mike had been involved in a tragic accident where he and another small friend were fighting. During the altercation, Mike picked up a piece of lumber with a large nail protruding from it, swung it at his friend, struck him in the head, and accidentally killed him. He had attempted unsuccessfully to hide the body, though police later dismissed the case as an accident. This earlier tragedy provided a possible explanation for the frightening aspects of Mike's NDE. The evil presence and growling sounds in the tunnel may have been related to the unresolved trauma and guilt from accidentally causing his friend's death. The NDE seemed to reflect the spiritual and psychological burden this young child was carrying from the earlier incident. |
5 | Unknown | 5 | 6 | 19 | Suggestive Evidence | 8 | Fall from cliff causing life-threatening trauma | Specific description of evil presence and growling noise in tunnel | written_account | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 7/23/2025 | 1 | 0 | Evil presence and growling in tunnel | 0.00 | Highly Compatible | 6 | ||||||||||
| 4539 | qualitative | journal | Gibson, Arvin S. "Commentary on 'Frightening Near-Death Experiences.'" Journal of Near-Death Studies 15, no. 2 (Winter 1996): 141-148. Karen, Case 5. | Journal of Near-Death Studies, Vol. 15, No. 2, pp. 141-148, 1996 | 1996 | F |
Karen, going through a painful divorce, attempted suicide by taking a bottle of tranquilizers with the full intention of ending her life. About a week before the attempt, she had been awakened by a male voice saying "I'm going to get you. Sooner or later, I'm going to get you," which frightened her intensely. Her roommate dismissed it as just a dream, but the warning would prove prophetic. When everything seemed hopeless, she took the overdose, viewing eternal sleep as the best solution to her overwhelming problems. At the hospital, medical staff pumped her stomach and administered charcoal, but her condition was critical. Her heart stopped, requiring defibrillator paddles to restart it. The medical team did not initially expect her to survive. During this period of cardiac arrest, Karen became conscious but found herself enveloped in total, pitch-black darkness. Despite the darkness, she experienced a feeling of movement and was aware of being in spiritual form rather than physical. A different male voice than the threatening one spoke to her, presenting a stark choice: "You have a choice. You can stay here, or you can go back. If you stay here, your punishment will be just as it is, right now. You will not have a body, you will not be able to see, touch, or have other sensations. You will only have this darkness and your thoughts, for eternity." She understood this would be her private hell - no contact with life or sensations, only consciousness with thoughts in total blackness forever. Frantically scared by this prospect, Karen immediately recognized her terrible mistake. She asked to return to life, and the voice said, "All right, you may return." The experience transformed her understanding of death and suicide. She realized that suicide was not an escape but would lead to an eternal prison of darkness and isolation. The NDE served as both judgment and mercy, allowing her a second chance at life with full knowledge of what awaited those who chose self-destruction. |
2 | Hospital | 10 | 10 | 32 | Moderate Evidence | 12 | Documented cardiac arrest, defibrillator use, stomach pumping in hospital | Specific dialogue with spiritual voice, detailed description of eternal punishment | written_account | 0.00 | 1.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 7/23/2025 | 2 | 0 | Warning voice before suicide attempt | 0.00 | Highly Compatible | 8 | |||||||||||
| 4540 | qualitative | journal | Gibson, Arvin S. "Commentary on 'Frightening Near-Death Experiences.'" Journal of Near-Death Studies 15, no. 2 (Winter 1996): 141-148. Theresa, Case 6. | Journal of Near-Death Studies, Vol. 15, No. 2, pp. 141-148, 1996 | 1996 | F |
Theresa, despite never graduating from high school, had an extensive near-death experience following a heart attack that granted her profound philosophical and spiritual insights. During her NDE, she received instruction from beings of light and gained deep understanding about the nature of reality, particularly regarding the paradox of opposites and the divine purpose of all experiences, including suffering. When asked about negative experiences, Theresa revealed remarkable insights about duality. She explained that negative and positive are human concepts, but everything serves divine purpose - working either for or against God while both creating necessary energy. She witnessed an angered spirit who was isolated within himself, whose emanating energy created his own world, almost a separate planet. This being was accompanied by hideous laughter and existed in complete self-imposed isolation. Theresa's understanding extended to the nature of fear, suffering, and growth. She explained fear as a blessing and key to unfolding inner potential, propelling beings into new experiences necessary for growth. She understood that tears and grief carve openings for joy and love - without cavities carved by pain, beings cannot fully appreciate positive experiences. She learned that trauma and illness sometimes occur to help those around the suffering person, and that lives are lived not just for oneself but for divine purposes affecting all connected beings. The experience transformed Theresa's entire worldview. She emerged with sophisticated understanding that suffering, including her own, serves to create the fastest possible spiritual advancement when handled properly. She recognized the interconnectedness of all living beings and understood that every living thing affects everything else in God's plan. Her insights about the divine purpose of opposition and suffering reflect deep theological understanding despite her limited formal education. |
2 | Unknown | 10 | 12 | 36 | Moderate Evidence | 14 | Heart attack documented as cause of NDE | Detailed philosophical insights, specific vision of isolated angry spirit | written_account | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 7/23/2025 | 1 | 0 | Saw angry isolated spirit | 0.00 | Mixed Compatibility | 9 | |||||||||||
| 4541 | qualitative | journal | Rommer, Barbara R. "The Frightening Near-Death Experience: A Catalyst for Positive Spiritual Transformation." Journal of Religion and Psychical Research (2002): 9-18. Patient: Anthony, Case 1 | Journal of Religion and Psychical Research, 2002 | 2002 | 80 | M |
Anthony, an 80-year-old Italian gentleman, experienced a heart attack and was admitted to Holy Cross Hospital in Fort Lauderdale. He subsequently suffered cardiac arrest in the coronary care unit and was clinically dead during the event. The experience terrified him so deeply that he initially refused open heart surgery scheduled for the next day. During his cardiac arrest, Anthony reported lying in bed feeling intense pain that suddenly ceased as he passed out. He found himself in a large cave filled with white clouds, experiencing a falling sensation through the cave. He desperately reached out to the sides, trying to grab something for support, shouting for help. Instead of falling, he floated down through the cave. The experience was purely visual and kinesthetic, with no encounters with deceased relatives or beings of light. Anthony had never heard about near-death experiences before this event and was unprepared for what occurred. His programming to believe that anything in a downward direction was "toward hell" intensified his terror during the falling sensation. The white clouds and cave imagery dominated his perception throughout the brief experience. Upon return, Anthony found himself surrounded by two nurses who assured him he would survive. The experience left him deeply shaken but ultimately led to agreement with the surgery. He recovered well and the NDE served as a catalyst for re-evaluating his life choices and beliefs about death and the afterlife. |
1 | Hospital | 8 | 5 | 21 | Suggestive Evidence | 8 | Documented cardiac arrest in coronary care unit with monitoring equipment present | Visual perception of cave and clouds during unconscious state, falling sensation while clinically dead | written_account | 0.00 | 1.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 7/23/2025 | 3 | 1 | Saw large cave filled with white clouds | 0.00 | Two nurses in CCU | Highly Compatible | 6 | |||||||||
| 4542 | qualitative | journal | Rommer, Barbara R. "The Frightening Near-Death Experience: A Catalyst for Positive Spiritual Transformation." Journal of Religion and Psychical Research (2002): 9-18. Patient: Anthony (fire-medic), Case 2 | Journal of Religion and Psychical Research, 2002 | 2002 | 36 | M |
Anthony, a fire-medic who later became a policeman, attempted suicide at age 36 due to despondency after being diagnosed HIV positive. He took a quantity of sleeping pills and was transported to the hospital deeply unconscious. Medical staff worked to save his life while he experienced a Type II Less Than Positive NDE characterized by darkness and divine judgment. During the experience, Anthony felt his body floating in complete darkness - the darkest black he had ever seen. He described it as if someone had placed a body in space, feeling bound and tied up though he could not identify specific restraints. He was unable to move or free himself, experiencing complete paralysis in the void. Terrifying sounds filled his ears - annoying siren or horn-like sounds constantly repeating "bomp, bomp, bomp." In this dark void, Anthony heard a voice he immediately recognized as God, though it was not authoritative but rather peaceful and calm. God said: "If this is what you're going to do, then this is where you're going to be." Anthony perceived this as being in hell despite seeing no devils, pitchforks, or flames. He thought "It's too late, I'm already dead" because he saw medical staff covering his body with a sheet. Then suddenly everything disappeared and he returned to his body. The experience confirmed his Catholic upbringing teaching that suicide is wrong. It has led to tremendous life changes - he has come to terms with his HIV diagnosis and now teaches HIV prevention in the workplace, feeling no bitterness about his condition. |
5 | Hospital | 7 | 8 | 20 | Suggestive Evidence | 5 | Suicide attempt with drug overdose, deeply unconscious, medical intervention | Auditory perception of God's voice while unconscious, awareness of body being covered | written_account | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | Deep unconsciousness | 7/23/2025 | 2 | 0 | Darkness with binding sensations and annoying sounds | 0.00 | Highly Compatible | 8 | |||||||||
| 4543 | qualitative | journal | Rommer, Barbara R. "The Frightening Near-Death Experience: A Catalyst for Positive Spiritual Transformation." Journal of Religion and Psychical Research (2002): 9-18. Patient: Gary, Case 3 | Journal of Religion and Psychical Research, 2002 | 2002 | M |
Gary experienced a Type II Less Than Positive NDE during a suicide attempt. The experience had a distinctly dark and mechanistic quality that he found deeply disturbing. He initially thought he had entered hell, describing strange sounds including ravens making unusual noises and what seemed like crow sounds coming from a sophisticated machine-like intelligence. During the experience, Gary perceived himself within a giant mechanical device or system. The presence he encountered was not a personality intelligence like a human, but rather a cold, impersonal force that operated by certain rules and laws without creative spontaneity. He heard a voice that told him he would be "gotten by this creature," though no name was given. The voice and presence reminded him of Dante's Inferno - dark, threatening, and devoid of goodness. Gary found the mechanistic nature of the experience particularly unsettling. As someone who respects intelligence and well-mechanized systems like computers, it was logical to him that if he chose suicide as his way out, he would encounter a mechanistic presence. The experience seemed to reflect his own mindset and choices, presenting him with a realm that operated on cold logic rather than love or compassion. The experience served as a powerful deterrent to his suicidal ideation. The encounter with this impersonal, machine-like realm of consciousness made him reconsider his choices and ultimately choose life over the mechanistic void he had glimpsed. |
5 | Unknown | 5 | 6 | 15 | Suggestive Evidence | 4 | Suicide attempt, life-threatening situation confirmed | Auditory perception of mechanistic voices and sounds during unconscious state | written_account | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 7/23/2025 | 2 | 0 | Strange mechanical sounds and raven/crow noises | 0.00 | Highly Compatible | 7 | |||||||||||
| 4544 | qualitative | journal | Rommer, Barbara R. "The Frightening Near-Death Experience: A Catalyst for Positive Spiritual Transformation." Journal of Religion and Psychical Research (2002): 9-18. Patient: Tyson, Case 4 | Journal of Religion and Psychical Research, 2002 | 2002 | 21 | M |
Tyson, a 21-year-old who had been drinking all night, arrived home safely but awakened feeling weird with a headache. He became confused, reportedly had a seizure, and was transported to the hospital after his wife called 911. In the hospital, he began to pass out as physicians intubated him. He went into code blue and was placed on life support before his family arrived. His experience represents a Type III Less Than Positive NDE with graphic hellish imagery. During the experience, Tyson found himself in an extremely bizarre supernatural realm. He was chained to a bed in what he perceived as hell, being actively tortured. He could lift his head enough to see a large steel double door with a gap underneath through which he could see and feel intense heat and flames. The heat was so extreme he felt like he was lying on hot coals. A demonic figure with glowing eyes like headlight beams appeared - described as wearing black with long dark hair and finger-like nails, extremely sweaty and agitated. An even more powerful unseen force was present, torturing him psychologically and telling him "You're going to die" along with other vulgar statements. Tyson sensed hideous monsters whose shadows and movements he could see but not their faces. Coming from a Pentecostal background, this matched his expectations of hell. He felt definite judgment and knew he was there because he had put himself there through his choices. The demon-like entity hurled insults at him while hurting him. The experience was transformative despite its terrifying nature. Tyson now views it philosophically - "Now that my house has burned down, I have a better view of the sky." The hellish NDE served as a powerful wake-up call about his lifestyle choices and spiritual state. |
5 | Hospital | 10 | 12 | 32 | Moderate Evidence | 10 | Seizure leading to code blue, intubation, life support documented | Detailed hellish visions with specific sensory perceptions while on life support | written_account | 0.00 | 1.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 7/23/2025 | 4 | 1 | Saw hellish environment with steel doors | 0.00 | Hospital physicians and staff | Highly Compatible | 8 | |||||||||
| 4545 | qualitative | journal | Rommer, Barbara R. "The Frightening Near-Death Experience: A Catalyst for Positive Spiritual Transformation." Journal of Religion and Psychical Research (2002): 9-18. Patient: Colorado gentleman, Case 5 | Journal of Religion and Psychical Research, 2002 | 1991 | 2002 | M |
A gentleman from Colorado experienced a Type III Less Than Positive NDE following a head-on car collision that required eight and a half hours of surgery. During the surgical procedure, he heard a voice challenging him to curse God and die. The experience had profound spiritual implications and continues to affect him eleven years later. In the midst of surgery, a voice came to him saying "You're busted up. Your body is in bad shape. You're probably not going to make it. Why don't you just curse God and die!" The voice was as real and audible as any physical voice. He responded "I will serve God!" Immediately, an authoritative voice called him by his Christian name saying "Come up here." As he moved out of his body, the pain from his injuries ceased completely. He found himself in the presence of a being he perceived as a high-ranking spiritual authority who would give orders that must be followed without question. This being led him to a large gymnasium-like room with massive black double doors, eight feet wide and ten to twelve feet tall. He was instructed to put his ear to the door and listen. What he heard was a virtual ocean of voices in unimaginable agony - screaming, gnashing of teeth, and torture. When asked what it was, the being explained these were "all of the ones that are in a place where God's light does not go," suffering from the absence of His love. The being clarified this had no end, which particularly disturbed the subject. The experience served as both a test of faith and a warning. The subject was brought back with the message to tell others about what he heard. The initial temptation to curse God, followed by the revelation of hell's reality, strengthened his faith and gave him a mission to warn others about the consequences of separation from God. |
3 | Hospital | 7 | 15 | 30 | Moderate Evidence | 8 | Major surgery (8.5 hours) following head-on collision, under deep anesthesia | Clear auditory perceptions and OBE during surgery, detailed observations of spiritual realm | written_account | 0.00 | 1.00 | 1.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 1.00 | 7/23/2025 | 3 | 0 | Voice tempting to curse God | 0.00 | Highly Compatible | 8 | ||||||||||
| 4546 | qualitative | journal | Rommer, Barbara R. "The Frightening Near-Death Experience: A Catalyst for Positive Spiritual Transformation." Journal of Religion and Psychical Research (2002): 9-18. Patient: Wesley, Case 6 | Journal of Religion and Psychical Research, 2002 | 2002 | M |
