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Answer:
It’s hard to say. Not everyone who has a near-death experience reports having a mystical encounter with God, saints, and/or dead relatives.
But there is compelling testimony in this regard. Here’s a 2001 article from the National Register on the subject. In addition, the late Mother Angelica, the foundress of EWTN, reported having a near-death experience (July 2000), as did a formerly wayward priest whom Mother once interviewed on her EWTN Live program. See also this Catholic Answers Magazine article by Fr. Dwight Longenecker on reported supernatural occurrences.
Tell your atheist friend that while he still doesn’t believe in God, he should at least be very grateful in general and make the most of his life with his loved ones and others in his life, given that he came so close to death. Further, encourage him to remain open to God’s existence—and keep him in your prayers.