In the quiet, sacred moments before death, something remarkable often occurs. A gesture so common yet deeply moving that it has become one of the most talked-about observations among hospice nurses and caregivers.
Katie Duncan, a Maryland-based nurse practitioner and “death care coach,” recently shared a phenomenon she’s witnessed time and again in her years of working with patients nearing the end of their lives. In a now-viral TikTok video, she described what many describe as a mystical moment: just before passing, patients often reach upward—toward an unseen presence—as if connecting with someone or something beyond this world.
This simple movement, both tender and enigmatic, has been seen across cultures and age groups, sparking conversations about life, death, and what may lie beyond.
What Is This Upward Reach?
Katie explains that it’s not uncommon for those near death to lift their hands toward the air, sometimes even holding them there for several seconds. The motion appears intentional, almost reverent—not frantic or confused.
“You’ll literally see someone reach up, like they’re trying to hold someone’s hand or touch something in the air,” she said in her TikTok post.
Some patients will speak about what they’re seeing—loved ones who have passed, angels, bright lights—while others remain silent but still make the same reaching motion.
This behavior is often accompanied by what are known as terminal or end-of-life hallucinations , where patients report visions of people, places, or spiritual figures not visible to others in the room.
A Common Observation in Hospice Care
Duncan isn’t alone in her observations. Many hospice workers, nurses, and family members caring for loved ones at home have reported similar experiences—patients seem drawn to something just out of reach, above them.
These moments are rarely distressing. Instead, they often bring a sense of peace and calm to the person who is dying. As Duncan notes:
“If anything, they seem comforted. These visions, whatever their origin, often bring people a deep sense of calm.”
She adds that these gestures and visions can be humbling for caregivers to witness—a reminder that death, while final, can also be a beautiful and meaningful experience.
Are These Visions Real?