Wesley, raised in an Episcopalian family, experienced a Type IV Less Than Positive NDE in his early twenties secondary to a drug overdose. Though playing brinkmanship with substances rather than explicitly attempting suicide, the entity he encountered helped him recognize the suicidal nature of his behavior. The experience included visits to both a previous lifetime and a future lifetime, providing unique perspective on his soul's journey. One moment Wesley was in bed, the next he was out of his body moving through a grayish fog toward brightness - a light with no definition. He traveled through an enclosure without specific walls to a great space where he had non-verbal communication with a guide entity. The guide provided answers to his questions, explaining that there is equality and balance between good and evil, that one can choose which camp to be in, and that these forces have equal strength and power. He was given information about a "third eye" he couldn't fully remember later. Wesley visited two different lifetimes. In the previous lifetime, he saw himself cowering and crawling on the floor in jeopardy, with someone after him. In the future lifetime, he witnessed involvement in a war where people shot at each other with light rather than guns, like tracer bullets. The entity told him "You are one of the strong," which helped convince him to return. The guide emphasized that even though Wesley wasn't consciously overdosing, his behavior was suicidal and required courage to admit. The experience provided exactly what Wesley needed - seeing himself as a victim in a past life taught him he could choose not to be a victim now. Seeing himself as a warrior in a future life showed his potential strength. No life review occurred because Wesley had already judged himself. He consciously decided to return and has since entered a drug rehabilitation program, now doing very well in recovery. |
5 | Unknown | 5 | 18 | 29 | Suggestive Evidence | 6 | Drug overdose, life-threatening situation | Complex visions of past/future lives, detailed spiritual teachings received | written_account | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 7/23/2025 | 3 | 0 | Journey through gray fog to undefined light | 0.00 | Incompatible | 9 | |||||||||||
| 4547 | qualitative | journal | Gómez-Jeria, Juan S. "A Near-Death Experience Among the Mapuche People." Journal of Near-Death Studies 11, no. 4 (Summer 1993): 219-222. Subject: Fermin. Case 1. | Journal of Near-Death Studies Vol. 11 No. 4 pp. 219-222 1993 | 1968 | 1968-05-13 | 1993 | M |
Fermin, an elderly Mapuche man, entered a cataleptic-like state that lasted two days, during which relatives believed him dead. The experience occurred near Lake Calafquén in Chile, surrounded by volcanoes considered sacred in Mapuche tradition. During his experience, Fermin found himself inside the Pillan volcano, where Mapuche believe souls of the dead reside. He encountered numerous deceased acquaintances including his parents, children, and wife. A German gentleman sat at a table reading and writing in large books, serving as a gatekeeper figure. When Fermin stated he was following his deceased son Francisco, the German called for him. Francisco descended through multiple noisy wooden gates to meet his father. Fermin expressed his desire to remain with his son, stating he no longer wished to live on Earth. Francisco firmly refused, explaining it was not yet his father's time to die. He promised to come to the side of the house to retrieve him when the proper time arrived. The cultural specificity of the German figure reflects the strong German colonization of that region of Chile beginning around 1850. Upon awakening after two days, Fermin found his wife crying over his apparent death. He reassured her he was alive and had visited the volcano where all the dead resided happily together, waiting for him when his time truly comes. |
4 | Home | 5 | 8 | 13 | Weak Evidence | 0 | Cataleptic-like state for two days without food or water, sufficient to cause abnormal cerebral function | Culturally specific elements including German gentleman reflecting historical colonization, deceased relatives recognized | written_account | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 7/23/2025 | 3 | 0 | Saw deceased relatives and acquaintances inside volcano | 0.00 | Highly Compatible | 6 | |||||||||
| 4548 | qualitative | journal | Green, J. Timothy. "The Near-Death Experience as a Shamanic Initiation: A Case Study." Journal of Near-Death Studies 19, no. 4 (Summer 2001): 209-225. Subject: Mary. Case 2. | Journal of Near-Death Studies Vol. 19 No. 4 pp. 209-225 2001 | 1992 | 1992-11-01 | 2001 | 40 | F |
Mary, a woman in her 40s, experienced a profound NDE during a severe car accident when another driver ran through a stop sign and struck her vehicle on the driver's side. Her last memory before the experience was seeing a nearby Coco's restaurant sign. She had no memory of the impact itself. Mary found herself propelled down a large, dark tunnel toward a white light that made her feel everything would be okay. Upon entering the light, she noticed other lights around her that she recognized as people who loved her. She identified one as Frank Myers, a deceased friend who had died of leukemia nine months earlier. Frank told her it was not her time and she needed to return. After rushing back through the tunnel and experiencing severe head pain, she left her body again and returned directly to the light. There she encountered celestial music more beautiful than anything on Earth and felt overwhelming love from the spiritual presences. During her hospital stay, Mary had an out-of-body experience where she floated around the emergency room ceiling and witnessed medical staff treating another patient - a dark-skinned woman with short curly hair who had blood coming from her nose. She observed the woman's spirit leave as doctors pronounced her dead. Mary also struggled to identify her own body and nearly entered the wrong one before Frank directed her to the correct body on the sidewalk. Following her NDE, Mary maintained regular contact with Frank, who appeared to her as a spirit teacher with shamanic characteristics. These encounters profoundly transformed her from a materialistic workaholic into someone focused on spiritual matters and helping others, particularly those facing death. |
5 | Hospital | 7 | 12 | 22 | Suggestive Evidence | 3 | Life-threatening car accident with loss of consciousness, transported to emergency room | Multiple specific observations including detailed description of dying patient in emergency room, confusion identifying own body | written_account | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 7/23/2025 | 4 | 0 | Saw dying patient in emergency room during OBE | 0.00 | Mixed Compatibility | 9 | ||||||||
| 4549 | qualitative | book | Talayesva, Don. Sun Chief: The Autobiography of a Hopi Indian. New Haven, CT: Yale University Press, 1942. Don Talayesva Case 1 | Journal of Near-Death Studies Vol. 26 No. 4 Pages 283-293 Copyright 2008 | 1905 | 2008 | 20 | M | Don Talayesva, a Hopi Indian, developed severe pneumonia while at a Christian boarding school in Riverside, California, between 1900-1910. While hospitalized and not expected to survive, Talayesva experienced leaving his body after seeing a Guardian Spirit in traditional Katcina costume who told him he would journey to the House of the Dead to learn about the importance of life. Talayesva felt no pain as he was swept through the air, traveled through a dimly lit tunnel, and emerged near his home village of Oraibi. He encountered his living relatives who ignored him, witnessed Two-Hearts (witches) suffering on their journey, and was guided by Kwanitaka spirits along two paths - choosing the broad, smooth path over the narrow, thorny one. He witnessed the brutal punishment of Two-Hearts being pushed into a fiery pit and transformed into beetles, met with clown spirits who encouraged him, and was pursued by Masau'u, the god of Death, before being instructed to return to his body. Upon reuniting with his cold, skeletal body in the hospital bed, he regained consciousness to find nurses confirming his pulse had returned after he had been declared dead the previous night. The experience profoundly impacted Talayesva, leading him to reject Christianity and return to traditional Hopi spiritual practices, particularly the Katcina dancing his Guardian Spirit had prophesied he would participate in. | 5 | Hospital | 5 | 8 | 19 | Suggestive Evidence | 6 | Severe pneumonia requiring hospitalization, patient declared dead by nurses | Multiple specific observations of spirit beings, locations, and cultural elements; witnessed punishment of Two-Hearts | written_account | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 7/23/2025 | 3 | 2 | Saw Guardian Spirit in Katcina costume at bedside | 0.00 | Head nurse and other nurses | Mixed Compatibility | 8 | ||||||||
| 4550 | qualitative | journal | Sabom, Michael B. "The Acute Dying Experience." Journal of Near-Death Studies, Marine Pilot Case, 26(3), Spring 2008, pp. 193, 195-197 | Journal of Near-Death Studies Vol. 26(3) Spring 2008 | 2008 | M | A Marine pilot jumped from a burning aircraft but his parachute failed to open, resulting in a 15,000-foot free fall lasting 2 minutes and 24 seconds at speeds of 75-80 mph into the Pacific Ocean. During the fall, he experienced profound peritraumatic dissociation. Multiple times he found himself 15-20 feet away from his body, watching himself struggle with the parachute. He vividly observed his orange flight suit, yellow helmet with three blue diamonds, and was surprised to see he was wearing brown high-top boots rather than the low boots he thought he had on. The colors were extraordinarily vivid. He described the experience as going "in, out, in, out" between his body and the observer position. Upon impact with the ocean at terminal velocity, he suffered catastrophic injuries including two shattered ankles, broken legs, split pelvis, and collapsed lung, yet felt no pain until rescued. He reported the out-of-body state was "real as could be" and unlike any experience before or since. | 5 | Other | 5 | 8 | 13 | Weak Evidence | 0 | Life-threatening fall from aircraft with massive injuries documented | Specific visual observations of clothing details while out of body | written_account | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 7/23/2025 | 2 | 0 | Saw self from outside perspective | 0.00 | Highly Compatible | 4 | |||||||||||
| 4551 | qualitative | journal | Sabom, Michael B. "The Acute Dying Experience." Journal of Near-Death Studies, Vietnam Veteran Case, 26(3), Spring 2008, pp. 200-201 | Journal of Near-Death Studies Vol. 26(3) Spring 2008 | 2008 | M | A Vietnam veteran suffered catastrophic battlefield injuries from an explosion, resulting in traumatic amputation of his right arm at the shoulder, amputation of both legs, and bilateral perforation of eardrums. Military medical records documented he arrived at the evacuation hospital in shock with no blood pressure. During the explosion, he experienced time slowing to super slow motion and found himself floating through the air, looking down and seeing the battle continuing below. After landing, he sat up and clearly saw his right arm gone, right leg gone, and left leg laying off to the side before falling back. He then experienced leaving his body and perceived himself laying on the battlefield with three limbs missing. He recognized it was himself and felt at total peace, with no sympathy or sorrow about his condition. He experienced no pain at the moment of injury or while observing his severely injured body from outside. The experience included progression through three stages he had heard about dying: loss of sight, loss of feeling/pressure, and total relaxation. | 5 | Other | 7 | 10 | 17 | Suggestive Evidence | 0 | Massive traumatic injuries with medical documentation of shock and no blood pressure | Specific observation of traumatic amputations from outside perspective | written_account | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | Military medical records cited | 7/23/2025 | 2 | 0 | Saw battle from above during explosion | 0.00 | Highly Compatible | 5 | ||||||||||
| 4552 | qualitative | journal | Sabom, Michael B. "The Acute Dying Experience." Journal of Near-Death Studies, Pan Am Flight 110 Attack, 26(3), Spring 2008, pp. 195-196 | Journal of Near-Death Studies Vol. 26(3) Spring 2008 | 1973 | 1973-12-17 | 2008 | F | During a terrorist attack on Pan American World Airways Flight 110 on December 17, 1973, a flight attendant sought refuge in the only two seats not yet on fire as the aircraft became a burning inferno. She crawled onto the seats and experienced an extraordinary out-of-body experience. She described being surrounded by incredible light, happiness, and joy that was indescribable. From this vantage point outside her body, she could see herself clearly through the smoke, lying in her uniform with her eyes closed. She observed that she was not moving despite fire being everywhere around her. She questioned why she wasn't moving but felt she didn't care because she was so happy where she was in this state of consciousness. A passenger's scream for help ("Open the window. Somebody open the window. Help me!") broke through her experience. She thought "I have to help that lady" and immediately returned to her body. The experience transformed a moment of extreme mortal danger into one of profound peace and transcendent joy. | 5 | Other | 5 | 8 | 13 | Weak Evidence | 0 | Life-threatening terrorist attack with aircraft fire | Clear visual observation of self through smoke from outside perspective | written_account | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | Smoke-filled environment | 7/23/2025 | 1 | 0 | Saw self clearly through smoke | 0.00 | Highly Compatible | 5 | ||||||||
| 4553 | qualitative | journal | Sartori, Penny, Paul Badham, and Peter Fenwick. "A Prospectively Studied Near-Death Experience with Corroborated Out-of-Body Perceptions and Unexplained Healing." Patient 1, Case 1 | Journal of Near-Death Studies Vol. 25 No. 2 Pages 69-84 2006 | 2004 | 2006 | 60 | M | A 60-year-old man recovering from emergency bowel cancer surgery developed sepsis and multi-organ failure. After five days of recovery, while sitting in a chair to regain muscle tone, his oxygen saturation dropped to 70-86% and blood pressure fell to 85/50. He was immediately returned to bed deeply unconscious, unresponsive to verbal commands or painful stimuli, with eyes closed. During this crisis, he experienced leaving his body and floating upward in a bright pink room, observing the medical team from above at approximately two-story building height. He accurately saw the consultant shine a light in his eyes checking pupil response, observed the nurse cleaning his mouth with a long suction catheter followed by a pink sponge, and noticed the physiotherapist nervously poking her head around the curtains. While out of body, he encountered his deceased father, mother-in-law whom he had never met, and a figure with long black hair and piercing eyes, possibly Jesus. They communicated telepathically without words. The figure told his father "He's got to go back; he's not ready yet." Upon returning to his body after three hours unconscious, he experienced terrible pain. Remarkably, following the NDE he could open his previously contracted right hand from cerebral palsy - a condition he had since birth that the physiotherapist said should require surgery to correct. His hemiplegic gait also improved significantly. | 5 | Hospital | 25 | 28 | 68 | Exceptional Evidence | 20 | 15 | Documented respiratory and cardiac crisis with oxygen desaturation to 70-86%, blood pressure drop to 85/50, deeply unconscious with eyes closed, unresponsive to verbal commands or painful stimuli | Multiple specific veridical observations: consultant checking pupils with light (correctly identified consultant not junior doctor), nurse using long suction catheter then pink sponge, physiotherapist poking head around curtains - all confirmed by witnesses | Observations corroborated by nurse (senior author), physiotherapist present, and documented in medical notes by consultant | Patient deeply unconscious with eyes closed throughout, making visual observations impossible through normal means | written_account | 0.00 | 1.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | Eyes closed, deeply unconscious | Sartori (nurse researcher) | 2004-2006 | 7/23/2025 | 3 | 2 | Saw consultant checking pupils with light | 1.00 | Penny Sartori (nurse), Consultant anesthetist, Physiotherapist | Highly Compatible | 7 | ||
| 4554 | qualitative | journal | Greyson, Bruce. "Near-Death Experiences and Spirituality." Zygon 41, no. 2 (June 2006): 393-414. Case: 21-year-old woman, bicycle accident. | Zygon, Vol. 41, No. 2, pp. 393-414, 2006 | 1985 | 2006 | 21 | F |
A 21-year-old woman was riding her bicycle when she suddenly realized an oncoming car would hit her regardless of any maneuver she might make. At the moment of this realization, she experienced a profound alteration in consciousness that began with time dramatically slowing down. She made a conscious decision to let go of the handlebars, cover her head with her hands, and scream, all while time seemed to stretch infinitely. During the impact and the seconds that followed, she became completely disconnected from any bodily sensations. Instead of feeling the physical trauma of the accident, she experienced her entire life flashing before her in a rapid series of typical scenes from her past. This life review was accompanied by an overwhelming sense of peace and well-being that transcended the dangerous situation she was in. The most striking aspect of her experience was the complete absence of fear or panic. A clear thought entered her mind: "Well, if I die, that's all right; I've had a good life." This acceptance was accompanied by a feeling of being apart from her physical body, as if observing the event from a different perspective. The cognitive changes included not only the time distortion and accelerated thought processes but also a sense of revelation and understanding about her life. Throughout the experience, she maintained clear consciousness and later could recall every detail vividly, from the slowed perception of time to the panoramic life review and the profound peace that enveloped her during what should have been a terrifying moment. |
