The question of what happens after death has intrigued humans for centuries, yet it remains a mystery. Despite advances in science, no one truly knows what awaits us beyond life. But there is a fascinating middle ground where people are technically dead for a time before being revived, offering rare glimpses of what might lie beyond.
Over the years, many who have briefly died report vastly different experiences. Some describe spiritual journeys, while others recall nothing but darkness. Victoria Thomas, a woman from Gloucester, UK, is among those who came closer to death and shared an extraordinary account.
At 35, Victoria was exercising at her local gym when she suddenly experienced dizziness and felt drained of energy. Moments later, she collapsed and lost consciousness due to cardiac arrest. Paramedics rushed to her aid and began CPR, but for 17 minutes they struggled to find her pulse.
During this time, Victoria says she had an out-of-body experience, observing the scene from above. “It went black, and then I was floating near the ceiling,” she told the Daily Mirror. “I could see myself on the floor and some yellow gym equipment nearby. There was no light or peaceful feeling, just me watching everything.”
Thanks to the paramedics’ relentless efforts, Victoria’s heart started beating again after those 17 minutes. Though young and healthy, she had fallen victim to a sudden medical emergency.
She was rushed to hospital in a coma. Doctors later implanted a defibrillator to regulate her heartbeat. In 2022, Victoria received a diagnosis of Danon disease, a rare genetic condition affecting the heart and other organs. When her heart function dropped dangerously low, she underwent a successful heart transplant in 2023.
Victoria’s story highlights the fragile line between life and death and the mysterious experiences some people face in that space.
