A mother of four recounts her near-death experience after drowning in Chile, describing a divine encounter, a life review, and a warning that came true. Discover her powerful journey from tragedy to transformation.
In January 1999, Dr. Mary Neal, a dedicated spinal surgeon and mother of four, experienced something that would forever change her understanding of life and death. What started as an ordinary kayaking trip on the Fuy River in Chile turned into a life-altering event, one that not only defied medical knowledge but also challenged the very essence of existence.
A Tragic Accident
Dr. Neal was with her husband and friends on a rafting expedition, navigating the fast-moving rapids of the Fuy River. Kayaking had always been a passion for her, but this particular trip took an unexpected turn. As she launched into the current, she lost control of her kayak and plunged over a 10 to 15-foot waterfall. The boat became wedged under submerged rocks, trapping her in the turbulent waters.
For nearly 30 minutes, Dr. Neal was submerged underwater, unable to move, with her lungs filling with water. She expected panic and fear but was instead filled with an overwhelming sense of peace. Her heart stopped, and her body ceased to function, but her journey was far from over.
Consciousness Beyond the Surface
What followed next was a profound experience that defied medical explanation. Instead of fading into unconsciousness, Dr. Neal found herself becoming more aware. She felt separated from her body, observing the scene from above. Her friends, unaware that she had already passed, attempted to revive her through CPR.
She describes this moment as being held by a divine presence—an overwhelming love that cradled her as if she were a newborn. Around her, she felt the presence of 15 radiant beings filled with joy, welcoming her into their fold. They guided her through a vibrant forest, alive with colors and light, where she relived key moments of her life in what she called a life review.
This review was not a judgment but a deep understanding of her life’s experiences, seen not only from her perspective but also from the eyes of those around her. She felt their pain, fear, and joy, understanding what had shaped her relationships and actions.
The Warning and Return
As she neared a glowing, domed structure filled with radiant souls, Dr. Neal was told it was not her time. She was reminded of the work she still had to do on Earth. Then came a solemn warning: her oldest son, Willie, would die before reaching adulthood.
Dr. Neal struggled with this revelation, seeking answers from the beings. The message was clear: beauty could emerge from even the most painful circumstances. Though reluctant to return to the physical world, she was sent back with a deep sense of divine love and peace.
Back on Earth, Dr. Neal was revived and taken to the hospital, where doctors discovered multiple fractures in her legs. Her physical recovery took weeks, but it was her spiritual recovery that was the most transformative.
A Mother’s Grief and a Prophetic Warning
Years passed, and Dr. Neal returned to her life as a surgeon and mother. However, the memory of her near-death experience and the warning about her son remained. When Willie, at just four years old, told her, “I’m not going to be 18,” she brushed it off, unaware that this statement would prove true.
In 2009, just days after finishing her memoir, To Heaven and Back, Dr. Neal received the devastating news that Willie had been killed in a tragic accident. His death, while heartbreaking, was not a surprise to Dr. Neal—she had already been given the warning. And though the grief was unimaginable, she found comfort in the knowledge that he was in Heaven.
Bridging the Gap Between Science and Spirituality
Dr. Neal’s experience challenges the medical understanding of death. Despite being submerged for nearly 30 minutes and having no heartbeat, her account is not just a near-death experience—it’s a testament to the power of consciousness and divine love. Experts like Dr. Bruce Greyson, a renowned researcher in near-death studies, believe these experiences offer insights into the nature of consciousness that science cannot yet explain.
Dr. Neal’s journey serves as a reminder that there is more to life than we can see or understand. Her story not only changed her life but also continues to inspire others to explore the mysteries of life, death, and the connection between the two.