5 | Other | 2 | 0 | 2 | Weak Evidence | 0 | Life-threatening bicycle accident with car impact | No specific veridical observations reported | written_account | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 7/23/2025 | 0 | 0 | Highly Compatible | 6 | |||||||||||
| 4555 | qualitative | journal | Greyson, Bruce. "Near-Death Experiences and Spirituality." Zygon 41, no. 2 (June 2006): 393-414. Case: 31-year-old woman, open-heart surgery. | Zygon, Vol. 41, No. 2, pp. 393-414, 2006 | 1985 | 2006 | 31 | F |
During open-heart surgery, a 31-year-old woman found herself suddenly elevated above her body in a profound out-of-body experience. She described finding herself in a dark place with patches of mist, with nothing underneath her, completely detached from the physical world below. Though she never saw her physical body on the operating table, she was acutely aware of having left it behind. Initially, she experienced no fear despite the strangeness of her situation. She wondered why she wasn't afraid but felt completely natural in this elevated state. Then an overwhelming feeling of love and joy enveloped her entire being. This love was not directional but seemed to surround her from all sides. Her attention was automatically drawn to a circle of light in the distance that she would never forget. She could feel intense love emanating from that light, not as a focused beam but as an all-encompassing presence that filled the space around her. The beauty of the light was beyond her ability to describe. As she moved toward it with her arms extended, wanting to embrace it, she could feel the vibrations and air as she traveled, though she wasn't walking. The movement felt perfectly natural. As she drew closer to the light, she found herself in an internal argument about whether to continue. Part of her questioned if she should return to care for her children, but she emphatically said "No!" She loved her children both on earth and in that realm, but it was a different kind of love - pure, true, and free of earthly worries. After this profound experience of absolute pure love that transcended earthly attachments, she was returned to her body during the surgery. The experience left her with a completely transformed understanding of love and life. |
3 | Hospital | 7 | 0 | 7 | Weak Evidence | 0 | Open-heart surgery with deep anesthesia | No veridical observations reported | written_account | 0.00 | 1.00 | 1.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 1.00 | 7/23/2025 | 0 | 0 | Highly Compatible | 5 | |||||||||||
| 4556 | qualitative | journal | Greyson, Bruce. "Near-Death Experiences and Spirituality." Zygon 41, no. 2 (June 2006): 393-414. Case: 26-year-old woman, pulmonary embolism. | Zygon, Vol. 41, No. 2, pp. 393-414, 2006 | 1985 | 2006 | 26 | F |
A 26-year-old woman suffering from a pulmonary embolism experienced a dramatic separation from her physical body during the medical crisis. She described how her consciousness - which she identified as "the real me, the soul, the spirit, or whatever" - drifted out of her body and hovered near the ceiling of the hospital room. From this elevated vantage point, she had a clear view of all the activity taking place below. The hospital room was to her right and below as she observed from above. She watched with confusion as doctors and nurses urgently worked on the body they had lifted onto the bed, showing great concern for what she now recognized as merely her physical form. Looking at her own body from this external perspective, she felt complete detachment - it meant nothing to her. She tried to communicate with the medical staff, attempting to tell them that she was not in the body they were so frantically trying to save, but they could not hear her. One of the most remarkable aspects of her experience was the dramatic enhancement of her hearing ability. Her auditory perception became extraordinarily acute, allowing her to hear numerous comments about the gravity of her medical situation. Most remarkably, she could clearly hear conversations from the nurses' station located many yards away from her room. She listened to specific comments from the medical staff about her condition while watching them work on her body. As she observed the hospital personnel's urgent efforts and listened to their concerned comments, she began to feel sorry for them. They were working so hard to save her body, yet she felt completely happy and free of pain in her elevated state. The contrast between her peaceful, pain-free consciousness floating above and the intensive medical efforts below created a profound sense of the separation between physical and spiritual existence. |
5 | Hospital | 5 | 10 | 18 | Suggestive Evidence | 3 | Pulmonary embolism, life-threatening condition | Heard comments from nurses station many yards away, watched medical personnel work | written_account | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 7/23/2025 | 2 | 0 | Heard conversations from nurses station | 0.00 | Highly Compatible | 4 | |||||||||
| 4557 | qualitative | journal | Greyson, Bruce. "Near-Death Experiences and Spirituality." Zygon 41, no. 2 (June 2006): 393-414. Case: 26-year-old woman, emergency caesarean section. | Zygon, Vol. 41, No. 2, pp. 393-414, 2006 | 1985 | 2006 | 26 | F |
During an emergency caesarean section, a 26-year-old woman heard her doctor declare "I've lost her; she's gone!" marking the beginning of an extraordinary near-death experience. Immediately after hearing these words, she found herself being carried by four angels through a great, huge auditorium. The two large doors of the auditorium opened, and she was carried out and up through space itself. As she traveled through this cosmic journey, she saw a beautiful white city surrounded by a wall, with a set of gates facing directly toward her. The city emanated a sense of perfection and divine beauty. Above the city, a beautiful bright light shone with an intensity and quality unlike any earthly illumination. She felt overwhelming excitement at the sight of this celestial city, desperately wanting to pass through those gates and enter. Despite her intense desire and the magnetic pull of the city, she found herself unable to go through the gates. Instead, she was suddenly returned to the operating table where her doctor expressed relief, saying "I'm so glad you are back; your husband will be so glad you are back." Her response revealed the profound impact of what she had experienced - she was crying as if her heart would break, telling him she did not want to come back. She begged the doctor to let her go again, desperately wanting to return to that beautiful realm she had glimpsed. The experience represented both the saddest and most beautiful time of her life - sad because she had to return to earthly existence, yet beautiful beyond description because of what she had witnessed. The vision of the white city with its gates and the brilliant light above it left her forever changed. |
2 | Hospital | 10 | 5 | 21 | Suggestive Evidence | 6 | Emergency caesarean with apparent cardiac arrest - doctor stated "I've lost her" | Heard doctor say "I've lost her" and later "glad you are back" | written_account | 0.00 | 0.00 | 1.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 1.00 | 7/23/2025 | 1 | 1 | Heard doctor declare her death and later her return | 0.00 | Doctor | Highly Compatible | 7 | ||||||||
| 4558 | qualitative | journal | Greyson, Bruce. "Near-Death Experiences and Claims of Past-Life Memories." Journal of Near-Death Studies, 39(3), Fall 2021, pp. 212-226. Gregg Nome, Case 1. | Journal of Near-Death Studies Vol. 39(3) pp. 213-214 2021 | 2021 | 24 | M | Gregg Nome was drowning at age 24 when his inner tube capsized after going over rapids. As he struggled and then lost consciousness, he experienced a profound life review where he became a passive observer watching scenes from his entire life. The images began with vivid color scenes from his earliest childhood, including sitting in a baby's highchair throwing food on the floor with his mother telling him good boys don't do that. He saw himself at age 3-4 at a summer lake vacation, getting mad at his brother Mark and throwing his air bubble into the lake, requiring his father to row out and retrieve it while explaining it wasn't nice. The life review continued at high speed showing experiences he had learned from as he matured, including traumatic events. He was amazed at how many long-forgotten scenes appeared with complete clarity. All the scenes seemed to relate to learning experiences and formative moments. The images continued chronologically getting closer to the present until they suddenly ceased, leaving only darkness and a feeling of pause, as if something was about to happen. Throughout the experience, he objectively observed both the good and bad of his life for the first time ever. | 5 | Other | 5 | 2 | 12 | Weak Evidence | 5 | Drowning after inner tube capsized in rapids, lost consciousness | Detailed life review with specific childhood memories previously forgotten | written_account | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 7/23/2025 | 0 | 0 | Highly Compatible | 4 | ||||||||||||
| 4559 | qualitative | journal | Greyson, Bruce. "Near-Death Experiences and Claims of Past-Life Memories." Journal of Near-Death Studies, 39(3), Fall 2021, pp. 212-226. Anita Moorjani, Case 2. | Journal of Near-Death Studies Vol. 39(3) pp. 215-216 2021 | 2008 | 2021 | F | After struggling with lymphoma for four years, Anita Moorjani fell into a coma and was rushed to the hospital. Full-body scans revealed lemon-sized tumors throughout her body. Her vital organs had shut down, brain and lungs were filled with fluid, and liquid oozed from skin lesions. Doctors told her husband she would not survive the night. Despite having no use of her physical senses, Anita was acutely aware of everything happening around her. Her spirit left her body and she witnessed conversations between her husband and doctors taking place 40 feet away down a hallway, which she later verified to her shocked husband. She crossed over to another dimension where she was engulfed in total love and experienced extreme clarity about why she had cancer, her life purpose, and how life works. Drifting between two worlds, she was shown a tapestry of how her life touched everyone around her. She saw her brother on a plane coming to see her, later verified when she awoke to find him there having just arrived. She glimpsed what seemed to be a previous life with her brother in an underdeveloped rural setting where she was older and protective of him. She also perceived how her husband's purpose was linked to hers. The experience gave her profound understanding that she chose not to die, deciding she couldn't let her brother see her dead. | 4 | Hospital | 10 | 18 | 43 | Moderate Evidence | 15 | Coma from lymphoma, organs shut down, doctors said would not survive | Verified conversation 40 feet away, verified brother's arrival from plane | written_account | 0.00 | 1.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 7/23/2025 | 2 | 2 | Heard conversation between husband and doctors | 1.00 | Husband | Low Compatibility | 7 | |||||||||
| 4560 | qualitative | journal | Greyson, Bruce. "Near-Death Experiences and Claims of Past-Life Memories." Journal of Near-Death Studies, 39(3), Fall 2021, pp. 212-226. David Moquin, Case 3. | Journal of Near-Death Studies Vol. 39(3) pp. 216-217 2021 | 1994 | 2021 | 48 | M | David Moquin was hospitalized with double pneumonia at age 48, experiencing multiple days in and out of coma. During this time, he experienced at least two events that felt like past lifetimes. The most haunting experience was burning to death in an airplane crash, repeatedly seeing himself on fire trying to reach a field past trees and a barbed-wire fence. He crashed, hit his head, and tried crawling out while engulfed in flames, unable to breathe. Years later, a psychic told him he died landing a fighter plane on an odd single digit day in November 1944. His daughter researched and found Captain Fryer was the only pilot who died on an odd day that November, dying while trying to land his burning P-51 Mustang. David was born December 21, 1944. His favorite plane had always been the P-51, with a model sitting on his desk. When questioned, he seemed to know names of his wing commander, squadron commander, mother and father from that life. The verified historical details of Captain Fryer's death matched his NDE visions precisely, including the burning plane and crash circumstances, providing remarkable evidence of past-life memories during his near-death state. | 4 | Hospital | 8 | 20 | 46 | Moderate Evidence | 18 | Double pneumonia, in and out of coma for several days | Verified details of Captain Fryer death in November 1944, P-51 Mustang crash | written_account | 0.00 | 1.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 7/24/2025 | 2 | 1 | Details of fighter plane crash in 1944 | 1.00 | Daughter | Incompatible | 4 | ||||||||
| 4561 | qualitative | journal | Holden, Janice Miner & Loseu, Saharnaz. "Shedding Light on the Tunnel and Light in Near-Death Experiences: A Case Study." Journal of Near-Death Studies, 34(1), Fall 2015, pp. 27-43. Howard Smith, Case 4. | Journal of Near-Death Studies Vol. 34(1) pp. 27-43 2015 | 1995 | 2015 | 57 | M | Howard Smith, EdD, experienced an NDE during an emergency hospital visit approximately 20 years prior. He had lost a high volume of blood and was feeling faint due to what he later learned was a rupture in his esophagus. While lying on his back on the emergency room examining table, he noticed the overhead lights on the ceiling. He then went into shock, witnessing the light over his head becoming increasingly dimmer until it disappeared, after which he perceived a bright light. Smith described being in a black void and witnessing a tunnel comprised of light - a very bright white light that became focused with everything else black and no peripheral vision. He looked down the tunnel at the light, and when he came to, he still had the vivid memory of this light. The tunnel of light was non-threatening, warm, and welcoming. His affect while looking down the tunnel was calm, content, peaceful, and positive. His consciousness continued in the domain of the light separate from his unconscious body. He was not compelled to move forward in the tunnel. Upon regaining consciousness, he discovered the nurse had moved his body to a sitting position while unconscious. His NDE Scale score was 8, confirming a genuine NDE. The experience provided lasting peace regarding dying and reinforced his belief in life after death. | 5 | Hospital | 7 | 5 | 20 | Suggestive Evidence | 8 | Ruptured esophagus, high volume blood loss, went into shock | Tunnel of light experience, consciousness separate from body | written_account | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 7/24/2025 | 0 | 1 | Nurse | Highly Compatible | 6 | ||||||||||
| 4562 | qualitative | journal | Shushan, Gregory. "The Sun told me I would be restored to life": Native American Near-Death Experiences. Journal of Near-Death Studies, 34(3), Spring 2016, pp. 141-142. Case: Bini | Journal of Near-Death Studies Vol. 34(3) pp. 141-142, 2016 | 1820 | 2016 | M | Bini, a Wet'suwet'en Dakelh prophet, wandered off during a serious illness. His cold and half desiccated corpse was discovered months later in nearby woods. During his funeral, he came to life and began singing, though he could no longer speak Wet'suwet'en but only the language of the Sky-beings. He described how his mind embraced the whole world when he died. A voice called him and he spiritually ascended a ladder that appeared from above, with only his shade climbing while his body was left behind. He pierced the sky vault slowly as if being born into it and saw the four corners of Heaven. To the west was a very old man, tall as a tree and white as snow, with many white people sitting motionless. To the east were spirits dressed in white, dancing, drumming, and singing. After relating this experience, Bini died but returned again to life. He then told of meeting the two head-chiefs of the Sky, the Father and the Son. The Son, Zazeekry (Jesus Christ), told him of an impending plague and apocalypse brought about by sins and traditional customs. Bini was baptized and instructed to baptize his people and preach repentance. A week later he died and returned yet again, this time preaching Christian strictures and displaying items brought back from Heaven: a prayer calendar, a cross, and a white cloth with curative properties. His experiences led to new religious beliefs combining indigenous traditions with Christianity, and his system became the law of the country. | 5 | Unknown | 5 | 8 | 13 | Weak Evidence | 0 | Serious illness led to apparent death, corpse found desiccated months later | Claimed to bring back physical objects from heaven (cross, calendar, cloth), prophetic knowledge | written_account | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 7/24/2025 | 3 | 0 | Saw four corners of Heaven | 0.00 | Moderately Compatible | 8 | ||||||||||
| 4563 | qualitative | journal | Shushan, Gregory. "The Sun told me I would be restored to life": Native American Near-Death Experiences. Journal of Near-Death Studies, 34(3), Spring 2016, pp. 134-135. Case: Don Talayesva | Journal of Near-Death Studies Vol. 34(3) pp. 134-135, 2016 | 1907 | 2016 | 17 | M | Don Talayesva, a 17-year-old Hopi youth, was near death from pneumonia in a U.S. government boarding school hospital in 1907. A Guardian Spirit visited him and told him he would travel to the House of the Dead to learn that life is important. The wind carried his spirit to a mountain, then through a dimly lit tunnel to his own village where only his recently deceased grandmother could see him. He met a spirit god directing good people over the smooth highway and bad people over the rough road. Following the smooth road, he rose to a mesa top where flowers bloomed and birds sang despite it being midwinter. Black and white striped clowns told him to hurry back to his body, but he proceeded to ancient cliff dwellings where he was criticized for not believing in the land of the dead. To learn a lesson on life, he chose between red and white pots of suds for washing - choosing white ensured his return to his body. He witnessed murderers being pushed into a fire pit by their victims before becoming beetles. As Maasaw (Skeleton Man) chased him with a club, he jumped off a cliff and landed on a clown who instructed him to return quickly to his body before burial. Hospital staff had prepared his body for burial when he returned. His Guardian Spirit told him he would become an important man in ceremonies. Chief Tewaquaptewa confirmed his death journey was true, matching what old people saw when visiting the House of the Dead. This NDE led directly to Talayesva's spiritual renewal, rejecting 10 years of Christianization and embracing Hopi traditions. | 5 | Hospital | 7 | 10 | 23 | Suggestive Evidence | 6 | Near death from pneumonia in government hospital, body prepared for burial | Specific cultural details about House of Dead verified by Chief Tewaquaptewa | written_account | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | Body prepared for burial | 7/24/2025 | 4 | 1 | Saw his own village from spirit perspective | 0.00 | Chief Tewaquaptewa | Low Compatibility | 8 | |||||||
