Abstract

Describes a recently initiated (and not yet complete) 3-part investigation of near-death experiences, which is unique in its study of an unselected cohort of persons who have come close to death and of a prospective sample of persons who are approaching death. Three types of persons who come close to death may contribute to evidence that people survive physical death: (a) persons who have "close brushes" with death but who are not seriously injured; (b) persons who actually seem to die or to be at the point of death, but recover; and (c) persons who actually die and who, shortly before death, have paranormal experiences. (8 ref)