Richard Branson Accident: Atheist Says He Had Near-Death Experience

Richard Branson has had a near-death experience, and like most of his experiences in life, he’s talking about it. On Friday, he shared photos of his bloodied and injured face on social media. A self-proclaimed daredevil, Branson has never been one to shy away from a challenge, no matter how dangerous.

“My life was literally flashing before my eyes. I really thought I was going to die. I went flying head-first towards the concrete road, but fortunately my shoulder and cheek took the brunt of the impact, and I was wearing a helmet that saved my life.”

Billionaire Richard Branson says he cheated death after violent high-speed bike crash https://t.co/2vkj7l6FDa pic.twitter.com/zeEBrVQJlL

— People (@people) August 26, 2016

Richard Branson, the billionaire owner of Virgin Airways, was in the British Virgin Islands training for Virgin’s Strive Challenge event that will take place in September. The event raises funds for young people in the U.K. Those who accept the challenge travel from the base of the Matterhorn in the Alps to the top of Mt. Etna in Sicily. The modes of travel are hiking, biking, running and swimming. Branson was training for the cycling portion of the event when he hit a bump in the road and went flying head first off his bicycle. He was cycling on a road on Virgin Gorda, one of the Caribbean islands, when the accident occurred.

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Sir Richard Branson was taken to Miami after the accident to receive medical treatment for torn ligaments, a cracked cheek, and some severe lacerations, says a report from CBS News. He says it most definitely felt like a near-death experience and that he feels quite lucky to have not suffered more serious injuries. In light of the severity of his accident and what might have happened, he maintains his optimistic and humorous personality.

“My biggest hardship is having to drink tea out of a straw. My attitude has always been, if you fall flat on your face, at least you’re moving forward. All you have to do is get back up and try again.”

The unapologetic thrill-seeker has flown around the world in a hot air balloon, jumped off the roof of the Palms Casino in Las Vegas, and once even drove a tank through Times Square to promote his soda brand. Richard Branson says he never thought he’d have a near-death experience from riding a bicycle, according to an article in USA Today. He said the accident threw him forward from his bike “head-first towards the concrete road,” and sent his bike “flying off the cliff.”

“I really thought I was going to die. As I landed, once I realized I was alive, I began testing my movement. I really couldn’t believe I was alive, let alone not paralyzed.”

A near-death experience often leads people to think about what might be out there after this life. Richard Branson has often spoken of his feelings on the matter. He is an avowed atheist who says he would be delighted if someone could convince him that God exists, according to a report from Hollow Verse. In an interview with Piers Morgan, he said he did once pray when a hot air balloon accident made him believe he wouldn’t survive. After the fact, however, he ultimately confirmed his status as an atheist. He says “religion has done a lot of harm over the years,” and that evolution and science directly contradict it.

“Anyone who questions evolution I find completely and utterly bizarre. Evolution is magnificent, that’s all I can say.”

He went on to describe himself as a humanitarian who loves people. He says maybe one day somebody will be able to convince him that there is a God, and a particular God, for that matter. As for Richard Branson, he believes loving people is the most important thing. There has been no word as of yet whether his near-death experience has made any impact on his beliefs or whether he still considers himself an atheist.

Do you believe his accident will change his atheist views? Would it change the core of your belief system? Weigh in under the comments section below.

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