| 4564 | qualitative | journal | Shushan, Gregory. "The Sun told me I would be restored to life": Native American Near-Death Experiences. Journal of Near-Death Studies, 34(3), Spring 2016, p. 134. Case: Enga-gwacu Jim | Journal of Near-Death Studies Vol. 34(3) p. 134, 2016 | 1890 | 2016 | M | During a prolonged illness around 1890, an Eastern Shoshone man named Enga-gwacu (Red-shirt) Jim had a vision in which the sun told him he was going to die but could return to life if he wished. His soul, described as 10 inches tall, left his body through his thigh. When he looked back at his body, he saw it was still breathing, but after three paces it dropped cold and dead. Something suddenly came down and went clean through his soul. He descended and found himself in another world where he encountered a helper of A'po (the Father), described as a handsome Indian, who was making some dead men over again. A'po told Enga-gwacu Jim "You don't look very ill," then withdrew a thin wire from a leather bag and tapped it three times. Then the whole world opened up and he could see the earth plainly, seeing everything there including his own body lying dead. The Sun told him he would be restored to life. Following his experience, Enga-gwacu Jim questioned Shoshone medicine-men concerning a hereafter but mistrusted both their statements and those of missionaries because they failed to tally with his personal experiences. | 5 | Unknown | 5 | 8 | 13 | Weak Evidence | 0 | Prolonged illness with vision of death, body observed as dead | Saw own body lying dead from outside perspective, specific details of other world | written_account | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 7/24/2025 | 2 | 0 | Saw own body from outside | 0.00 | Mixed Compatibility | 7 | ||||||||||
| 4565 | qualitative | journal | Shushan, Gregory. "The Sun told me I would be restored to life": Native American Near-Death Experiences. Journal of Near-Death Studies, 34(3), Spring 2016, p. 140. Case: John Slocum | Journal of Near-Death Studies Vol. 34(3) p. 140, 2016 | 1881 | 2016 | M | In 1881, a Squaxin Salish man named Squ-sacht-un (John Slocum) was confirmed dead by all present. He encountered a shining light, a great light trying his soul, and saw his own dead body. He revived temporarily but died again, and his soul went up to the judgment place of God where he experienced a great light in his soul from that good land. He was shown a photograph of himself that somehow recorded all the bad deeds of his life. People he recognized were being burned in a furnace, and Squ-sacht-un learned all Christ wants us to do, realizing that before his NDE he had been a sinner. He was given the choice of going to hell or returning to earth to preach the Christian life. An angel told him he must go back and turn alive again on earth, and he was shown a bright land of beauty and comfort, experiencing a sense of deep tranquility before returning to his body. After reviving he told his people about the good things in heaven and that God is kind. His subsequent teachings combined Christianity with indigenous elements and led to the founding of the Indian Shaker Church. The authority of his experience was considered superior to the Christian Bible because Squ-sacht-un was Native, living 1,800 years more recent than Jesus, and able to give testimony in person in the local language. Louis Yowaluch confirmed that Squ-sacht-un's experience was directly responsible for the foundation of the religion, stating they had never heard of such a thing as a man dying and bringing word that there was a God. | 6 | Unknown | 7 | 12 | 29 | Suggestive Evidence | 10 | Confirmed dead by all present, died twice during experience | Brought back specific Christian teachings, founded Indian Shaker Church | written_account | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 7/24/2025 | 3 | 1 | Saw own dead body | 0.00 | Louis Yowaluch (Church head), all present at death | Moderately Compatible | 9 | |||||||||
| 4566 | qualitative | journal | Shushan, Gregory. "The Sun told me I would be restored to life": Native American Near-Death Experiences. Journal of Near-Death Studies, 34(3), Spring 2016, pp. 135-136. Case: Wah-ker/Wakara | Journal of Near-Death Studies Vol. 34(3) pp. 135-136, 2016 | 1840 | 2016 | M | Around 1840, a Ute warrior named Wah-ker (or Wakara) died and his spirit went to heaven. He met the Lord sitting upon a throne dressed in white. Though he wanted to stay, the Lord told him that he must return to earth. The Lord gave Wah-ker a new name and prophetic information about the coming of white people who would be his friends, and that he must treat them kindly. Following his return, Wah-ker converted to Mormonism at one stage, though he alternated between respect for and hostility toward whites. The experience provided him with specific prophetic knowledge about future events and instructions for how to interact with the coming European settlers. His NDE was recorded by Mormon missionary and interpreter Dimick Huntington, who documented the spiritual encounter and its impact on Wah-ker's subsequent life and relationships with both his own people and the arriving white settlers. | 6 | Unknown | 5 | 8 | 13 | Weak Evidence | 0 | Death reported but no medical details provided | Received prophetic information about coming of white people | written_account | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 7/24/2025 | 2 | 0 | Saw the Lord on throne | 0.00 | Highly Compatible | 7 | ||||||||||
| 4567 | qualitative | journal | Horacek, Bruce J. "Amazing Grace: The Healing Effects of Near-Death Experiences on Those Dying and Grieving." Journal of Near-Death Studies 16, no. 2 (Winter 1997): 149-161. Sam Kinison, Case 1. | Journal of Near-Death Studies Vol. 16 No. 2 pp. 149-161 1997 | 1992 | 1992-04-11 | 1997 | M |
Sam Kinison, a comedian, was driving to a sold-out show in Laughlin, Nevada when two drunk teenagers crossed the center line and hit his car head-on. The collision fatally injured Kinison. Initially, he appeared okay after working his way free of the wreckage with cuts on his lips and forehead. His friend Carl LaBove held his bleeding head and witnessed something extraordinary in Kinison's final moments. As LaBove held him, Kinison first said "I don't want to die, I don't want to die." Then he paused, appearing to listen to a voice that others couldn't hear. Kinison then asked "But why?" as if having a conversation with someone invisible. According to LaBove, it seemed like Kinison was talking to somebody else, "talking upstairs." Then Kinison said "ok, ok, ok" - the last "ok" was described as soft and peaceful, as if whatever voice was talking to him gave the right answer and he relaxed with it. LaBove noted that Kinison said it sweetly, like he was talking to someone he loved. This nearing-death awareness experience gave Kinison apparent comfort and allowed him to die peacefully despite the traumatic circumstances. The experience also provided comfort to his friends who witnessed his peaceful transition. Shortly after this conversation with the unseen presence, Kinison died at the scene from severe head injuries sustained when he hit the windshield. |
5 | Other | 5 | 8 | 23 | Suggestive Evidence | 10 | Fatal car accident with severe head injuries documented | Witnessed conversation with unseen presence, apparent response to unheard voice | written_account | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 7/24/2025 | 1 | 1 | Conversation with unseen presence | 1.00 | Carl LaBove | Highly Compatible | 2 | ||||||||
| 4568 | qualitative | journal | Horacek, Bruce J. "Amazing Grace: The Healing Effects of Near-Death Experiences on Those Dying and Grieving." Journal of Near-Death Studies 16, no. 2 (Winter 1997): 149-161. Susan, Case 2. | Journal of Near-Death Studies Vol. 16 No. 2 pp. 149-161 1997 | 1989 | 1997 | 44 | F |
Susan, a 44-year-old woman, was dying of breast cancer that had been diagnosed in 1984. After a five-year battle with the disease, she was hospitalized in severe pain and taking multiple medications. During her final hospitalization, she became extremely depressed, clinging to her family while crying and sobbing "I don't want to die." The entire family was increasingly upset and struggled to communicate with her during this difficult time. Then one evening, Susan woke from a nap and described an extraordinary experience to her friend and family. She reported seeing and talking with her deceased uncle and a friend who had also died of breast cancer. Susan told everyone present that these deceased individuals were "waiting for her" and that she was now ready to die. Her entire persona transformed dramatically - witnesses described it as if a huge weight had been lifted from her shoulders. This nearing-death awareness experience completely changed Susan's approach to dying. Her acceptance allowed those around her to begin accepting her impending death as well. Susan spent her remaining time talking individually with family members and friends, sharing important thoughts and feelings. Her daughter commented that she felt fortunate her mother reached this peaceful state, enabling conversations that otherwise never would have occurred. Susan died peacefully in October 1989, surrounded by loved ones who had been given the gift of meaningful final exchanges through her transformation from fear to acceptance. |
5 | Hospital | 7 | 10 | 29 | Suggestive Evidence | 12 | Terminal breast cancer in hospital setting with progressive decline | Clear visions of specific deceased individuals who were waiting for her | written_account | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 7/24/2025 | 1 | 1 | Saw deceased uncle and friend | 1.00 | Family members and healthcare friend | Highly Compatible | 3 | ||||||||
| 4569 | qualitative | journal | Horacek, Bruce J. "Amazing Grace: The Healing Effects of Near-Death Experiences on Those Dying and Grieving." Journal of Near-Death Studies 16, no. 2 (Winter 1997): 149-161. Geri, Case 3. | Journal of Near-Death Studies Vol. 16 No. 2 pp. 149-161 1997 | 1997 | 15 | F |
Geri experienced a near-death experience at age 15 following surgery when she had a severe allergic reaction to drugs and nearly died. During the medical crisis, she left her body and floated toward the ceiling, where she could see and hear everything that was being said by the medical team trying to revive her. From this elevated perspective, she observed the resuscitation efforts being performed on her physical body below. While her physical body had been experiencing great pain, she felt only joy and peace as she floated above. She reported that she didn't make it to the tunnel that many NDErs describe, but she did "feel" the light - experiencing its presence without fully entering it. The contrast between her body's pain and her consciousness's peace was striking and memorable. Eventually she returned to her body and experienced severe depression for three days afterward, struggling to adjust to being back in physical form. Upon reflection on this experience, Geri came to realize that there is a reason for everything, even physical suffering. Prior to her NDE, she had struggled to accept that God could allow great suffering in the world, but the experience gave her a new perspective on the meaning of pain and difficulty. This NDE profoundly impacted Geri's life and worldview. Years later, she was able to use her experience to help her first husband through his dying process from cancer, providing comfort through sharing her knowledge that death is not final. |
5 | Hospital | 8 | 12 | 28 | Suggestive Evidence | 8 | Life-threatening allergic reaction to drugs following surgery, resuscitation required | Out-of-body observation of resuscitation efforts, seeing and hearing medical team | written_account | 0.00 | 0.00 | 1.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 1.00 | 7/24/2025 | 2 | 0 | Observed resuscitation from ceiling | 0.00 | Highly Compatible | 6 | ||||||||||
| 4570 | qualitative | journal | Horacek, Bruce J. "Amazing Grace: The Healing Effects of Near-Death Experiences on Those Dying and Grieving." Journal of Near-Death Studies 16, no. 2 (Winter 1997): 149-161. Geri's Husband, Case 4. | Journal of Near-Death Studies Vol. 16 No. 2 pp. 149-161 1997 | 1997 | 33 | M |
Geri's first husband was diagnosed with cancer at age 33 and given approximately six months to live, though he survived for three and a half years. He chose to die at home with Geri's support. On his final day, he demonstrated remarkable awareness of his approaching death, stating that he would die in two hours. This prediction initiated a series of extraordinary visions that Geri witnessed directly. He first described seeing somebody standing at his bedside - a soldier holding a yellow flower. As time progressed, more of these soldiers appeared to him. Later in the morning, he asked Geri to turn off the light because it was so bright, but she informed him that the ceiling light was not on. The brightness he perceived was not from any physical source in the room. As his predicted time approached, he calmly announced "the soldiers are back," indicating the return of his earlier visitors. Then, with complete peace, he said "goodbye" and died very peacefully at the time he had foreseen. The appearance of these military figures with flowers, combined with the perception of supernatural light, provided him comfort in his final hours. Geri's previous near-death experience had prepared her to support her husband through his three-and-half-year illness and to understand the significance of his deathbed visions. Her husband found comfort in her sharing her NDE knowledge, and his own nearing-death awareness helped both him and Geri face his passing with peace rather than fear. |
5 | Home | 6 | 12 | 28 | Suggestive Evidence | 10 | Terminal cancer, dying at home, accurate prediction of death time | Specific visions of soldiers with flowers, perception of bright light not physically present | written_account | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 7/24/2025 | 2 | 1 | Saw soldiers with yellow flowers | 1.00 | Geri (wife) | Highly Compatible | 4 | |||||||||
| 4571 | qualitative | journal | Horacek, Bruce J. "Amazing Grace: The Healing Effects of Near-Death Experiences on Those Dying and Grieving." Journal of Near-Death Studies 16, no. 2 (Winter 1997): 149-161. Mark Nims, Case 5. | Journal of Near-Death Studies Vol. 16 No. 2 pp. 149-161 1997 | 1989 | 1989-01-09 | 1997 | 18 | M |
Mark Nims, an 18-year-old with cystic fibrosis, died at Children's Hospital in Boston on January 9, 1989. About seven hours before his death, he had a profound nearing-death awareness experience that he shared in detail with his parents, Nancy and Bob. Mark described leaving his body and traveling to "another plane of existence," where he experienced extraordinary spiritual realities. During this experience, Mark met beings he called "the masters" who told and showed him many things. He was surrounded by bright lights and found himself in a realm of incredible beauty. He told his mother Nancy that she would "pee in her pants if she knew where he had been," emphasizing the overwhelming nature of what he witnessed. Mark stated that his suffering was over and that there is no suffering in the place he visited and where he would soon return permanently. Mark had no fear of dying because he had already been to "the other side." He described many specific things he had seen and heard during his experience, knowledge he had gained, and repeatedly emphasized that it is "so, so beautiful there." He assured his parents he would soon return to that state when he died. Shortly after sharing this detailed account, Mark had another nearing-death awareness experience in which he talked with Nancy's mother, who had died less than a year before. A few hours later, he died peacefully. His parents later shared their story at conferences and on television to help other grieving parents, feeling that Mark had "sent" them to share this message of hope. |
5 | Hospital | 8 | 15 | 35 | Moderate Evidence | 12 | Terminal cystic fibrosis in hospital setting, died within hours | Detailed otherworldly journey, meeting spiritual masters, communication with deceased grandmother | written_account | 0.00 | 1.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 7/24/2025 | 3 | 1 | Saw another plane of existence | 1.00 | Nancy and Bob Nims (parents) | Moderately Compatible | 7 | |||||||
| 4572 | qualitative | journal | Horacek, Bruce J. "Amazing Grace: The Healing Effects of Near-Death Experiences on Those Dying and Grieving." Journal of Near-Death Studies 16, no. 2 (Winter 1997): 149-161. Laura, Case 6. | Journal of Near-Death Studies Vol. 16 No. 2 pp. 149-161 1997 | 1982 | 1997 | 29 | F |
