Near-death Experiences and The Twilightzone Part 1

Near-death and out of body experiences and the afterlife in general are topics that interest me. There are hundreds, perhaps thousands of books, videos and web sites covering these themes. I've read many of the books, watched numerous YouTube videos and visited multiple near-death web sites. Although none of the experiences are exactly alike there are common threads to them. After having explored near death books, videos etc. I've also begun to notice similar themes in secular media.

I'm a fan of the original "Twilight Zone" television series. There are many great episodes. One of my favorites is titled "The Hunt". The main character, Mr. Simpson, is an elder, hillbilly type of man. He and his dog Rip (rest in peace?)unexpectedly die one evening during a raccoon hunt. He of course, doesn't realize he (they) have died. He and Rip walk about the earth plane attempting to engage  folks who, from his perspective, ignore them. He eventually comes to realize he's no longer among the living. He begins walking with Rip, following a fence line which leads them to a gate keeper. He assumes the gate keeper is St. Peter.  Mr. Simpson is told that he can enter to his heavenly reward but dogs aren't allowed. Mr. Simpson, finds that condition unacceptable and continues walking down what he is told is "Eternity Road". He soon comes upon an "angel". The angel, a likable young country man himself, informs Mr. Simpson that he narrowly escaped the gate to hell and that "Heaven is up yonder a piece". Mr. Simpson and Rip enter heaven with the joyful knowledge that " there's a coon hunt tonight right after the square dance" and that his "old woman would be along directly".

In many near death/out of body experiences the departed don't realize they've passed. They attempt to continue their lives but no one they encounter on earth can sense there presence. Traveling through a tunnel to a bright light is common among NDE's. Versions of "Heaven" also are customized to the beliefs of the departed. Was the writer of "The Hunt" very imaginative or was he writing from personal experience or someone's personal testimony?