A man who nearly drowned and spent around 15 minutes underwater shared his remarkable near-death experience. In 1955, Andy Petro was enjoying a picnic by a Michigan lake with high school friends. As they played by the water, with graduation approaching, Andy noticed a group of people on a floating raft.
Though he was hesitant due to the cold, he eventually jumped in. As he swam toward the raft, he suddenly felt intense stomach pain and lost the ability to kick, causing him to start sinking.
As he panicked and descended deeper, reaching the lake’s weeds, he struggled for air. At that moment, a voice he didn’t recognize spoke in his mind, urging him to “rest” and “let go.” Despite his desperation to breathe, the voice reassured him that he would be fine.
When he surrendered, Andy found himself outside his body, feeling warmth, joy, and peace instead of fear. He saw his own body at the bottom of the lake but felt detached, with a sense of being “home.” Drawn to a radiant light, he entered a vast sphere where screens displayed scenes from his life.
In this space, he communicated with the light, understanding his life events clearly and deeply. Although it felt like months, only 10-15 minutes had passed, leaving him with a profound sense of clarity.
As he returned through a tunnel, he heard a voice welcoming him warmly, followed by many other lights acknowledging him. He felt embraced by the light, experiencing a powerful sense of unity and understanding.
The light humorously asked why he hadn’t enjoyed life more, comparing life on Earth to a performance. Andy realized the interconnectedness of all beings and the temporary nature of earthly life.
Though he wished to stay, he was told he had to return. Re-entering his body was a harsh experience, and he found himself on the shore, coughing up water.
Andy later admitted that he missed the light and kept this experience private for 30 years. Now, he shares his story to inspire others to find joy, reassuring them of a welcoming place beyond this life.