Laura had a near-death experience in 1982 at age 29 while at a dentist's office in the Pacific Northwest. She suffered an allergic reaction to an anesthetic, which triggered a profound spiritual journey. Initially, she floated toward the ceiling and watched the frantic efforts of the dentist working on her physical body still in the chair. Despite the emergency situation, she felt no fear or panic - in fact, she felt great. Laura then moved through a tunnel, being pulled through at great speed. While in this tunnel, she encountered her mother who had died when Laura was only 13 years old. For sixteen years since her mother's death, not a week had passed without Laura wishing she could talk with her mother about things left unsaid. Her mother, who had not been whole, healthy, or beautiful when she died, now appeared vibrant, healthy, and beautiful in the tunnel. They communicated telepathically, finishing the unfinished business between them. For the first time since her mother's death, Laura was able to "let go" of her anxiety and feel at peace. She then came into the presence of "the Light," which emanated a forgiving love. Though she was told she must return to her physical body and protested, she felt herself "whooshing" back. This experience profoundly healed Laura's long-standing grief over her mother's death. The resolution of their unfinished business and the peace she found transformed her life. She has since undergone many life changes, including sharing her NDE with dying patients to help them face death without fear. |
5 | Other | 9 | 18 | 35 | Moderate Evidence | 8 | Life-threatening allergic reaction to anesthetic requiring emergency intervention | Out-of-body observation of dentist, tunnel experience, detailed encounter with deceased mother | written_account | 0.00 | 0.00 | 1.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 7/24/2025 | 3 | 0 | Observed dentist from ceiling | 0.00 | Highly Compatible | 7 | |||||||||
| 4573 | qualitative | journal | Smit, Rudolf H., "Corroboration of the Dentures Anecdote Involving Veridical Perception in a Near-Death Experience," Journal of Near-Death Studies, 27(1), Fall 2008, pp. 47-61. Patient B., Case 1 | Journal of Near-Death Studies, Volume 27, Number 1, Pages 47-61, 2008 | 1979 | 2008 | 44 | M |
A 44-year-old man was found comatose in a meadow near Ooy, Netherlands, after suffering a massive heart attack. He had been lying there for an extended period and was hypothermic when found. Upon arrival at the hospital, he showed no vital signs - no pulse, no breathing, no blood pressure, and was "cold as ice" with post-mortem lividity. During resuscitation procedures, nurse T.G. removed the patient's dentures and placed them on a wooden sliding shelf of the crash cart before intubation. The patient remained in deep coma throughout the resuscitation, showing no pupillary reflexes and keeping his eyes closed except during pupil checks. After intensive CPR including manual and machine heart massage, five defibrillation episodes, and over an hour of effort, the team achieved minimal heart rhythm and blood pressure. The patient was transferred to the ICU where he remained on artificial respiration for over a week. When the patient finally recovered consciousness and was moved to the cardiac ward, he immediately recognized nurse T.G. and said "You know where my dentures are!" He accurately described how the nurse had removed his dentures and placed them on the crash cart with "all these bottles on it and there was this sliding drawer underneath." The patient reported experiencing an out-of-body perspective, floating above and watching from a corner of the room. He could describe the small resuscitation room in detail, including the wash basin, mirror, and metal cabinet locations, despite having never been in that hospital before. During his experience, the patient felt the physical pain of the heart massage while simultaneously observing from above. He wanted to tell the team he was alive and to stop the painful compressions, but later when they considered stopping, he desperately wanted them to continue. After four weeks, he was discharged as a healthy man, though he appeared as a "cardiac cripple" at follow-up and died a few years later. |
1 | Hospital | 15 | 15 | 45 | Moderate Evidence | 15 | Documented cardiac arrest with no vital signs, post-mortem lividity present, hypothermic, extensive resuscitation required | Patient accurately described dentures placement on unique crash cart while clinically dead, described room layout never seen before | written_account | 0.00 | 1.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | Eyes closed throughout except for pupil checks | 7/24/2025 | 3 | 1 | Saw nurse remove dentures and place them on crash cart | 1.00 | Nurse T.G. | Highly Compatible | 6 | |||||||
| 4574 | qualitative | journal | Shushan, Gregory, "My heart sang within me, and I was glad to be dead": The Reception of Near-Death Experiences Across the Cultures of Oceania, Journal of Near-Death Studies, 36(3), Spring 2018, pp. 135-160. Kalima (Kona, Hawaii), Case 2 | Journal of Near-Death Studies, Volume 36, Number 3, Pages 138-139, 2018 | 1892 | 2018 | F |
Kalima, a woman from Kona, Hawaii, died during her funeral as family and friends mourned near her "rigid form and ashen face." She suddenly breathed and opened her eyes, then recounted her remarkable experience. She described leaving her body and standing beside it, looking down at her dead form. The "me" that was standing looked like her body but was alive while the body was dead. She left the house and village, walking to the next village where she found crowds of people, much larger than any earthly village with many houses and people of all ages. Some she knew and recognized as deceased, though it seemed strange since she knew they were dead. Nearly all were strangers, but everyone was extraordinarily happy with joy in every face and bright, loving words on every tongue. Kalima continued through more villages, meeting people she had known in life. She felt so full of joy that her "heart sang within me, and I was glad to be dead." Feeling happier every minute, she proceeded to a large village near Pele's volcano, which was a barren area in earthly reality. There she was greeted cheerfully but told "You must go back to your body. You are not to die yet." She begged and prayed to stay but was told if she didn't go willingly, they would make her go. She wept and resisted but was ultimately forced to return the way she came. The people in the villages turned against her and drove her back to her lifeless body. She looked at it with hatred, finding it a "horrid, loathsome thing" compared to the beautiful, happy creatures she had seen. She refused to re-enter, so the spirits pushed her "head foremost into the big toe." Her body came to life and she opened her eyes. She never varied her account and never ceased to regret coming back to her body. |
6 | Home | 2 | 5 | 10 | Weak Evidence | 3 | Death occurred at funeral with witnesses present but no medical details | Observed villages of deceased people, joyful atmosphere, forced return | written_account | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 7/24/2025 | 2 | 1 | Saw her own body from outside perspective | 0.00 | Family and friends at funeral | Highly Compatible | 7 | |||||||||
| 4575 | qualitative | journal | Shushan, Gregory, "My heart sang within me, and I was glad to be dead": The Reception of Near-Death Experiences Across the Cultures of Oceania, Journal of Near-Death Studies, 36(3), Spring 2018, pp. 135-160. Ka-ilio-hae (Maui, Hawaii), Case 3 | Journal of Near-Death Studies, Volume 36, Number 3, Page 139, 2018 | 2018 | M |
Ka-ilio-hae from Maui died from an illness but revived and told his family about his wonderful journey to the land of ghosts. His soul left his body through his left eye, and looking back, the body appeared like a great mountain with eyes like dark caves. Suddenly afraid, he went to the rooftop but was disturbed by the sound of people mourning him, so he flew away towards the spirit world. His deceased sister met him at the entrance and took him to her house but warned him not to enter or eat anything if he hoped to return to Earth. They proceeded to "the place of whirlwinds" - a hill where spirits danced and played - then to meet Walia, "the high chief of ghosts." Ka-ilio-hae had to successfully clear obstacles intended to test one's religious knowledge and devotion before finally meeting Walia. Ka-ilio-hae told Walia the history of his people and was then informed that he must "go back and enter his body and tell his people about troubles near at hand," or else be thrown to Milu (the underworld deity). A beautiful woman gave him directions home, and although he was reluctant to leave, his sister forced him, for she had "the power of sometimes turning a ghost back to its body again." When he returned and saw his body, he felt "very much afraid" and was repulsed by the smell. He tried to escape, but his sister pushed him in through the foot. This experience served as a warning message for his people about coming troubles. |
5 | Home | 2 | 10 | 15 | Suggestive Evidence | 3 | Died from illness and revived, witnessed by family | Detailed otherworld journey, met deceased sister, received prophetic message from Walia | written_account | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 7/24/2025 | 2 | 1 | Soul left through left eye and saw body | 0.00 | Family members | Low Compatibility | 7 | ||||||||||
| 4576 | qualitative | journal | Shushan, Gregory, "My heart sang within me, and I was glad to be dead": The Reception of Near-Death Experiences Across the Cultures of Oceania, Journal of Near-Death Studies, 36(3), Spring 2018, pp. 135-160. Te Atarahi (Maori, New Zealand), Case 4 | Journal of Near-Death Studies, Volume 36, Number 3, Page 144, 2018 | 2018 | M |
Te Atarahi died and traveled to Reigna (the Maori underworld) where he met deceased relatives who told him not to eat anything. This NDE was reported by various scholars and missionaries including Shortland (1882), Taylor (1855), and Tregear (1890), demonstrating consistency over time and lasting local significance. Te Atarahi's soul journeyed to the spirit world where he encountered his deceased family members. They instructed him specifically not to consume any food if he wished to return to the world of the living - a common motif in Maori afterlife beliefs where eating spirit food would trap one permanently in the otherworld. After spending five days in Reigna, his relatives sent him back to Earth. Upon his return to his body, Te Atarahi was able to describe his visit to what he called a wonderful otherworld. His account became well-known in Maori culture and was cited by multiple researchers over decades, indicating its cultural importance and the consistency of the narrative. The multiple scholarly citations of this case across different time periods suggest it was considered a significant and authentic account within Maori tradition. The prohibition against eating in the spirit world aligns with widespread Polynesian beliefs about the danger of consuming food in the realm of the dead. |
6 | Unknown | 2 | 5 | 13 | Weak Evidence | 6 | Death and revival reported, cited by multiple scholars over time | Met deceased relatives in Reigna, warned not to eat, spent 5 days there | written_account | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 7/24/2025 | 2 | 1 | Met deceased relatives in Reigna | 0.00 | Shortland (1882), Taylor (1855), Tregear (1890) | Highly Compatible | 5 | ||||||||||
| 4577 | qualitative | journal | Shushan, Gregory, "My heart sang within me, and I was glad to be dead": The Reception of Near-Death Experiences Across the Cultures of Oceania, Journal of Near-Death Studies, 36(3), Spring 2018, pp. 135-160. Nga (Maori woman, 1960s), Case 5 | Journal of Near-Death Studies, Volume 36, Number 3, Page 145, 2018 | 1960 | 2018 | F |
In the early 1960s, a Maori woman named Nga revived as her body was being taken for burial. She described a remarkable out-of-body experience in which her soul hovered above her head before exiting the room and proceeding to Te Rerenga Wairua, the sacred departure point for spirits in Maori tradition. Upon arriving at Te Rerenga Wairua, she bathed in a spiritual spring and then prepared to slide down to the underworld on a root of a tree, following the traditional path of deceased souls. However, just as she was about to descend, a voice stopped her and asked her identity and her purpose there. She replied that she sought her "old people" (deceased ancestors). The voice responded with a clear message: "They don't want you yet. Eat nothing and go back where you came from until they are ready. Then I shall send for you." The instruction not to eat anything echoes the common Maori belief that consuming food in the spirit world would prevent return to life. Nga obeyed the voice and returned to her body. This experience occurred during a time when she was being prepared for burial, indicating she had been considered dead for some time. The specific cultural elements - Te Rerenga Wairua, the root descent, the bathing in a sacred spring - are all consistent with traditional Maori afterlife beliefs, while the divine intervention preventing her final journey suggests her time had not yet come. |
6 | Unknown | 5 | 8 | 16 | Suggestive Evidence | 3 | Death apparent as body being prepared for burial | OBE, journey to Te Rerenga Wairua, voice intervention, traditional Maori elements | written_account | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 7/24/2025 | 2 | 1 | Out-of-body experience with soul hovering | 0.00 | Those preparing body for burial | Highly Compatible | 7 | |||||||||
| 4578 | qualitative | book | Sabom, Michael B. Recollections of Death: A Medical Investigation. New York: Harper and Row, 1982. Cardiac Surgery Patient, Case 1 | Recollections of Death: A Medical Investigation, Harper and Row, 1982 | 1982 | M |
A man underwent open-heart surgery and experienced an extraordinary out-of-body experience during the procedure. While his physical body remained on the operating table, he found himself observing the entire surgical procedure from a vantage point near the ceiling of the operating room. From this elevated perspective, he could see his own body below and observe the surgical team working on him with remarkable clarity. During his out-of-body state, the patient made several specific and verifiable observations about the surgical environment and procedures. He noted with vivid detail and color various aspects of the operating room that he could not have seen from his position on the table. His observations included specific details about the surgical team's attire and equipment. He observed that all members of the surgical team were wearing green tie-on coverings over their feet, with one notable exception - one physician whose blood-splattered white leather shoes were clearly visible beneath the surgical drapes. This detail was particularly striking as it would have been impossible to observe from the patient's physical position. The patient also made an unusual observation about one of the doctors present in the operating room. Despite the surgeon wearing surgical gloves, the patient noticed that this doctor had what he described as a "bad little finger." Upon later verification, it was confirmed that this doctor indeed had a blood clot under the nail of that finger, which was visible as a dark discoloration beneath the surgical glove - a detail that would have been nearly impossible to notice under normal circumstances. After the surgery, when the patient recovered and shared his experience, the medical staff was able to verify the accuracy of his observations. The specific details about the footwear, including the one physician with the visible white leather shoes that had become blood-splattered during the procedure, were confirmed. The observation about the doctor's finger injury was also verified, adding significant credibility to the patient's account of having genuinely perceived the operating room from an out-of-body perspective during his surgery. |
1 | Hospital | 15 | 15 | 45 | Moderate Evidence | 15 | Open-heart surgery with full cardiac monitoring, documented medical setting with surgical team present | Multiple specific verifiable observations including surgical team footwear details and physician's finger injury that could not be seen from patient position | written_account | 0.00 | 1.00 | 1.00 | 1.00 | 0.00 | 1.00 | 7/24/2025 | 3 | 1 | Observed surgical team footwear | 1.00 | Surgical team members | Highly Compatible | 4 | ||||||||||
| 4579 | qualitative | journal | Tassell-Matamua, Natasha. "Phenomenology of Near-Death Experiences: An Analysis of a Māori Case Study." Journal of Near-Death Studies 32, no. 2 (Winter 2013): 107-117. Case: Nga (pseudonym) | Journal of Near-Death Studies Vol. 32 No. 2 Winter 2013 | 1960 | 2013 | F |
Nga, an indigenous Māori woman, became seriously ill for the only time in her life in the early 1960s. Her illness was severe enough that her breathing stopped and her family believed she had died. They took her body to the marae (traditional gathering place) and began preparing for her tangi (funeral). During this time, Nga reported that her spirit left her body and she experienced a profound near-death experience deeply rooted in Māori spiritual beliefs. She described hovering over her head initially, then leaving the room and traveling northwards toward Te Hiku-o-te-Ika, the "Tail of the Fish" - the northernmost part of New Zealand's North Island in Māori mythology. Her spirit journey took her over specific tribal regions in the exact geographical sequence one would travel northward: passing over the Waikato River, across Manukau, over the territories of Ngāti Whatua, Ngāpuhi, Te Rarawa, and Te Aupouri tribes, until she reached Te Rerenga Wairua, the sacred Leaping-Off Place of Spirits. At Te Rerenga Wairua, Nga cleansed herself in the weeping spring (likely Te Waiora ā Tāne), then descended to a ledge where Te Aka hung - the ancient pohutukawa root that spirits use to descend to the underworld. She crouched at the entrance to Maurianuku, the gateway to the underworld covered by seaweed. She began a kāranga (traditional call) to announce her arrival to her tūpuna (ancestors), preparing to grasp the root and enter. However, a voice stopped her - it was Mahuta (likely Tāne Māhuta, god of the forest). He questioned her, and when she said she had come to be with her ancestors, Mahuta told her "They are not here. They do not want you yet. Eat nothing and go back where you came from until they are ready." Following this directive, Nga did not complete the descent. Instead, she rose and returned to her body, passing back over all the places she had seen on her outward journey. When she breathed again and sat up, her family and those assembled for the tangi were amazed. She lived on, believing the spirits of her ancestors would not claim her until they were ready. This experience demonstrates remarkable consistency with traditional Māori beliefs about the soul's journey after death. |
