“It was so hideous and terrifying… there was no way to describe the level of pain that I was experiencing,” she said. “It was hell.”

Reflecting on her feelings in those moments, the author believed she had been transported to a place of “total torment” alongside a “sea of people” crying out in agony and fear.

“I remember looking at an individual, I knew everything about them,” she recalled.

“I knew every sin they committed. My knowledge about their life was full. I knew their thoughts and emotions.”

But Laroux’s near-death experience didn’t end there. She claimed that a giant hand lifted her from ‘hell’ and carried her to a heavenly place.

Describing the place as ‘exquisite’ and radiant, she explained: “There was an overwhelming sense of peace, joy and complete serenity.”

“The colours were so bright and refreshing… their very sight was rejuvenating and full of energy.”

Afterward, Laroux said she was returned to her body and rushed to the hospital for life-saving treatment. It was there she discovered that the bullet had missed her heart by about a quarter of an inch.

Since then, Laroux has been changed by her experience. She has embraced Christianity and authored her 2018 book, A Second Chance at Heaven, to share her journey with others.

If you have been affected by any of these issues and need someone to talk to, don’t suffer alone. You can call Samaritans for free on their anonymous 24-hour phone line at 116 123.