Rodney Rieder's Ladder to Heaven The show's guest, Rodney Rieder, was a longshoreman who fell to his death on July 19, 2017 when a ladder he was standing on gave way. He was dead for a half hour, during which time he had a profound near-death experience in which he went into the void and then found himself going into the light and meeting with angelic light beings. During three years of recovery, Rodney had many direct signs urging him to come forth and share his unique experience. He has started a YouTube channel, NDESanctuary, where others who are publicity shy may want to share their stories through Rodney reading accounts of their experiences.