7. Anonymous NDERF Child Survivor
One of the most unusual near-death accounts comes from a young child whose story was later documented by the Near-Death Experience Research Foundation. At just four years old, the child was hospitalized with a severe fever that caused hallucinations and physical distress. During the illness, she experienced what she later described as leaving her body and rising above the hospital environment.
She recalled seeing herself lying motionless while simultaneously becoming aware of events that occurred before she could speak. Time behaved differently in this state. Instead of moving forward, it folded in on itself. Past, present, and future felt like a single moment rather than separate experiences. Despite her young age, the memory remained vivid and consistent over time.
Most striking was the absence of fear. The child described feeling complete peace, with no questions, confusion, or uncertainty. As she drifted toward a bright light, she felt drawn to it naturally, without hesitation. The experience ended abruptly, as if she were pulled back by force. For her, death was not frightening or overwhelming. It felt calm, timeless, and familiar, suggesting that even young minds may experience death as something gentle rather than traumatic.
