Former NASA scientist claims she died 3 times and came back — what she saw outside her body convinced her heaven exists
Questions about what happens after death have fascinated humanity for centuries. While some people look to medicine and neuroscience for answers, others draw meaning from deeply personal experiences that challenge conventional understanding. One such account was shared in an interview posted by NewsNation on YouTube on May 16, 2026, featuring former NASA scientist Dr. Ingrid Honkala. During the discussion, the author of "Dying To See The Light" reflected on three near-death experiences that she believes transformed her outlook on mortality, ultimately leading her to embrace both science and spirituality as complementary ways of exploring life's biggest mysteries.
According to Dr. Honkala, her first near-death experience happened when she accidentally drowned in a water tank at just 2 years old. She claimed she suddenly found herself floating above the water, looking down at her own body. Even at that tender age, she was able to comprehend what she was seeing. But instead of feeling frightened, she said she experienced an overwhelming sense of peace and did not want to return. In a state of astral projection, she also believed she could see her mother, who was away from home and unaware of the accident, yet somehow sensed something was wrong and rushed back. After that encounter, the scientist believes that heaven exists and that human consciousness continues beyond the body. In fact, in her post announcing the launch of her book on April 6, she recalled her words during her most recent experience. She said, "Keep me where I can serve You the most."
The author also noted that two such similar near-death instances during her mid 20s and 50s, respectively, strengthened her belief that science and spirituality can coexist. What made the experience even more remarkable was that she had been born with severe health problems. So, when she immediately recognized her body, she had no desire to return because, to her, it represented pain and illness. The encounter convinced her that death was peaceful rather than frightening. Although such occurrences remain a topic of scientific debate, she believes her journey made her more spiritual. Near-death experiences like Dr. Honkala's continue to attract scientific interest, although researchers have not reached a single explanation for why they occur.
A 2025 scoping review examining 87 studies concluded that out-of-body experiences are highly complex and may be interpreted through physiological, psychological, or consciousness-based theories. While some fear the recurrence, others welcome these encounters. Scientists also agree that many people report remarkably vivid sensations of observing their bodies from outside, but the phenomenon remains an active area of study with no definitive consensus. We have different beliefs about death and the afterlife, and until proof explains these mysteries, we continue to believe based on what we perceive best. Such stories invite people to reflect on questions that have fascinated humanity for generations.
You can follow Ingrid Honkala (@ingridhonkala) on Instagram for more content on her life and experiences.
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