There are very few individuals in the world who can claim to understand what lies beyond death as intimately as Dannion Brinkley. A former U.S. Marine, Brinkley had an extraordinary near-death experience after being struck by lightning in 1975—an event that left him legally dead for an astonishing 28 minutes before he miraculously returned to life and fully recovered.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the chances of being struck by lightning in a given year are less than one in a million. That means it’s extremely rare, and most people will never experience it in their lifetimes. But for Brinkley, this once-in-a-lifetime event would forever alter the course of his life and beliefs.

On September 17, 1975, Brinkley was on the phone when lightning struck. The bolt traveled down the phone line, through the device, and directly into his body. The energy surged into the side of his head, right above his ear, and shot down his spine. He later described the moment in vivid detail during an interview with 8 News Now, saying, “It went into the side of my head above my ear, it went down my spine. It welded the nails of the heels of my shoes to the floor. It threw me up in the air, I see the ceiling, it slams me back down, a ball of fire comes through the room and blinds me. I am burning. I am on fire. I am paralyzed.”

While that would be a traumatic and life-altering event for anyone, what happened next is what truly sets Brinkley’s story apart. He recalls leaving his physical body after being struck. For 28 minutes—long enough for his body to be transported to a morgue—his spirit existed outside of his body. It was during this time that he claims to have experienced what he believes is the other side of life.

Brinkley says his consciousness floated alongside the ambulance as it raced toward the hospital. From above, he watched medical professionals declare his body dead. Then, according to Brinkley, he traveled through what he described as a tunnel and arrived in what he referred to as a ‘Crystal City.’ It was there that he encountered a radiant spiritual being made of light.

During an interview on the YouTube channel T&H – Afterlife, Brinkley shared even more about the incredible experience. He stated that he was shown a complete review of his life—not in the traditional flashback sense, but in a full 360-degree panoramic replay. He watched it unfold not just from his own eyes but from a second-person point of view, as if he were both observer and participant.

“You watch it from a second person point of view,” Brinkley said. “In the life you just reviewed, what difference did you and God make?” This profound question, delivered by the spiritual being, left a lasting impression on him.

Understandably, Brinkley’s story has been met with skepticism over the years. Some doubt whether his experiences were truly supernatural or simply the result of neurological trauma. Yet despite the naysayers, Brinkley has remained consistent and steadfast in his account of what he saw and felt. In fact, his brush with death in 1975 was not his only one.

In 1989, Brinkley faced another near-death experience while undergoing open-heart surgery. During this episode, he described being reunited with what he called his “angelic instructors.” He claimed that they taught him how to use the psychic and spiritual gifts he had acquired since his first encounter with death to help others, particularly those who were dying or struggling to find hope.

Later, he endured yet another near-death experience while undergoing brain surgery. Rather than being fearful, Brinkley approached the situation with spiritual calmness. Reflecting on all he had been through, he once said, “When you learn you don’t die, when you learn you’re a spiritual being, you’re not going to go to hell, that’s enough to inspire you to change.”

His perspective has shifted from one rooted in fear to one built on a foundation of understanding and purpose. He now believes that death is not an end but rather a transition—a gateway to a greater realm where our spiritual essence continues. Rather than fearing the unknown, Brinkley emphasizes the importance of using this life to make a positive impact, to live with intention, and to support others in their moments of vulnerability and despair.

Today, Brinkley has become a public speaker and author, dedicating his time to helping others cope with death and the grieving process. He has written books and spoken at events around the world, sharing his unique insights with people who are seeking answers to life’s most difficult questions.

Whether you believe in the afterlife or remain skeptical, Brinkley’s story is undeniably fascinating. It invites us to consider the possibility that our consciousness extends beyond our physical form—that there may be more waiting for us than we’ve been led to believe. His message is not just about what happens after death, but about how we live before it.

Brinkley’s extraordinary experiences offer a compelling reminder of the fragility of life and the strength of the human spirit. His story encourages us to reflect on our own lives, our purpose, and the impact we have on others. It challenges us to ask: If you were to look back on your life in a 360-degree panoramic review, what kind of legacy would you see?

Ultimately, whether one views his journey as a spiritual awakening or a product of neurological trauma, it has undeniably changed the way he lives—and inspired many others along the way. So what do you believe happens after we die? Feel free to share your thoughts and experiences in the comments.