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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
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Blind from birth
7/23/2025
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