Near-death experiences (NDEs) have long intrigued both the public and the scientific community, raising fundamental questions about consciousness and the possibility of an afterlife. The story of Miasha Gilliam-El, a nurse who experienced a profound NDE after a medical emergency, exemplifies the type of extraordinary visions reported by many who come close to death. In an effort to understand these phenomena, researchers from Belgium, the United States, and Denmark have proposed a neurobiological model called NEPTUNE (neurophysiological evolutionary psychological theory understanding near-death experience). This model synthesizes findings from over 300 scientific papers, linking NDEs to specific brain changes, such as alterations in blood gas concentrations during cardiac arrest, and identifying the temporoparietal junction as a key area involved in producing out-of-body sensations. However, the NEPTUNE model has sparked debate among researchers. Critics Bruce Greyson and Marieta Pehlivanova from the University of Virginia argue that certain aspects of NDEs cannot be solely explained by brain physiology, pointing out that the model overlooks evidence that contradicts its conclusions. They assert that the rich, detailed experiences reported by individuals during NDEs, including encounters with deceased loved ones, cannot be compared to illusions induced by electrical stimulation of the brain. This ongoing discourse reflects a broader philosophical inquiry into the implications of NDEs and the potential for consciousness to exist beyond physical death. The implications of these experiences extend beyond the scientific realm, impacting individuals' spirituality and attitudes toward death. Many people who have had NDEs report significant transformations in their lives, often feeling less fearful of death and developing a deeper sense of empathy and spirituality. As the scientific community continues to explore the complexities of NDEs, the discussions not only address the neurological underpinnings of these experiences but also challenge the boundaries of human understanding regarding life, death, and what may lie beyond.