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My Near-Death Experience - My New Beginning

February 11, 2026

What does dying feel like? What is it like to stand on the threshold of death — and turn back? Three young women talk about their near-death experiences and how these moments changed their lives.

https://p.dw.com/p/56nsA
Sunlight shines through a bright sky above dark treetops, with strong backlighting and atmospheric lens flares.
Image: WDR
Person with long dark hair standing against a neutral background in a calm indoor setting.
Chanel SilberbergImage: WDR

"I used to be extremely afraid of death. But ever since my near-death experience, that's no longer the case," says model Chanel Silberberg, who became famous through the German reality TV show "Germany's Next Topmodel." She nearly died at the age of 11 from complications related to a chronic illness. The experience fundamentally shaped her.

Bird gliding through the sky with a circular reflection of a tree silhouette creating a surreal visual atmosphere.
Image: WDR

Why do near-death experiences have such a lasting impact?

This documentary shares the dramatic and inspiring stories of three young women who stood on the brink between life and death and returned with a completely new life perspective.

Their background stories are vastly different:

Person with long hair standing in front of a mirror in a softly lit room, looking at their reflection.
Laethisia SchimekImage: WDR

Laethisia Schimek is a competitive athlete; Léa Winzenried is a dance therapist; and Chanel Silberberg is a model and influencer.

Person sitting in a bright living space with soft daylight, wearing a loosely tied hairstyle.
Léa WinzenriedImage: WDR

What all three have in common is an awareness of the finiteness of life, and a drive to experience it to the fullest. 
 

Broadcasting Hours: 

DW English

WED 18.02.2026 – 01:15 UTC
WED 18.02.2026 – 04:15 UTC
THU 19.02.2026 – 09:15 UTC
THU 19.02.2026 – 16:15 UTC
THU 19.02.2026 – 21:15 UTC
FRI 20.02.2026 – 07:15 UTC
FRI 20.02.2026 – 12:15 UTC
SAT 21.02.2026 – 02:15 UTC
SUN 22.02.2026 – 08:15 UTC

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