It is believed that people can have visions or hallucinations that will match whatever they believe in when they are dying. For some it is Jesus, for others it is nothing or memories. It is interesting to think about that when dying or being close to it, your brain will just make up whatever makes it feels the most reassured. The real question is why?

I don’t really care if there’s a higher being, an afterlife, or otherwise.

I’m still scared of the idea of nihilism, but eventually I’ll have to prepare myself and at least do something that makes my existence worthwhile.

Well, you were not unconciouss. I heard often that a near death experience was more like a DMT trip or smth. Maybe its also fake.