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5054
qualitative
book
Parr, The Girl Who Visited Heaven, Grapevine Books, Chapters 1-5, Kristle Merzlock, Pages 51-89, 2024
The Girl Who Visited Heaven - Kristle Merzlock - Chapters 1-5 - Pages 51-89 - 2024
1982
1982-03-13
2024
7
F
Kristle Merzlock, age seven, drowned in a YMCA swimming pool in Pocatello, Idaho on March 13, 1982, becoming the first medically documented childhood NDE case. Pushed into the deep end during a birthday party, she was underwater for approximately 20 minutes with no vital signs. Dr. Melvin Morse resuscitated her using nasal intubation and other emergency procedures. She remained comatose for three days with massive brain swelling and was given little chance of survival.
During her NDE, Kristle traveled through a tunnel with brightly colored, translucent brick walls toward a brilliant light. Her guardian angel Elizabeth appeared, helped her stand, and guided her to heaven. There she encountered deceased relatives including her recently deceased Aunt Pat and grandfather Paul, plus two young girls named Heather and Melissa who said they would soon be born. She met Jesus Christ, who held her on his lap with love, and the Heavenly Father, described as an older man with white hair and beard. Given the choice to stay or return, she chose to return for her mother after being told she must obey her parents to earn entry to heaven next time. Kristle made a miraculous full recovery within seven days, surprising all medical staff. She accurately described details of her resuscitation including the bearded Dr. Morse, her nasal intubation (unusual procedure), being moved from a big room to a smaller one for X-rays, and hearing Morse's phone consultation with Seattle Children's Hospital - all while supposedly unconscious. Her case inspired Dr. Morse to conduct the first scientific study of childhood NDEs. The experience transformed Kristle's life, eventually leading her to become a clinical social worker. She made numerous media appearances with Dr. Morse, including Oprah and Phil Donahue shows, helping establish childhood NDEs as a legitimate phenomenon.
2
Hospital
10
10
35
Moderate Evidence
15
Documented cardiac arrest from drowning, 20 minutes underwater, comatose 3 days
Accurate recall of nasal intubation, room changes, medical procedures while comatose
written_account
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1.00
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Dr. Melvin Morse
1983-01-01
8/5/2025
2
2
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