5 | Home | 5 | 10 | 25 | Suggestive Evidence | 10 | Serious illness with breathing cessation witnessed by family | Detailed journey over specific geographic locations in correct sequence, culturally specific elements | written_account | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 7/24/2025 | 3 | 1 | Out-of-body experience - hovering over own body | 1.00 | Family members at marae | Low Compatibility | 8 | |||||||||
| 4580 | qualitative | journal | Kason, Yvonne. "Near-Death Experiences and Kundalini Awakening: Exploring the Link." Journal of Near-Death Studies, 12(3) Spring 1994, pp. 143-157. Case: Yvonne Kason, 1 | Journal of Near-Death Studies, Volume 12, Number 3, Pages 143-157, 1994 | 1979 | 1979-03-27 | 1994 | F |
On March 27, 1979, Dr. Yvonne Kason was a medical resident accompanying a critically ill patient on a medical evacuation flight from Sioux Lookout to Winnipeg. The twin-engine aircraft developed mechanical problems when air filters froze, causing it to crash-land on a semi-frozen lake and sink through the ice into 200 feet of water. Kason escaped the sinking plane and swam approximately 100 yards through icy water with a strong current to reach shore, becoming profoundly hypothermic. During the crash and swim, Kason experienced an extraordinary altered state of consciousness. Initially overwhelmed by fear, she suddenly heard comforting Bible verses in her mind and felt an intense peace, sensing God's presence. While swimming, she heard an inner voice directing her to shore. Her consciousness then lifted out of her body, observing from about 15 feet above as her body struggled through the water. She felt enveloped by a loving force, surrounded by light, and experienced the most ecstatic, blissful emotion of her life. She sensed being lovingly embraced by the intelligent power behind the universe. At the hospital, still hypothermic with body temperature below thermometer readings, her consciousness remained partially separated from her body. When she suggested a hot bath, which proved medically appropriate for treating hypothermia, she was placed in a hot whirlpool. At that moment, her consciousness forcefully re-entered her body through the top of her head, like a genie being sucked back into a bottle. She then knew she would survive. The experience left lasting transformative effects including absolute conviction in God's reality, complete loss of fear of death, and development of psychic abilities beginning one month later. She experienced spontaneous healing of childhood traumas and increased clarity of perception. |
5 | Other | 8 | 12 | 28 | Suggestive Evidence | 8 | Life-threatening hypothermia and near-drowning documented, profoundly hypothermic with body temperature below thermometer reading | Accurate perception of events while out of body, knowledge of appropriate medical treatment while consciousness separated | written_account | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | Hypothermia, near-drowning | 7/24/2025 | 3 | 2 | Out-of-body view of swimming body | 1.00 | Hospital staff | Moderately Compatible | 7 | |||||||
| 4581 | qualitative | journal | Joyce, Elizabeth. "Jeffrey: A Car Accident." The Journal of Religion and Psychical Research, Case Report. Elizabeth Joyce, 2 | The Journal of Religion and Psychical Research, Pages 212-223 | 1979 | 1979-11-30 | F |
On November 30, 1979, Elizabeth Joyce was driving her 14-year-old son Jeffrey to a party when a drunk driver crashed into their car with tremendous force. The BMW's engine was pushed into their passenger door. Joyce held her son protectively as both hit the windshield area, with Jeffrey's head hitting the rearview mirror and Joyce's left side of head hitting the windshield. In the ambulance, Joyce's heart stopped and she experienced a profound near-death experience. Joyce first felt herself floating upward and found herself outside her body, rushing to the house to alert others about the accident. She discovered she was speaking telepathically and that people could not see or hear her. She watched from a distance as emergency personnel worked on her body. In the ambulance, when her heart stopped, she began floating upward through a tunnel toward a bright light, feeling relief as pain and fear lifted away. She experienced weightlessness and transparency, struggling with profound questions about existence and the nature of reality. She encountered two forms of light that appeared to be escorts - one silver-blue and one orange-red. Within these lights, she recognized her deceased husband Joe and stepson Ronnie, who had died the year before. They communicated telepathically, telling her she must go back because it wasn't her time. They said there was work she still had to do, that she must write, and there were things waiting for her to learn and discover. Behind them was a brilliant yellow light emanating immense love and drawing her forward. Joyce was repeatedly pulled back to her body when her son called to her and held her hand. Her heart stopped multiple times during the ambulance ride. The experience left her with renewed faith, absolute certainty about God's reality, and a sense of having been given a "golden key" of knowledge. She spent ten days hospitalized with severe concussion affecting her left frontal lobe. |
2 | Ambulance | 7 | 15 | 32 | Moderate Evidence | 10 | Multiple cardiac arrests documented in ambulance, severe head trauma with concussion | Multiple veridical observations including telepathic attempt to communicate, seeing deceased relatives, out-of-body perceptions | written_account | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 7/24/2025 | 4 | 1 | Telepathic communication attempt | 1.00 | Ambulance EMTs | Highly Compatible | 8 | |||||||||
| 4582 | qualitative | journal | Kellehear, Allan. "An Hawaiian Near-Death Experience." Journal of Near-Death Studies 20, no. 1 (Fall 2001): 31-35. Originally from: Thrum, Thomas G. Hawaiian Folk Tales: A Collection of Native Legends. Chicago: A.C. McClurg, 1907. Case: Kalima | Journal of Near-Death Studies Vol. 20 No. 1 pp. 31-35 2001 | 1900 | 2001 | F |
Kalima, a woman from Kona, Hawaii, had been seriously ill for many weeks before she appeared to die. Her family prepared her for burial and laid her beside her grave for funeral rites when she unexpectedly sighed and opened her eyes, returning to life after several days of recovery. During her apparent death, Kalima experienced leaving her body and observing it from outside, recognizing herself as alive while her physical form appeared dead. She then began an involuntary journey, walking from village to village across Hawaii, encountering thousands of people in what she knew as small settlements. All the people she met were joyous and happy, and she recognized many as deceased individuals she had known in life. The atmosphere was one of complete happiness, with no troubles or cares evident among the inhabitants. Kalima felt compelled to continue walking toward Pele's Pit, the traditional volcano site where souls of the dead were believed to leap into the afterlife. Despite wanting to stop and stay with the happy crowds, she could not resist the pull toward the volcano. Upon reaching her destination, she was intercepted by a small group who told her she must return to her body as it was not yet her time to die. Despite her protests and desire to remain, Kalima was forcibly driven back along the sixty-mile journey she had traveled. The previously welcoming people now helped drive her back when they saw she was not permitted to stay. She was beaten and pushed until she reached her body and re-entered it, subsequently recovering with some regret at having to return. |
6 | Unknown | 2 | 5 | 7 | Weak Evidence | 0 | Historical account from early 1900s with minimal medical details. Illness and apparent death described but no specific medical documentation available. | No specific veridical observations reported. Experience consists of otherworldly journey and meeting deceased beings without verifiable earthly observations. | written_account | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 7/24/2025 | 0 | 0 | Low Compatibility | 6 | ||||||||||||
| 4583 | qualitative | journal | Kellehear, Allan. "An Hawaiian Near-Death Experience." Journal of Near-Death Studies 20, no. 1 (Fall 2001): 31-35. Kalima, Case 1. | Journal of Near-Death Studies Vol. 20 No. 1 Pages 31-35 2001 | 1900 | 2001 | F |
Kalima, a woman from Kona, Hawaii, experienced a profound near-death experience in the early 1900s after suffering from a severe illness for many weeks. Her apparent death was so convincing that her family and friends prepared her grave and laid her beside it for funeral rites. During these preparations, she unexpectedly sighed and opened her eyes, surprising everyone present. After recovering her strength over several days, Kalima described leaving her body and observing it from above, noting that her conscious self appeared identical to her physical form but was alive while the body appeared dead. She then walked away from her house and village, traveling to neighboring villages where she encountered thousands of people, many of whom she recognized as deceased. These beings appeared extraordinarily happy, without care or trouble, filled with joy and loving words. She felt no fatigue as she traveled from village to village, drawn uncontrollably toward Pele's Pit, the volcano. Each place she visited was vastly larger than in physical reality, with hundreds of houses and thousands of inhabitants instead of the small villages she knew. Upon reaching the volcano, a small group of people stopped her and insisted she must return to her body, stating she was not meant to die yet. Despite her strong desire to remain with them, they threatened to force her return if she did not go willingly. She was then driven back over the sixty-mile journey, weeping as the previously joyous people now helped drive her away once they learned she was not permitted to stay. Eventually forced back into her body, Kalima made her recovery with considerable regret about having to return. Her experience included classic NDE elements such as out-of-body perception, encountering deceased individuals, experiencing otherworldly realms of joy, and being told to return against her wishes. The account notably lacks any tunnel sensation or life review, consistent with other Pacific area NDEs. |
5 | Home | 7 | 15 | 35 | Moderate Evidence | 13 | Prolonged illness leading to apparent death convincing enough for funeral preparations. No medical monitoring but clear life-threatening condition witnessed by multiple family members. | Clear out-of-body experience with specific observations of leaving body, traveling through multiple villages, encountering deceased individuals, and journey to volcano. Detailed perceptions of expanded villages and thousands of people. | Family members witnessed apparent death and unexpected revival. Multiple witnesses present during funeral preparations who observed her return to consciousness. | Account predates modern NDE research (early 1900s), reducing possibility of cultural contamination. Consistent with other Pacific NDEs lacking tunnel/life review elements. | written_account | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | Allan Kellehear | 2,001.00 | 7/24/2025 | 3 | 1 | Out-of-body observation of own apparently dead body | 0.00 | Family and friends | Highly Compatible | 7 | |||||
| 4584 | qualitative | journal | Mays, Robert G. and Suzanne B. Mays. "The Phenomenology of the Self-Conscious Mind." Al Sullivan Case. Journal of Near-Death Studies, 27(1), 17, 2008 | Journal of Near-Death Studies Vol. 27 Pages 17 2008 | 2008 | 56 | M |
Al Sullivan, 56 years old, underwent emergency coronary bypass surgery and experienced an out-of-body experience during the procedure. While unconscious under general anesthesia, Sullivan felt himself leave his body and was able to look down from above the operating table. From this elevated perspective, he observed his surgeon performing an unusual motion with his arms - "flapping his elbows" as if trying to fly. This peculiar movement puzzled Sullivan as he watched the surgical team working on his body below. The specific observation involved the surgeon's distinctive habit of pointing with his elbows to avoid touching the sterile operating field. Sullivan noticed this repeated elbow-flapping motion throughout the procedure, which appeared almost comical from his out-of-body vantage point. The surgeon would raise his arms and use his elbows to indicate directions or point to specific areas, keeping his gloved hands away from any non-sterile surfaces. Upon regaining consciousness after the surgery, Sullivan immediately related his observation to another physician on staff. He described the unusual elbow-flapping behavior he had witnessed during his out-of-body experience. The physician confirmed that the surgeon indeed had this peculiar habit during operations. Nine years later, researchers followed up and the surgeon himself confirmed that it was his regular habit to point with his elbows during surgery to maintain sterile technique. This verification provided strong evidence for the veridical nature of Sullivan's out-of-body perception during his near-death experience. |
3 | Hospital | 7 | 12 | 34 | Moderate Evidence | 15 | Emergency coronary bypass surgery under general anesthesia with monitoring | Specific unusual observation of surgeon's elbow-flapping habit verified by multiple sources | written_account | 0.00 | 1.00 | 1.00 | 1.00 | 0.00 | 1.00 | 7/24/2025 | 1 | 1 | Observed surgeon flapping elbows during surgery | 1.00 | Another physician, surgeon | Highly Compatible | 4 | |||||||||
| 4585 | qualitative | journal | Mays, Robert G. and Suzanne B. Mays. "The Phenomenology of the Self-Conscious Mind." 60-Year-Old Patient Case. Journal of Near-Death Studies, 27(1), 17, 2008 | Journal of Near-Death Studies Vol. 27 Pages 17 2008 | 2008 | 60 | M |
A 60-year-old man recovering from surgery experienced a medical crisis when asked by a physiotherapist to get up and sit in a chair. Within five minutes of attempting this movement, the patient's blood pressure dropped precipitously and his condition rapidly deteriorated. He experienced a brief episode of cardiac arrhythmia that reverted spontaneously, though he was immediately put back in bed and became deeply unconscious. The medical team worked urgently to stabilize his condition while the physiotherapist, who was concerned that she had caused the episode, anxiously monitored the situation. During this period of deep unconsciousness, the patient experienced himself floating out of his body. From this out-of-body perspective, he could clearly see the doctor and nurses working on his physical form below. He observed the medical team's efforts to stabilize him and noted their professional urgency. Most remarkably, he observed the physiotherapist who appeared extremely nervous about having potentially triggered his medical crisis. The specific veridical observation involved seeing the physiotherapist repeatedly hiding behind the bedside curtains and nervously poking her head around from time to time to check on him. This anxious behavior continued throughout his out-of-body experience as she remained concerned about her role in precipitating his condition. The physiotherapist would peek around the curtain, observe briefly, then withdraw behind it again in a pattern of nervous checking. Upon recovering consciousness, the patient immediately reported his out-of-body experience to the medical staff. He described seeing the doctor and nurses working on him and specifically mentioned observing the nervous-looking physiotherapist hiding behind the curtains and repeatedly poking her head around to check on his condition. These perceptions were directly corroborated by Penny Sartori, who was present during the entire procedure. |
5 | Hospital | 5 | 10 | 25 | Suggestive Evidence | 10 | Blood pressure drop with brief cardiac arrhythmia and deep unconsciousness | Specific observation of physiotherapist's nervous behavior behind curtain verified | written_account | 0.00 | 1.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 7/24/2025 | 1 | 1 | Saw physiotherapist hiding behind curtains | 1.00 | Penny Sartori | Highly Compatible | 4 | |||||||||
| 4586 | qualitative | journal | Mays, Robert G. and Suzanne B. Mays. "The Phenomenology of the Self-Conscious Mind." 5-Year-Old Meningitis Case. Journal of Near-Death Studies, 27(1), 34, 2008 | Journal of Near-Death Studies Vol. 27 Pages 34 2008 | 2008 | 5 | M |
A 5-year-old boy suffering from meningitis experienced a remarkable near-death experience during the acute phase of his illness. While in a critical condition from the severe brain infection, the child had an out-of-body experience with an unusual characteristic - he briefly "went into" his sister's head and experienced the world through her eyes. This merging experience represents a rare type of veridical perception where the experiencer's consciousness appeared to unite temporarily with another person's physical form. During the height of his illness, as his body fought the dangerous brain infection, the boy found himself separated from his physical form. In this out-of-body state, he experienced a unique phenomenon where his consciousness seemed to merge with that of his sister who was present nearby. For a brief period, he could see the world from her perspective, experiencing visual perception through her eyes rather than from his usual out-of-body vantage point floating above the scene. This type of "merging" experience, while rare in near-death experience accounts, suggests that consciousness during an NDE can interact with other living persons in unexpected ways. The boy was able to perceive the environment from his sister's physical location and visual perspective, seeing what she saw during that moment. This observation suggests a form of consciousness transfer or sharing that goes beyond typical out-of-body observations. The experience was brief but vivid for the young patient. After the merging episode, his consciousness returned to his own body as he recovered from the critical phase of the meningitis. The case is particularly notable given the young age of the experiencer and the specific nature of the consciousness merging phenomenon during a life-threatening brain infection. |
