In early 1988, British neuropsychiatrist Peter Fenwick began receiving numerous letters from individuals who believed they had survived brushes with death. One account described a peaceful journey through a tunnel towards a bright light, while another depicted a beautiful garden with vibrant flowers. These letters were part of over 2,000 submissions following Dr. Fenwick's appearance in a BBC documentary titled “Glimpses of Death,” in which he discussed near-death experiences (N.D.E.s).
Dr. Fenwick noted that many respondents had never shared their experiences due to fear of skepticism from others. He began studying near-death experiences in the mid-1970s, positing that consciousness could exist beyond physical death. He sent a detailed questionnaire to letter writers, later presenting his findings in the book “The Truth in the Light: An Investigation of Over 300 Near-Death Experiences” (1995), co-authored with his wife, Elizabeth Fenwick. This work established him as a prominent figure in the field of near-death studies.
Dr. Fenwick's research revealed common themes among the experiences shared. More than 50 percent reported traveling through a tunnel, 72 percent saw a bright light, and nearly 40 percent encountered familiar figures, including deceased relatives. Strikingly, 72 percent recalled deciding to return to life.
Despite skepticism from many neuroscientists who attributed N.D.E.s to anoxia or hallucinations, Dr. Fenwick argued against these claims. He asserted that similar experiences among different individuals could not be merely explained as hallucinations, emphasizing that they could not account for the shared characteristics of these experiences.
Born on May 25, 1935, in Nairobi, Kenya, Dr. Fenwick showed early signs of intelligence and curiosity, which continued throughout his education at Stowe School and the University of Cambridge. Initially aspiring to be a brain surgeon, he shifted his focus to neuropsychiatry after realizing the limitations of surgery.
His interest in near-death experiences was sparked by a patient’s account following a near-fatal heart surgery. This led him to become a founding member of the International Association for Near-Death Studies UK and serve as president of the Scientific and Medical Network, which supports research at the intersection of science and spirituality.
Dr. Fenwick passed away on November 22 at his home in London, at the age of 89. He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth, and their children, along with nine grandchildren. His work indicated that 82 percent of those who experienced N.D.E.s reported a decreased fear of death, while 42 percent identified as more spiritual, and 48 percent believed in survival after death.
Dr. Fenwick expressed a changed perspective on life and death as a result of his work, stating, “I’m looking forward to it.”