Dax Shepard recently shared a chilling account of a near-death experience from his youth. On February 9, during an episode of his popular podcast, *Armchair Expert*, Shepard recounted an event that occurred while riding in a friend’s car during his high school years.
The 51-year-old actor, who has recently stirred public interest with his candid remarks about various personal topics, including his relationship with wife Kristen Bell, broached this particular memory as a counterpoint during a discussion with co-host Monica Padman, 38, and guest Kaley Cuoco, 40, about near-death experiences. Cuoco expressed curiosity about what it would be like to undergo such an event, wishing to understand the perspective of those who have faced death.
“When I was in the 12th grade, I had an incredibly intense experience,” Shepard recalled, describing the unique sensation of realizing he was moments away from a potential fatal accident. He recounted being in the back of a friend’s Ford Probe, returning home late at night after a trip to Toledo.
Upon feeling confident his friend could handle the drive, Shepard settled in the back to rest. However, soon after, he noticed gravel hitting the car, signaling they had veered off the road. The car began to slide sideways, a realization that led Shepard to believe he was facing his final moments.
Despite the dire situation, Shepard described an unexpected sense of calm at the thought of dying, attributing it to a chemical reaction in his brain. The vehicle rolled multiple times but ultimately came to rest upside down without hitting any trees, allowing both occupants to escape unharmed.
The incident left a lasting impression on Shepard, who spent days afterward grappling with a surreal sensation of still being alive. The experience was so profound that it has since affected his ability to sleep in a moving car, leaving him unable to rest while someone else is driving.