Press Fact Sheet

Chase Skylar DeMayo is a U.S. Air Force veteran, near-death experiencer, speaker, and advocate based in Central Florida. He shares his 2008 near-death experience to help veterans, families, care professionals, and communities talk about these experiences with more honesty, respect, and support.

Chase Skylar DeMayo is a U.S. Air Force veteran, near-death experiencer, speaker, writer, and advocate. On April 1, 2008, at age 20, while serving at Langley Air Force Base, he experienced cardiac arrest and what he describes as a profound near-death experience. He kept it largely private for about 12 years. He now speaks about joy, purpose, love, military NDEs, veteran support, identity, and the deeply human process of returning to everyday life changed. Chase the Light is his invitation to find joy, spread laughter, live with purpose, and carry more love into the world. He is not a medical doctor or licensed mental health provider.

Chase Skylar DeMayo is a U.S. Air Force veteran, near-death experiencer, speaker, writer, and advocate based in Central Florida.

Military service: Chase served in the U.S. Air Force as a Public Affairs journalist at Langley Air Force Base. He began SERE training, which ended after a knee injury, then continued his service in Public Affairs before his medical retirement in 2008. Please identify his branch as the U.S. Air Force.

2008 medical event: On April 1, 2008, at age 20, while serving at Langley Air Force Base, Chase experienced cardiac arrest and what he describes as a profound near-death experience of light, love, peace, and Jesus. The cardiac arrest and Air Force context are part of his documented history; his memories and spiritual interpretation are his personal testimony.

Disclosure: Chase kept the experience private for approximately 12 years. In October 2020, he attended a Wounded Warrior Project Project Odyssey retreat, which he describes as a turning point in finding the courage and language to share it.

Work: Chase speaks at conferences, veteran groups, churches, civic programs, and podcasts. He delivered the keynote at the IANDS 2024 International Conference in Phoenix; has served as moderator and host of the IANDS military and veteran experiencers panels in 2024 and 2025; and was a featured speaker at the IANDS 2025 International Conference, including a discussion for military and veteran experiencers. He spoke at the IANDS 2021 Spring Symposium (Closing the Gap in Medical Care for NDErs), with Johns Hopkins. He has also spoken at Leadership Orlando, is a Leadership Orlando Class 105 graduate, and emceed the Camaraderie Foundation 2026 PTSD Awareness Fundraising Breakfast. His IANDS roles are presented by year for clarity. Professionally, he has served as Senior Audio Strategy Lead at Audacy Orlando since October 2025; that civilian career is separate from the site's central focus on near-death experiences, veterans, and speaking.

Chase completed journalism training at the Defense Information School. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Alternative Medicine from Everglades University; bachelor's and master's degrees in Metaphysical Science; a graduate certificate in Life Coaching from Grand Canyon University; and a doctorate in Holistic Counseling from the University of Sedona. The title Dr. refers to that earned nonclinical academic degree. Chase is not a medical doctor or licensed mental health provider, and he does not diagnose, treat, or offer medical or mental health care. His speaking and writing share personal testimony, spiritual interpretation, and educational information.

Thank you for taking the time to share Chase's story. Thoughtful coverage and honest questions are always welcome. For current biographical wording, use the event date April 1, 2008, age 20, U.S. Air Force service at Langley Air Force Base, and cardiac arrest. Chase's NDE account and its spiritual meaning are personal testimony, not medical or mental health guidance. He is not a medical doctor or licensed mental health provider. He contributed his account to We Touched Heaven, edited by Claudia Watts Edge. ChaseDeMayo.com is his current website; older materials may reference ChaseSkylar.com. Labels such as independent reporting, interview, contributor feature, or press release help readers understand the source. If anything is unclear, please use the contact form. Thank you for helping share the story with care, kindness, and accuracy.