5 | Hospital | 5 | 8 | 16 | Suggestive Evidence | 3 | Life-threatening meningitis (brain infection) in young child | Unique merging experience with sister, seeing through her eyes | written_account | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 7/24/2025 | 1 | 0 | Saw world through sister's eyes | 0.00 | Highly Compatible | 5 | ||||||||||
| 4587 | qualitative | journal | Mays, Robert G. and Suzanne B. Mays. "The Phenomenology of the Self-Conscious Mind." 48-Year-Old Suicide Attempt Case. Journal of Near-Death Studies, 27(1), 34, 2008 | Journal of Near-Death Studies Vol. 27 Pages 34 2008 | 2008 | 48 | M |
A 48-year-old man who was despondent attempted suicide by hanging himself. During this life-threatening event, he experienced a remarkable near-death experience with out-of-body perception and an unusual form of communication with his wife that ultimately led to his rescue. After losing consciousness from the hanging, the man found himself outside his physical body, aware of his desperate situation but unable to interact with the physical world in conventional ways. In his out-of-body state, he desperately sought help from his wife who was elsewhere in the home. He attempted to call out to her and alert her to his critical condition, but she could not hear his cries despite his frantic efforts. Realizing that normal communication was impossible from his disembodied state, he attempted something extraordinary - he "went into" her body, merging his consciousness with hers temporarily. Through this merging, he was able to see and hear with her eyes and ears, experiencing the world from her physical perspective. When he made this consciousness contact with her, merging his awareness with hers, she suddenly exclaimed "Oh, my God!" This verbal exclamation indicated that she had received his desperate message on some level. Apparently understanding what was needed through this unusual form of communication, she immediately grabbed a knife and ran out to where the man was hanging. She cut him down just in time to save his life. This case demonstrates not only veridical out-of-body perception but also the apparent ability of consciousness during an NDE to merge with and influence another person's awareness, resulting in life-saving action. The wife's sudden knowledge of the emergency and her immediate response suggest successful communication through consciousness merging during the near-death state. |
5 | Home | 5 | 12 | 25 | Suggestive Evidence | 8 | Life-threatening hanging attempt with loss of consciousness | Consciousness merging with wife leading to rescue, wife's exclamation and immediate action | written_account | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 7/24/2025 | 1 | 1 | Merged with wife's consciousness and communicated danger | 1.00 | Wife | Highly Compatible | 5 | |||||||||
| 4588 | qualitative | journal | Dippong, Joseph. "Life After Death." Spiritual India and Kundalini, no. 1 (1977): 32-37. Joseph Dippong, Case 1. | Spiritual India and Kundalini, Vol. 1, Pages 32-37, 1977 | 1970 | 1977 | M |
In 1970, Joseph Dippong, a Canadian businessman, participated in an encounter group session with 17 other businessmen. During a heated discussion filled with hostility, one aggressive participant stared at Dippong and shouted "Let's kill him; let's kill him." What began as an apparent joke quickly turned deadly serious as a dozen or more people piled on top of Dippong on the floor. Initially meant as playful roughhousing to prove a point, the situation spiraled out of control. Dippong found himself completely deprived of oxygen, unable to communicate his distress through voice, hands, or any means as bodies pressed down on him from all sides. According to the seventeen witnesses present, Dippong's heart stopped beating and he had no apparent pulse. His lungs ceased functioning, and his body, which had turned almost black, lay motionless on the floor. He was declared clinically dead by those present. Chaos erupted in the room as participants realized their "joke" had become a catastrophe, filling them with terror and fear at what they had done. During his clinical death, Dippong experienced remarkable veridical perceptions. He became aware of beautiful colors - all the colors of the rainbow magnified in crystallized light, beaming with brilliance in every direction. He found himself in what seemed like a beautiful pasture with flowers, accompanied by the most beautiful, soothing music he had ever heard. He became aware of being in a tunnel, moving closer toward its end. In the far distance, he noticed two distinct circles. In the middle of one circle appeared a magnificent being that was neither man nor woman, yet both - the most beautiful figure Dippong had ever seen. Immense love poured from this being's eyes, and its face shone with an ever-radiant golden hue surrounded by glorious colors and beautiful white light. Upon his return to life, Dippong carried with him a profound awareness that persisted - that life is eternal and we never truly die. He understood that the physical body is merely a container for something far greater. The experience left him with an unshakeable feeling that life is omnipotent and omniscient, fundamentally transforming his understanding of existence. |
5 | Other | 7 | 10 | 27 | Suggestive Evidence | 10 | Life-threatening suffocation event with clinical death confirmed by 17 witnesses who observed cessation of heartbeat and pulse | Experienced tunnel, encountered specific being with detailed characteristics, beautiful colors and music during clinical death state | written_account | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 7/24/2025 | 3 | 1 | Saw beautiful colors and crystallized light | 0.00 | 17 encounter group participants | Moderately Compatible | 8 | |||||||||
| 4589 | qualitative | book | Atwater, P. M. H., and D. H. Morgan. The Complete Idiot's Guide to Near-Death Experiences. Indianapolis: Alpha Books, 2000. Anonymous Drowning Case. Pages 33-34. | The Complete Idiot's Guide to Near-Death Experiences, Pages 33-34, Copyright 2000 | 2000 | Unknown |
The experiencer was swimming with their sisters when they suddenly found themselves unable to reach the surface for air, feeling as if they had stepped into nothingness. After going down twice and coming up for a third time, they managed to yell for help before being pulled from the water. During this critical drowning event, the person experienced a profound near-death experience. The core of the experience involved watching a comprehensive life review that appeared like a filmstrip in a theatre setting. The experiencer sat cross-legged and observed specific instances where they had wronged their sisters. An angel hovered in mid-air to the upper left of the screen, presenting this review without judgment - instead, the experiencer judged and convicted themselves. This self-evaluation process was entirely internal, with the angel serving only as a facilitator of the review rather than as a judge. The experiencer initially felt sorrow at the thought of leaving family and sisters behind, but this emotion immediately transformed into an indescribable feeling of bliss. They received an inner assurance that their family would be fine without them. The overwhelming sense of peace and bliss that followed was beyond their ability to adequately describe in words. Following this near-death experience, the person reported a lifetime of unexplained happenings and a fundamentally altered outlook on life that differs from the norm. They describe seeing with their heart and having an intuitive knowing about things that cannot be explained through ordinary means. These lasting aftereffects have permanently changed their perception and understanding of reality. |
5 | Unknown | 2 | 5 | 7 | Weak Evidence | 0 | Drowning incident described as life-threatening (went down twice, yelled for help on third attempt) but no medical documentation or monitoring mentioned | Life review and angel encounter described but no specific veridical perceptions that could be independently verified | written_account | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 7/24/2025 | 2 | 0 | Life review shown like filmstrip in theatre | 0.00 | Moderately Compatible | 8 | |||||||||||
| 4590 | qualitative | journal | Pereira, Contzen and J. Shashi Kiran Reddy. "Near-Death Cases Desegregating Non-Locality/Disembodiment via Quantum Mediated Consciousness: An Extended Version of the Cell-Soul Pathway." Case 1: Kimberly Clark Patient. | Journal of Consciousness Exploration & Research, Vol. 7, Issue 11, pp. 951-968, 2016 | 2016 | F |
A woman was brought to the intensive care ward at Harbour View hospital suffering a massive heart attack. During resuscitation efforts by the medical team, her heart stopped for several minutes, rendering her clinically dead. The experience began with the patient finding herself at ceiling level, able to accurately observe her own resuscitation from a specific corner of the room. She could see the medical team working on her body below. During the out-of-body experience, she felt herself rise three stories above the ground level. From this elevated position outside the hospital, she observed a tennis shoe sitting on a window ledge. The shoe was dark blue and worn, with a distinctive scuff mark by the little toe area. She noted that the lace was positioned going under the shoe heel. She felt agitated during the experience because she wanted someone to retrieve the shoe. The most remarkable veridical observation was the tennis shoe itself. When Kimberly Clark searched for the shoe based on the patient's description, it was found on the opposite side of the hospital on a different floor, in a room with a window facing west. The shoe matched the exact description provided: dark blue color, worn appearance, with a scuff mark that was only visible from picking up the shoe. The details described could not have been seen from the ground or from anywhere inside the hospital, and this was the patient's first visit to this hospital. Upon resuscitation, the woman was able to recount her experience in detail to Kimberly Clark. The verification of the shoe's existence and its precise characteristics provided strong evidence for the veridical nature of her out-of-body perceptions during clinical death. |
2 | Hospital | 10 | 15 | 35 | Moderate Evidence | 10 | Documented cardiac arrest with clinical death for several minutes in intensive care setting | Highly specific observation of tennis shoe with multiple unique details (color, scuff location, lace position) found exactly as described in location impossible to see normally | written_account | 0.00 | 1.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 7/24/2025 | 2 | 1 | Observed own resuscitation from ceiling corner | 1.00 | Kimberly Clark | Highly Compatible | 4 | ||||||||||
| 4591 | qualitative | journal | Pereira, Contzen and J. Shashi Kiran Reddy. "Near-Death Cases Desegregating Non-Locality/Disembodiment via Quantum Mediated Consciousness: An Extended Version of the Cell-Soul Pathway." Case 2: Vicki Noratuk. | Journal of Consciousness Exploration & Research, Vol. 7, Issue 11, pp. 951-968, 2016 | 2016 | F |
Vicki Noratuk, blind from birth, was severely injured in a car crash that resulted in multiple traumatic injuries. She sustained a skull fracture, concussion, neck injury, back injury, and leg injury. Most critically, her heart stopped during emergency treatment, rendering her clinically dead for approximately four minutes. During this period of cardiac arrest, she experienced consciousness outside her physical body, with her back against the ceiling of the operating room, observing everything happening on the hospital table below. From this elevated perspective, she witnessed the medical team's resuscitation efforts with remarkable clarity. She heard one doctor comment that it was unfortunate she would now also be deaf along with being blind, as there was blood on her left ear drum. Another female doctor mentioned that even if she survived the coma, she would likely remain in a vegetative state. These auditory perceptions occurred while she was clinically dead and supposedly unable to process sensory information. The most extraordinary aspect of her experience was gaining visual perception for the first time in her life. Having been blind from birth, she had never experienced visual imagery, even in dreams. During the NDE, she could see her left hand and the ring on her finger. She observed her hair had been shortened and shaved for the medical procedures. She described experiencing different intensities of light, though she could not differentiate colors, having no prior reference for them. The visual experience initially frightened her as she could now perceive things beyond the reach of touch, which had always defined her sensory world. After resuscitation, Vicki returned to her world of darkness but retained vivid memories of her brief visual experience. Her ability to accurately describe visual details during clinical death, despite lifelong blindness, represents one of the most compelling cases of veridical perception in NDE research. |
5 | Hospital | 10 | 20 | 35 | Moderate Evidence | 5 | Documented cardiac arrest lasting 4 minutes following severe trauma, multiple injuries documented | Blind person gaining sight during NDE, specific visual observations of ring, hand, shaved hair, plus accurate auditory perceptions of medical staff comments | written_account | 0.00 | 1.00 | 1.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 1.00 | Patient blind from birth | 7/24/2025 | 3 | 0 | Saw own left hand and ring despite blindness | 1.00 | Highly Compatible | 5 | ||||||||||
| 4592 | qualitative | journal | Pereira, Contzen and J. Shashi Kiran Reddy. "Near-Death Cases Desegregating Non-Locality/Disembodiment via Quantum Mediated Consciousness: An Extended Version of the Cell-Soul Pathway." Case 3: Al Sullivan. | Journal of Consciousness Exploration & Research, Vol. 7, Issue 11, pp. 951-968, 2016 | 2016 | 55 | M |
Al Sullivan, a 55-year-old truck driver, underwent a triple bypass surgery during which he experienced a profound out-of-body experience. This was his first meeting with his cardiovascular surgeon, who introduced himself on the operating table just before the anesthesia took effect. The surgeon explained the surgical procedure, which would involve removing veins from his leg and arteries from his chest wall to perform the planned four to five bypasses. As the anesthesia began working, Sullivan suddenly felt he no longer needed to listen with his ears as he had left his body and could observe the entire procedure from above. From his elevated vantage point above his body, Sullivan witnessed the surgical team covering his eyes with tape and placing various drapes and blankets around him in preparation for the operation. He observed his surgeon standing alone over his opened chest, which was being held apart by metal clamps. Meanwhile, two other surgeons were working on his leg. Though puzzled at the time about why they were operating on his leg when the problem was his heart, he later understood they were stripping the vein from his leg to create the bypass graft for his heart procedure. The most remarkable veridical observation occurred when Sullivan witnessed his surgeon performing an unusual gesture. The surgeon took a step back from the operating table, placed his arms near his armpits, and moved his folded hands in a distinctive flapping motion that appeared like he was flapping his arms. This peculiar behavior was later confirmed by both the surgeon and his surgical team as the surgeon's idiosyncratic habit of pointing with his elbows to avoid contaminating his sterile hands when not actively operating. This specific mannerism could not have been known to Sullivan beforehand as he had just met the surgeon. After the surgery, when Sullivan recounted his experience and described the arm-flapping behavior, the surgeon was startled by the accuracy of this observation. The ability to describe such specific surgical details and personal habits while under deep anesthesia with taped eyes provides compelling evidence for consciousness functioning independently of the physical body during the procedure. |
3 | Hospital | 7 | 12 | 27 | Suggestive Evidence | 8 | Deep general anesthesia during cardiac surgery with monitoring | Specific observation of surgeon's unique arm-flapping habit to maintain sterility, surgical details | written_account | 0.00 | 1.00 | 1.00 | 1.00 | 0.00 | 1.00 | 7/24/2025 | 2 | 1 | Observed surgical procedures on chest and leg | 1.00 | Cardiovascular surgeon and surgical team | Highly Compatible | 4 | |||||||||
| 4593 | qualitative | journal | Wren-Lewis, John. "Near-Death Experiences: Life after Death - or Eternity Now?" Modern Churchman, 1993. John Wren-Lewis, Case 1. | Modern Churchman Journal, Pages 3-10, 1993 | 1983 | 1993 | 59 | M |
John Wren-Lewis, an industrial scientist and religious skeptic, experienced a profound near-death experience in 1983 while traveling in Thailand. He was poisoned and nearly died, with doctors uncertain about his survival for many hours. During this critical period, he found himself immersed in what he described as a timeless blackness that was not empty but filled with an intensity of peaceful consciousness. He likened this experience to Henry Vaughan's mystical description of "a deep but dazzling darkness" within God. Unlike many NDEs, Wren-Lewis did not report traveling through tunnels, seeing deceased relatives, or having an out-of-body experience where he viewed his physical form from above. Instead, his experience was characterized by an overwhelming sense of timeless peace and a profound depth of consciousness that transcended ordinary awareness. There were no visions of heavenly realms or encounters with beings of light. The experience was purely one of intense, peaceful consciousness without visual or auditory phenomena. What makes his case particularly significant is the lasting transformation it produced. When he was eventually resuscitated, the experience did not fade but remained as a continuous background to his everyday consciousness. The anxieties that had dominated his life for nearly sixty years, including his fear of death, completely dissolved. He described experiencing each moment with such intensity that concerns about the future, whether in this life or beyond death, became irrelevant. This state of enhanced awareness persisted permanently. The experience fundamentally altered his worldview, transforming him from a skeptic of mysticism to someone who understood NDEs as a form of spiritual awakening. He came to believe that this eternity-consciousness represents the normal human condition, from which ordinary life is actually a kind of universal neurosis or blocking of awareness. His NDE convinced him that death anxiety creates a hyperactive survival mechanism that prevents humans from experiencing the true intensity of life available in each moment. |
