End-of-life nurse says there is one movement

End-of-life nurse and self-described “death care coach” Katie Duncan from Maryland has shared an emotional and mysterious phenomenon she often witnesses in patients nearing death. Drawing from her extensive experience in hospices and intensive care, she observed that many individuals make a common motion shortly before passing: reaching upwards, as if trying to grasp something unseen. While the cause of this behavior remains unclear, Katie believes it may be linked to what are known as end-of-life visions—experiences where patients report seeing deceased loved ones, pets, or spiritual figures.

In a TikTok video, Katie explained that patients sometimes speak of seeing someone above them, while others simply reach out without saying a word. She emphasized that these moments usually bring peace and aren’t accompanied by pain or fear, making them one of the more “mystical” parts of the dying process. Social media users resonated deeply with her reflections, sharing personal stories of loved ones who made similar gestures. Many described the experience as beautiful and comforting, with one user writing, “It’s heaven they are reaching for,” and another calling it “a really special experience” they were grateful to witness.