An end-of-life nurse has shared that many patients make a similar movement shortly before they pass away. According to hospice nurse Katie Duncan, it is surprisingly common to see people reach upward in the final stages of life. Duncan, a nurse practitioner from Maryland who describes herself as a “death care coach,” works to help people feel more comfortable discussing death and to support patients during their final days. Through years of experience in intensive care units, home hospice care, and other medical settings, she has observed patterns in how people behave near the end of life.

One of the most noticeable actions, she says, is when patients suddenly reach toward the air, as if trying to touch or hold something above them. “It often looks like they’re reaching for someone or something,” Duncan explained in a video shared online. Sometimes patients say they can see a loved one, a family member, or even a pet who has already passed away.

These experiences are often referred to as “end-of-life visions,” where dying patients report seeing people or lights that others in the room cannot see. According to Duncan, these moments can bring comfort rather than fear. “Very commonly, it’s a loved one or someone important to them,” she said. “The person may say they can see them or try to reach out.”

In some cases, patients reach upward without saying anything at all. While there is no scientific explanation for why this happens, Duncan describes it as one of the more mysterious aspects of the dying process. Importantly, she notes that patients usually appear calm and not in pain during these moments. Many families who witness the experience say it feels peaceful, offering a sense of comfort during a difficult time.