John Davis – Reprodução/Youtube
American John Davis, aged 59, reported a near-death experience (NDE) that he experienced at age 21, during hand surgery, in 1987. He suffered a cardiorespiratory arrest for six minutes due to a reaction to anesthesia, as he revealed in an interview with the Next Level Soul podcast, published on November 13, 2025. According to Davis, he was taken to a marble building similar to the Temple of Artemis, in Turkey, where a spiritual guide named Alan accompanied him. The experience, which he described as lasting two hours, included visions of a heavenly garden and a message about the nonexistence of death.
The case gained prominence after reports in British newspapers, such as Metro, and went viral on social media. Davis said the accident that led to the surgery occurred when he avoided a squirrel while riding a motorcycle, colliding with a tree. Details of the report follow:
- A marble building with ornate doors and tunnels.
- A garden where the dead reunite with their families.
- A room to review life, like in a movie.
- A spiritual guide who guided you throughout the experience.
Experiment Details
Davis described the site as a heavenly “center of guidance” with imposing architecture. He highlighted the presence of rooms with marble tables and tunnels that led to different areas.
The spiritual guide, identified as Alan, was not visible, but was in constant communication. SeAccording to Davis, Alan explained the purpose of each environment visited.
Encounter with mysterious figure
At the highlight of the experience, Davis reported encountering a hooded figure with a cloak and a red sash around his waist. This figure, described as brilliant, is said to have said: “You must tell them that death does not exist.”
Immediately after the message, Davis woke up in the hospital, surrounded by doctors. He stated that the sensation of two hours on the “other side” contrasted with the six minutes of cardiac arrest.
The report sparked debate on social media, with some users questioning the veracity of the experience. Others have highlighted similarities with accounts of NDEs in different cultures.
Repercussions of the case
Davis’ testimony on the Next Level Soul podcast, with more than 500,000 views on YouTube, expanded the reach of the story. British newspapers, such as Metro, published articles detailing the case, which attracted international attention.
Neurological experts, such as Dr. James Carter, cited in British portals, suggest that NDEs may be linked to chemical reactions in the brain during cardiac arrests. Defenders of spiritual theories point to the reports asevidence of life after death.
Context of similar experiences
In the United States, around 5% of the population reports having experienced an NDE, according to studies by the University of Virginia. These cases often involve visions of tunnels, lights, or encounters with spiritual figures.
In Brazil, reports of NDEs also appear on TV programs and podcasts, although they are less academically documented. The theme’s popularity grows with the dissemination of content on digital platforms.
Davis plans to release a book about his experience, scheduled for 2026, according to the podcast. He claims that the message he received changed his view on life and death.
Impact on social media
Davis’ story generated thousands of comments on Instagram and X, with hashtags like #NDE and #LifeAfterDeath. Spiritual influencers shared excerpts from the podcast, expanding the debate.
The case has also inspired discussions in online forums, where users compare Davis’ experience with other famous NDEs, such as that of Anita Moorjani, author of “Dying to Be Me.”