5 | Hospital | 7 | 2 | 9 | Weak Evidence | 0 | Life-threatening poisoning with medical attendance but no specific monitoring or clinical death documentation mentioned | No veridical observations reported - purely subjective experience of consciousness without verifiable perceptions | No independent corroboration mentioned - self-report only | No investigation of alternatives mentioned in the account | written_account | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 7/24/2025 | 0 | 0 | Mixed Compatibility | 5 | |||||||||
| 4594 | qualitative | journal | Zigarelli, Michael. "Near-Death Experiences and the Emerging Implications for Christian Theology." Christian Scholar's Review 53.2, Pages 75-97, 2024. Patient: Janice, Case 1 | Christian Scholar's Review Vol. 53 No. 2, Pages 75-97, 2024 | 2024 | 28 | F |
Janice was a 28-year-old professed atheist who experienced a near-death event that completely transformed her worldview. During her NDE, she experienced a profound out-of-body journey that began with seeing her body from above. She then traveled through a tunnel to a place of indescribable beauty where she encountered spiritual beings and deceased loved ones. Most significantly, she communicated with an ineffable, supreme being of light who radiated unconditional love toward her. At the end of the tunnel, Janice encountered what she described as God waiting for her. This being emanated a peace and tranquility she had never known before in her life. The experience was characterized by overwhelming feelings of love, acceptance, and understanding. The presence she encountered was beyond description but undeniably divine and personal. Following her experience, Janice underwent a complete transformation in her beliefs. She stated: "I was always a professed atheist, but after my experience I know there is a God. He was waiting for me at the end of the tunnel." The encounter left her with absolute certainty about the continuation of consciousness after death. The experience has provided Janice with profound reassurance about death and the afterlife. She now finds great comfort in knowing that "our spirit does outlive our body." This NDE fundamentally altered her understanding of existence and her place in the universe. |
6 | Unknown | 2 | 5 | 7 | Weak Evidence | 0 | No specific medical details provided about the event | General NDE elements without specific verifiable observations | written_account | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 7/24/2025 | 0 | 0 | Highly Compatible | 7 | ||||||||||||
| 4595 | qualitative | journal | Zigarelli, Michael. "Near-Death Experiences and the Emerging Implications for Christian Theology." Christian Scholar's Review 53.2, Pages 75-97, 2024. Patient: Jack Bybee, Case 2 | Christian Scholar's Review Vol. 53 No. 2, Pages 75-97, 2024 | 2024 | M |
Jack Bybee was hospitalized in South Africa with severe pneumonia that threatened his life. During his critical medical crisis, he experienced a profound near-death experience that included encountering a deceased person he had not known had died. Among the nurses who had been attending to him was a 21-year-old nurse named Anita, who had recently died in a car accident involving a red MGB sports car that had been gifted to her by her parents. During his NDE, Bybee claims to have met Anita in the spiritual realm. She communicated specific messages to him, telling him that he "must return" to his physical body. More remarkably, she gave him a message to deliver to her parents, saying she was sorry she had wrecked the red MGB and that she loved them. This encounter occurred while Bybee was in a critical state with severe pneumonia. When Bybee recovered and shared his NDE experience with another nurse, describing his encounter with Anita and her specific message about the red MGB, the nurse burst into tears and ran out of the room. Unknown to Bybee at the time of his experience, Anita had indeed recently been gifted a red MGB sports car by her parents. On her inaugural drive with this new car, she had crashed into a concrete pole and died. The veridical nature of this experience is particularly striking because Bybee had no way of knowing about Anita's death, the specific type and color of car involved, or the circumstances of the accident. This case provides compelling evidence of accurate perception of information that could not have been obtained through normal sensory means. |
5 | Hospital | 5 | 15 | 30 | Moderate Evidence | 10 | Severe pneumonia documented as life-threatening condition | Knowledge of unknown death with specific details about red MGB | written_account | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 7/24/2025 | 1 | 1 | Met deceased nurse Anita who had died in car accident | 1.00 | Hospital nurse | Highly Compatible | 5 | ||||||||||
| 4596 | qualitative | journal | Zigarelli, Michael. "Near-Death Experiences and the Emerging Implications for Christian Theology." Christian Scholar's Review 53.2, Pages 75-97, 2024. Patient: 5-year-old child, Case 3 | Christian Scholar's Review Vol. 53 No. 2, Pages 75-97, 2024 | 2024 | 5 | Unknown |
A five-year-old patient contracted meningitis and fell into a coma, during which they experienced a remarkable near-death experience involving an encounter with a deceased sibling they had never been told about. The child's medical condition was critical, with meningitis causing a comatose state that brought them close to death. This case was documented by Netherlands cardiologist Pim van Lommel as part of his extensive research into near-death experiences. During the NDE, the child was met by a little girl who hugged them and delivered a profound message. The girl said: "I'm your sister. I died a month after I was born. I was named after our grandmother. Our parents called me Rietje for short." She then told the child that they must go back, indicating the experience was not yet their time to remain in the spiritual realm. After being revived and recounting this extraordinary story about meeting an angel sister named Rietje, the child's parents were so shocked that they had to leave the hospital room to compose themselves. The parents later confirmed that they had indeed lost a daughter named Rietje to poisoning a year before this child was born. Crucially, they had made a deliberate decision not to tell their other children about Rietje until they were old enough to understand the tragedy. This case presents compelling evidence of veridical perception during an NDE, as the five-year-old child had no possible way of knowing about a deceased sibling who died before they were born and whose existence had been deliberately kept secret by the parents. |
4 | Hospital | 7 | 15 | 37 | Moderate Evidence | 15 | Documented coma from meningitis | Knowledge of deceased sibling never disclosed to child | written_account | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | Pim van Lommel | 7/24/2025 | 1 | 1 | Met deceased sister Rietje who died before child was born | 1.00 | Both parents | Highly Compatible | 5 | ||||||||
| 4597 | qualitative | journal | Zigarelli, Michael. "Near-Death Experiences and the Emerging Implications for Christian Theology." Christian Scholar's Review 53.2, Pages 75-97, 2024. Patient: Crystal McVea, Case 4 | Christian Scholar's Review Vol. 53 No. 2, Pages 75-97, 2024 | 2024 | 33 | F |
Crystal McVea, who described herself as having broken "all ten" of the Ten Commandments and spent her life "disbelieving in God's existence and his love for me," experienced a profound near-death experience when her heart stopped for nine minutes due to complications from pancreatitis. Her medical crisis occurred at age 33 when she was hospitalized with severe pancreatitis that led to cardiac arrest. For nine documented minutes, her heart ceased beating while medical staff worked to resuscitate her. During those nine minutes of clinical death, McVea reports being escorted to another realm by two angels who were overflowing with love for her. She describes encountering beings of pure light and experiencing emotions beyond human comprehension. Most significantly, she claims to have met God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit, experiencing them as one being of radiant light who emanated unconditional love. This encounter created in her "a profound and persistent desire to praise and worship him." The most remarkable aspect of her experience was her interaction with the divine presence. Instead of asking God why He had allowed bad things to happen to her, as she had always planned to do if given the chance, she found herself overwhelmed by His love and instead fell to her knees asking, "Why didn't I do more for you?" This complete reversal of her planned confrontation demonstrates the transformative power of the encounter. Following her resuscitation and recovery, McVea underwent a complete transformation from self-described sinner and atheist to devout believer. She became an author and public speaker, dedicating her life to sharing her experience and faith with others. Her case represents one of the most dramatic conversions associated with an NDE. |
2 | Hospital | 10 | 5 | 20 | Suggestive Evidence | 5 | Documented cardiac arrest for 9 minutes from pancreatitis | Spiritual encounters without external veridical elements | written_account | 0.00 | 1.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 7/24/2025 | 1 | 0 | Encountered God, Jesus, and Holy Spirit as one being of light | 0.00 | Highly Compatible | 8 | ||||||||||
| 4598 | qualitative | journal | Zigarelli, Michael. "Near-Death Experiences and the Emerging Implications for Christian Theology." Christian Scholar's Review 53.2, Pages 75-97, 2024. Patient: Paul Ojeda, Case 5 | Christian Scholar's Review Vol. 53 No. 2, Pages 75-97, 2024 | 2024 | 30 | M |
Paul Ojeda experienced a distressing near-death experience after overdosing on cocaine, which became a pivotal moment leading to his complete life transformation. At age 30, after years of living distant from God, Ojeda's cocaine overdose brought him to the brink of death and into what he perceived as a hellish realm. His experience stands in stark contrast to the blissful NDEs often reported, providing important evidence that not all NDEs lead to pleasant destinations. During his overdose, Ojeda recalls seeing no light, only a black tunnel into which he was falling deeper and deeper. The darkness was absolute and terrifying, and he had an overwhelming sense that he was descending into hell. The experience was characterized by hopelessness, isolation, and the terrible realization that he was heading to a place of eternal separation from God. Despite considering himself "a good person," he found himself descending into this dark realm. In his desperation, recognizing the hopelessness of his situation, Ojeda cried out: "Please Lord, I don't want to go to this place. Please save me!" Though he saw no face or figure after his plea, he had an unmistakable sense of God's presence beside him. God asked him a profound question: "What have you done with the life I've given you?" In response, God replayed Ojeda's entire life before him, showing him that he had done nothing meaningful with his 30 years of existence. After waking up in the hospital following his resuscitation, Ojeda made a vow to "find the God that pulled me out of hell." This experience led to a complete transformation of his life. He abandoned his former lifestyle and now leads Austin Powerhouse Church, serving the Hispanic community in Austin, Texas. His distressing NDE became the catalyst for dedicating his life to ministry and helping others. |
5 | Hospital | 5 | 5 | 10 | Weak Evidence | 0 | Cocaine overdose requiring hospitalization | Distressing spiritual experience without veridical elements | written_account | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 7/24/2025 | 1 | 0 | Experienced descent into darkness/hell, heard God's voice | 0.00 | Highly Compatible | 8 | ||||||||||
| 4599 | qualitative | journal | Tymn, Michael E. "Do We Judge Ourselves After Death?" The Journal of Spirituality and Paranormal Studies, P.M.H. Atwater, Case 1 | Journal of Spirituality and Paranormal Studies, Pages 89-99, 2011 | 1977 | 2011 | F |
P.M.H. Atwater experienced a near-death experience in 1977 that profoundly changed her understanding of consciousness and judgment after death. The exact medical circumstances that precipitated her NDE are not detailed in this account, but the experience itself was transformative and provided remarkable insights into the nature of post-mortem consciousness. During her NDE, Atwater underwent an extraordinarily comprehensive life review that went far beyond simple memory recall. She reported seeing every single thought she had ever had throughout her entire life, every word she had ever spoken, and every deed she had ever performed. This was not merely a passive viewing of events but an immersive experience where she could perceive the complete context and ramifications of her actions. The life review presented itself with remarkable clarity and detail, encompassing even the smallest and most forgotten moments of her existence. What made Atwater's experience particularly notable was the veridical aspect of perceiving the effects of her actions on others. She didn't just see her own perspective but experienced the ripple effects of every thought, word, and deed on everyone who had been affected by them. This multi-perspectival awareness allowed her to understand the true impact of her life in ways that would have been impossible during normal consciousness. She could feel what others felt as a result of her actions, experiencing both the positive and negative consequences of her behavior from their viewpoint. Upon returning to physical consciousness, Atwater interpreted this experience as a form of self-judgment rather than external divine judgment. She understood that she had been both the judge and the judged in this profound review of her life. The experience left her with a deep understanding that accountability for one's actions is built into the very fabric of consciousness itself. |
5 | Unknown | 2 | 10 | 12 | Weak Evidence | 0 | Medical circumstances of NDE not specified in detail | Life review with perception of effects on others demonstrates veridical quality | written_account | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 7/24/2025 | 1 | 0 | Comprehensive life review with multi-perspectival awareness | 0.00 | Highly Compatible | 6 | ||||||||||
| 4600 | qualitative | journal | Tymn, Michael E. "Do We Judge Ourselves After Death?" The Journal of Spirituality and Paranormal Studies, Sir Francis Beaufort, Case 2 | Journal of Spirituality and Paranormal Studies, Pages 89-99, 2011 | 1795 | 2011 | 21 | M |
British Rear Admiral Sir Francis Beaufort, who would later become famous for devising the Beaufort Wind Scales, experienced a near-death experience around 1795 when he was a young sailor on one of His Majesty's ships in Portsmouth harbor. While attempting to fasten a small boat to a ship, Beaufort stepped upon the gunwale and lost his balance, falling into the water. Unable to swim, he initially splashed about desperately before beginning to sink below the surface and drown. As Beaufort began drowning, he first experienced what he described as "perfect tranquility," a remarkable shift from the panic of his initial struggle. Then began an extraordinary life review that would leave a lasting impression on him. His entire life began to play back before him in what he called a panoramic view. The review began with recent events - their last cruise and a former voyage and shipwreck - then moved backwards through his schooling, the progress he had made there, and the time he had misspent. The review continued chronologically backwards through his boyish pursuits and adventures, with every incident of his past life seeming to glance across his recollection in retrograde procession. What made Beaufort's life review particularly remarkable was its comprehensive detail and moral dimension. He reported that the review was not merely an outline of events but that "the picture filled up with every minute and collateral feature." Every act appeared to be accompanied by a consciousness of right or wrong, or by some reflection on its cause or consequence. Many trifling events that had been long forgotten crowded into his imagination with the character of recent familiarity. He noted that the innumerable ideas were all retrospective - despite his religious upbringing and his normal concerns about the afterlife, at that moment when he had crossed the threshold of death, not a single thought wandered into the future. Beaufort was rescued after approximately two minutes of submersion. He later speculated whether this experience indicated "the almost infinite power of memory with which we awaken in another world." His account, recorded in an 1863 book by Sophia Elizabeth De Morgan, provides one of the earliest detailed descriptions of an NDE life review, predating modern NDE research by over a century. |
5 | Other | 5 | 8 | 13 | Weak Evidence | 0 | Drowning incident, life-threatening but no medical monitoring | Detailed panoramic life review with moral consciousness | written_account | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 7/25/2025 | 1 | 0 | Panoramic life review in retrograde with moral consciousness | 0.00 | Highly Compatible | 5 | |||||||||