A near-death experience refers to a set of profound experiences some people report during a close brush with death, such as a sense of leaving the body, moving through a tunnel of light, or feeling an overwhelming sense of peace. These experiences are widely reported across cultures and often share similar core elements, even among people with very different backgrounds and beliefs.

Many who report a near-death experience describe it as having a lasting impact on their outlook, often leading to reduced fear of death and a stronger sense of spiritual connection afterward.