What happens when we die? This is a question that has fascinated, terrified, and mystified people for centuries. While we may not have definitive answers, the stories of those who claim to have had near-death experiences (NDEs) offer a glimpse into the possibilities of life after death. One such story comes from David Hanzel, a 58-year-old man from North Carolina, who claims he briefly “died” and saw the afterlife in 2015 after a serious illness left him on the brink of death.
David’s encounter with the afterlife has sparked conversations about what lies beyond and challenges traditional perceptions of heaven.
David’s Brush with Death
David Hanzel was hospitalized in 2015 due to a severe lung infection and sepsis. The infection had covered 70% of his lung, and the sepsis—an extreme response to an infection that can lead to organ failure and death—spread throughout his body. As his condition worsened, David’s heart stopped, and he was declared clinically dead for a brief moment before slipping into a two-month coma.
“I didn’t even know I was dead. I had no conception,” David shared in an interview with The Daily Star. What followed during his time in the coma is what makes his story so compelling.
A Peek Behind the Celestial Curtain
David, who describes himself as a psychic, said that even he was unprepared for what he saw when he crossed over into what he believes was the afterlife.
“I just remember closing my eyes because I was sick, and when I opened them again, I was in this night sky,” he recalled. He described the scene as a “beautiful, velvety, silky night sky” without clouds or stars. There was no beginning or end to the vast expanse, making it feel limitless and ethereal.
@mediumdavidhanzel Replying to @chasitynash769 a little bit about how I know what I know#sage #oracle#angels #spiritualawakening #heaven #hell #ghosts #soulawareness #rememberwhy #spiritualmediumsoftiktok ♬ Suspense, horror, piano and music box – takaya
It wasn’t just the peaceful night sky that David encountered. He says that two spiritual entities appeared beside him, one on his left and one on his right. While he couldn’t recognize their faces, David felt a deep sense of comfort and familiarity with these beings. “They just felt comfortable, like I knew them,” he shared.
A Surprising Destination: Heaven as a Bar?
What surprised David—and has since sparked intrigue among many—was where these spiritual entities took him next. Rather than the typical depiction of pearly gates or celestial choirs, David says he found himself in a bar-like setting. “They put me in almost like a bar. It had these beautiful colored bottles on the side, no alcohol or nothing,” he described.
The environment didn’t have the usual elements one might associate with heaven, but it was serene nonetheless. The building had marble floors, and David noted that walking felt more like floating, as there was an absence of gravity. This unexpected version of the afterlife has led many to reconsider their assumptions about what “heaven” might look like.
David claims to have been to the afterlife. Credit: tjhunt / Getty
Spiritual Transformation
When David woke from his two-month coma, he felt profoundly changed. “I came back with total forgiveness for everybody who’s ever done anything bad to me,” he shared. The experience gave him a new perspective on life, love, and the nature of existence. His story wasn’t just about what he saw on the other side, but also about how that glimpse of the afterlife transformed his approach to living.
David now dedicates his life to spirituality. He uses social media, particularly TikTok, to share his experience and teach others about what he believes to be the truth about life after death. Through his online presence, he offers insight into what he calls “Spirit,” helping people navigate their own spiritual journeys and answer their burning questions about what happens when we die.
What Do Near-Death Experiences Tell Us?
David’s story is far from unique in the sense that many others claim to have experienced the afterlife during near-death events. However, what makes his account stand out is the unorthodox nature of his description of heaven—a bar-like setting in a gravity-defying marble building.
David claims to have been to the afterlife. Credit: tjhunt / Getty
Near-death experiences (NDEs) often share some common elements: a feeling of peace, encounters with spiritual beings, and the sensation of moving through a tunnel of light. However, David’s vision adds a layer of complexity to the conversation by challenging the stereotypical image of what heaven looks like.
Whether the afterlife is a reflection of one’s personal beliefs or something far more mysterious remains a point of debate. For David, the bar-like setting and the feeling of floating seemed as natural as any earthly environment.
Skepticism and Belief
David’s account has certainly raised eyebrows. As with most NDEs, reactions range from awe to skepticism. Some view these experiences as the brain’s way of coping with trauma, while others see them as genuine glimpses of the afterlife. Regardless of where you stand on the spectrum of belief, stories like David’s encourage us to think more deeply about what happens after we pass on.
Dr. Sam Parnia, a well-known expert in near-death research, suggests that NDEs could provide valuable insight into what happens when the body dies. His studies explore the idea that consciousness may continue even after the brain has stopped functioning, lending some credence to stories like David’s.
The Impact of David’s Experience
David Hanzel’s experience has led him to dedicate his life to teaching and sharing spiritual wisdom. According to his website, his near-death experience has inspired him to “spend his life in service to Spirit.” Through his online presence, David hopes to help others understand the possibilities of life after death, guided by spiritual entities and loved ones who have crossed over.
For many, David’s story offers hope and comfort in the face of the unknown. Whether you’re a skeptic or a believer, his account serves as a reminder that life—and perhaps death—holds more mysteries than we can comprehend.
Conclusion: A Story That Stirs Curiosity
David Hanzel’s near-death experience is one of many stories that challenge our understanding of the afterlife. His description of heaven as a bar-like setting, guided by spiritual entities, adds a new dimension to the ever-evolving conversation about life after death. Whether you believe his story or not, it prompts us to think about the possibilities that await us in the afterlife—and maybe even reconsider what heaven might look like.
One thing is certain: David’s experience is a compelling reminder that the mysteries of life and death are far from solved.
