Many have heard stories of people who, after experiencing a near-death or life-threatening event, report visions of bright lights or encounters with lost loved ones. One such person, a woman who was declared “clinically dead,” has shared her own experience during this time.

In February 2023, Lauren Canaday, who had been managing controlled epilepsy for many years, suffered an unexpected cardiac arrest that caused her heart to stop beating for over 20 minutes. She now refers to this event as her “second life.”

Lauren took to an AMA (ask me anything) sub-Reddit thread to provide more details about what happened on that life-altering day.

She explained: “It took 24 minutes for EMTs to bring me back. After spending 9 days in the ICU, I was declared ‘cognitively intact’ with no visible brain damage on MRIs. My EEG is normal despite a history of seizures and status epilepticus lasting over 30 minutes right after I was revived.”

Lauren has spoken out about what she experienced when she was unconscious that day (Getty Stock)

Such outcomes are not always typical when a cardiac arrest occurs. In fact, the American Heart Association notes that “73 percent of out-of-hospital cardiac arrests occur at home, and 90 percent of these cases are fatal.” Lauren’s story could have ended quite differently, but fortunately, she made a full recovery.

Her experience left many wondering what she might have seen or felt during the almost half-hour she was unconscious.

In a conversation with Newsweek, she mentioned that although she doesn’t recall any specific visions or shapes, it was not what one might typically expect.

"I have this gut feeling that it was friendly and peaceful, even though I can't report any specific shapes, personas, or visions from that time," she said. "I felt like I dissolved into a state that was just really nice."

She was lucky to survive the ordeal (Getty Stock)

Instead of a negative experience, she felt “a strong sensation of peace during the time I was unconscious,” which has since given her a refreshed perspective on life, prompting her to cherish and savor the small moments.

"I remember many serene moments in and after the hospital, as if none of my previous worries mattered, and I found immense joy in simple things like cheeseburgers. Life felt very uncomplicated," she shared.

Now, “status and career success don’t matter beyond survival needs, creature comforts, and helping others,” with her focus shifting to enjoying life at a slower pace, including walking and hiking whenever possible, meditating, and ensuring she gets to bed early most nights.

Following her near-death experience, she concluded that although she “wasn’t religious" before, she is now "definitely more spiritual."